1. Objectifs

Intentions :
«The overall objective of [this] pilot study is to explore the association between hippotherapy and the life habit categories of children with a motor deficit or neurodevelopmental impairment, from the point of view of their parents.» (p. 42)

Questions/Hypothèses :
«[T]hree questions were posed: (1) Which life habits are positively associated with hippotherapy from the parents’ perspectives? (2) Which of these life habits are considered the most important for the parents? (3) Is there an association between types of hippotherapy […] and the impact perceived by the parents?» (p. 42)

2. Méthode

Échantillon/Matériau :
«This research was conducted in collaboration with two organizations offering hippotherapy services to children in the province of Quebec (Canada).» (p. 42) The sample is made up of 26 parents of childrent with a motor impairment or a neurodevelopmental disorder.

Instruments :
Questionnaire

Type de traitement des données :
Analyse statistique

3. Résumé

According to the authors, «[t]he identification of the reasons that led parents to take an interest in and support hippotherapy adds new knowledge. Among other aspects, this finding demonstrates the range of elements that support the use of this relatively new modality in Quebec, versus the few inconveniences identified. Parents reported more potential benefits than risks, despite these risks being greater with hippotherapy compared to traditional approaches. In turn, […] this finding reinforces the importance both of informed consent and the involvement of qualified therapists in the use of this modality. Parents must develop a realistic idea of the modality, and the implication of a trained therapist helps decrease the risks and supports informed consent. This investigation has furthered understanding regarding the facilitators and obstacles to hippotherapy from the parents’ point of view. The main facilitator identified in this study justifying the recommendation of hippotherapy is its global benefits, considered to encompass both physical and psychosocial benefits.» (p. 45-46) «Regarding the barriers to the use of hippotherapy, a predominant reason that emerged from the current study was the cost associated with this modality. In contrast, the risk of injury or fall was not identified by the parents.» (p. 46)