Equine therapy for children with ADHD
The Efficacy of Equine Assisted Occupational Therapy, for Children With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) on Cognitive-emotional Aspects, Daily Function and Participation
This study is testing whether a new horse therapy program can help children with ADHD improve their focus and daily activities.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Ages | 6 Years to 12 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Tel Aviv University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Tel Aviv) |
| Trial ID | NCT05869253 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial aims to develop and validate an Equine Assisted Occupational Therapy (EAOT) intervention for children aged 6-12 diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The study will assess the impact of EAOT on cognitive-emotional aspects, daily functioning, and participation through various measurements, including physiological assessments and questionnaires. Participants will undergo a 12-week intervention consisting of weekly 45-minute sessions, with evaluations conducted at multiple time points to gauge effectiveness. The goal is to create an evidence-based protocol to enhance therapy for children with ADHD.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are children aged 6-12 with a medical diagnosis of ADHD who have received a referral for Equine Assisted Services.
Not a fit: Patients with moderate to severe cognitive impairment, neurological disorders, or additional developmental disorders may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve cognitive-emotional functioning and daily participation for children with ADHD.
How similar studies have performed: While equine therapy is a growing field, this specific approach targeting ADHD is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in similar studies.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Children between 6 and 12 years of age * Diagnosis of ADHD from a medical professional based on DSM-5 criteria with or without medication (e.g., psychostimulant medication) * General doctors' approval and referral for participating in EAS Exclusion Criteria: * Moderate to severe cognitive impairment * Neurological disorders (e.g., epilepsy) * Children with additional developmental disorders (e.g., Autism, Cerebral Palsy) * Children who will begin new medicine treatment or change existing treatment during intervention * Children with severe sensory loss (e.g., blindness).
Where this trial is running
Tel Aviv
- Tel Aviv University — Tel Aviv, Israel (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Orit Bart, PhD
- Email: oritbert@tauex.tau.ac.il
- Phone: (+ 972 3) 6409104
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.