Article

OBJECTIVE: Explore the perceived risks and benefits of hippotherapy among parents
of children currently engaged in or waiting rehabilitation using hippotherapy.
METHOD: Phenomenological qualitative exploratory pilot study. An interview guide
validated by experts was used to conduct the interviews. Summaries were written
to capture first impressions. One team member coded the transcripts and the
coding was validated by the research team through discussion until consensus was
reached. RESULTS: The average age of the participants (n = 4) was 37.3 +/- 6.6
years. The few risks they perceived related to physical injuries. Lack of
knowledge of contraindications, lack of fear, minimization of risks, and
risk-attenuation factors also emerged as important themes. Benefits accounted for
a large part of the content of the interviews and were grouped under 13 themes,
including motor and postural control, enjoyment and the development of a special
relationship. CONCLUSION: Minimization of the perceived risks compared to the
numerous perceived benefits could create clinical issues such as the client
putting self at risk of injuries (e.g., bites, falls, and kicks) if not cautious
enough or complications insufficiently prevented, which suggests the need to
develop educational activities for an informed consent to this type of rehabilitation.
- Thérapie avec le cheval
- Equithérapie

Langue : ANGLAIS