An Examination of The Status of Equine Assisted Activities and Therapies In Recreation Therapy
Date
2020-08
Authors
Miller, Logan
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Abstract
Equine assisted activities and therapies are becoming a popular form of
complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in the field of recreation therapy (RT).
Equine assisted activities and therapies (EAAT) is a term that encompasses a variety of
equine-related interventions such as equine-assisted therapy (EAT), equine-assisted
activities (EAA), and hippotherapy (HPOT). EAAT is used as a therapeutic component to
improve mental and physical functioning in individuals with various disabling conditions.
There is minimal peer reviewed literature and few published studies addressing the use of
EAAT in the field of RT. The purpose of this quantitative study was to examine the status
of EAAT in RT; specifically, the demographics makeup of EAAT in RT, how RT
professionals are currently using EAAT, and the perceived outcomes of EAAT when
provided by a certified therapeutic recreation specialist (CTRS). A 30- item survey had a
sample size of 56 RT professionals from around the country. Descriptive statistics were
utilized to examine relationships between the field of RT and the use of EAAT. Results
illustrated that EAAT is being used as a therapeutic modality in the field of RT
successfully. This study contributes to evidence-based practice by providing an analysis
of current practice that can inform efforts to unify EAAT and RT.
Description
Keywords
Equine assisted activities and therapies, Recreation therapy
Citation
Miller, L. (2020). <i>An examination of the status of equine assisted activities and therapies in recreation therapy</i> (Unpublished thesis). Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas.