CompletedNot Applicable

Equine Assisted Therapy in Autism Spectrum Disorder

Turkey (Türkiye)33 participantsStarted 2019-12-24

Plain-language summary

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder that negatively affects social interaction, communication, and behavior. Various animals have started to be used for therapeutic purposes by those in need. In recent years, especially equine-assisted therapies have become popular. However, it has been reported in the literature that more studies on this subject are needed. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the effects of equine-assisted therapy for children with autism on daily living activities, balance, quality of life, and sleep.

Who can participate

Age range

3 Years – 14 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnosed with ASD, * Having \<60 kg in body weight * Having no shunt, * Having no allergy to feathers or dust, * Having not previously received equine-assisted therapy. Exclusion Criteria: * Having hip or shoulder dislocation, osteoporosis/coxarthrosis, * Having uncontrollable seizures, * Having aneurysm, * Having a recent history of fracture, * Having decubitus, * Having atlantoaxial instability, * Having hemophilia, * Using anticoagulant drugs, * Having acute arthritis, * Having an unstable spine, * Having acute disc hernia, * Having spondylolisthesis, * Having spinal fusion, * Having no control of the head. Other exclusion criteria related to therapies; * Inability to adapt to the therapy, * Having a fear of horses, * The occurrence of seizures or worsening of the existing seizure status, * Worsening of vital signs, * Requesting to quit the study participation

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Assessment of Activities of Daily Living

Timeframe: Change from baseline at 6 weeks

The Assessment of Balance

Timeframe: Change from baseline at 6 weeks

Assessment of Quality of Life

Timeframe: Change from baseline at 6 weeks

Assessment of Sleep Habits

Timeframe: Change from baseline at 6 weeks

Trial details

NCT IDNCT06057311

SponsorIzmir Democracy University

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2020-03-10

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Equine-Assisted Therapy trials

Plain-language summary

Who can participate

Age range

3 Years – 14 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.