Friday, October 5, 2012

Equine- assisted therapy


Barbara MacLean concludes there are many ways horses help veterans with different issues. She claims that using horses are good ways for bonding and it teaches the veteran to be a good leader. Maclean develops this claim by first explaining that it helps them communicate; recognize feelings, frustrations, their goals and successes. Maclean states that since horses are larger animals so veterans that have trouble controlling their anger would realize that if they get mad and make a sudden movement the horse could cause them harm. Lastly, the author explains that veterans must be assertive without being aggressive and they should show confidence to gain respect of the horse and become a “herd” leader. Barbara Maclean’s purpose is to inform the public about equine therapy for veterans in order to help them with their interaction with other people and animals. Also many people connect better with animals because they accept anyone for who they are. This work is significant because it helps give me a better understanding of how adults can use this as well as children.

 

 MacLean, Barbara. "Guest Editorial: Equine-Assisted Therapy." Journal Of Rehabilitation Research And Development 48.7 (2011): ix-xii. MEDLINE. Web. 7 Sept. 2012.

 

Improvements in muscle symmetry in children with cerebral palsy after equine- assisted therapy


William Brenda et al states that Hippotherapy provides physical, emotional, and social stimulation. She claims that it is unusual nature of hippotherapy but it’s based off of building motor skills development. Brenda et al develops this claim by stating that horses have been specifically used for therapeutic benefit as for as the 1600s in Germany. Brenda et al describes equine therapy when it’s in use as a child on a horse lying down, sitting forward or backwards while and physical therapist walks along the side for security purposes. A person with spastic  palsy usually shows positive changes within the first five to ten minutes.  Lastly, the author states that before they are put on a horse they are to sit on a 55-gallon drum to help them with how they are to sit on the horse. William Brenda et al purpose is to inform people that Hippotherapy started a long time ago and can still be used today in order to help kids overcome diseases and disorders. This work is significant because it helps me understand Hippotherapy, where it came from and also how it works.

 

Benda, William, Nancy H. Mcgibbon, and Kathryn L. Grant. "Improvements In Muscle Symmetry In Children With Cerebral Palsy After Equine-Assisted Therapy (Hippotherapy)." Journal Of Alternative & Complementary Medicine 9.6 (2003): 817-825. Academic Search Premier. Web. 4 Oct. 2012.

Why children with special needs feel better with hippotherapy sessions: a conceptual review


Anabel Granados informs that the treatment consist of the movement of the horse and patients response to the movement. The patient can be facing forward, backward or lying on their back.  The therapy is based on strengthening muscles using the horse movement. She claims that it is used for physical, psychological, cognitive, social, behavioral, and educational goals. Granados develops this claim by McConnell claiming that there are psychological benefits to equine therapy. Granados lists the wide range of disabilities such as autism, cerebral palsy, communication disorders, cerebrovascular accident stroke, developmental decay, Down syndrome and many more. Lastly, the author states that hippotherapy also improves muscle symmetry. There was one study where it had improved someone’s muscle symmetry within only eight minutes of therapy. This process can also improve motor skills of a person. Using a bareback pad is also used for the rider to be able to absorb more warmth and massaging motions of the horse. Anabel Granados’ purpose is to inform people that equine therapy, also known as hippotherapy, in order to help kids to build strength in muscles if they have a disease. This work is significant because it helps me understand the full meaning of equine therapy.

 Granados, Anabel Corral, and Inmaculada Fernández Agís. "Why Children With Special Needs Feel Better With Hippotherapy Sessions: A Conceptual Review." Journal Of Alternative And Complementary Medicine (New York, N.Y.) 17.3 (2011): 191-197. MEDLINE. Web. 18 Sept. 2012.