Comparing a horse-based intervention and standard speech therapy to enhance executive functions in children with attention deficits hyperactivity disorders: effects on self-esteem and caregivers’ burden

BACKGROUND: Children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorders (ADHD) may experience significant impairments in executive functions which may relevantly compromise their academic performance. Their self-esteem may be negatively affected and caregivers’ burden may be increased accordingly. To overcome this issue, animal-assisted interventions and standard speech therapy may be implemented. OBJECTIVES: To compare a horse-based intervention and speech therapy for enhancing executive functions in children with ADHD considered within a normal range of intellectual functioning. To assess the effects on their self-esteem. To evaluate the caregivers’ burden reduction. METHOD: Twenty children with ADHD were randomly assigned to two different groups. The experimental group was exposed to a six-month intervention in which a horse-based program was randomly and systematically alternated with speech therapy sessions. The control group was exposed to a six-month of speech therapy only. Dependent measures included the Developmental Age Neuropsychological Battery (i.e., BVN), the Corsi block tapping test (CBTT), the Tower of London (ToL), and the Parent Stress Index Inventory. Three data points were recorded, namely the Baseline (T0), after three months of intervention (T1), and at the end of six-month intervention (T2). RESULTS: Data evidenced significant improvements in both groups. Higher enhancements in executive functions, self-esteem, and caregivers’ burden reduction were recorded in the experimental group. The social validation procedure confirmed the suitability of the horse-based intervention. CONCLUSION : A horse-based program may be effective and suitable in supporting executive functions, promoting participants’ self-esteem, and reducing caregivers’ burden.