This study will determine the efficacy of hippotherapy (horseback-riding) program, as an adjuvant to standard psychiatric treatment, on the outcomes of patients with schizophrenia. A randomized controlled trial is conducted in a Community Mental Health Center. All participants are randomized into two groups (experimental and control groups) using blocked randomization. All participants received the standard psychiatric treatment, while the experimental group is additionally provided with a 16-session hippotherapy program for 8 weeks. All participants will be evaluated using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Quality of Life Scale, UCLA Loneliness Scale at both baseline and after the intervention.
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The Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS)
Timeframe: For two study groups: at pre-intervention and immediately after the intervention.
State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI)
Timeframe: For two study groups: at pre-intervention and immediately after the intervention.
The Quality of Life Scale (QLS)
Timeframe: For two study groups: at pre-intervention and immediately after the intervention.
UCLA Loneliness Scale
Timeframe: For two study groups: at pre-intervention and immediately after the intervention.
Musa Eymir, Ph.D., PT, Assist. Prof.