Evaluating the Psychological and Physiological Effects of Hippotherapy on Young Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Study Utilizing POMS2 and Salivary Amylase Markers
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is characterized by deficits in social and communication skills, emotional dysregulation, and challenges in adaptive functioning. Hippotherapy, a therapeutic intervention utilizing interactions with horses, has shown promising psychological and physiological benefits across various conditions. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of hippotherapy on young individuals with ASD using validated tools: the Profile of Mood States-Second Edition (POMS2) and salivary amylase activity as objective measures of stress and mood regulation. A total of 23 participants diagnosed with ASD were recruited from a child development support center in Kyoto Prefecture, Japan. Each participant underwent a single-session hippotherapy intervention, which included riding a horse on a 1500-meter course under the supervision of an occupational therapist. Pre- and post-intervention POMS2 scores and salivary amylase activity were compared to assess changes in mood states and stress levels. Results indicated significant improvements in certain POMS2 subscales, suggesting potential benefits of hippotherapy in enhancing emotional regulation and social adaptability. However, no significant changes were observed in overall salivary amylase activity, although individual analyses revealed reduced stress in participants with high pre-intervention stress levels. For individuals predisposed to tantrums, initial sessions occasionally increased stress levels, highlighting the need for tailored interventions. This study provides preliminary evidence for the psychological and physiological benefits of hippotherapy in ASD populations and underscores the importance of utilizing standardized assessment tools for evaluating therapeutic interventions. Future research should focus on longitudinal designs and larger sample sizes to comprehensively examine the sustained effects of hippotherapy and its potential as a therapeutic strategy for enhancing the well-being of individuals with ASD.
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