• DOI:10.1037/a0029188
• Corpus ID: 5611366

A systematic review of effectiveness of complementary and adjunct therapies and interventions involving equines.

@article{Selby2013ASR,
  title={A systematic review of effectiveness of complementary and adjunct therapies and interventions involving equines.},
  author={Alison Selby and Alexa Smith-Osborne},
  journal={Health psychology : official journal of the Division of Health Psychology, American Psychological Association},
  year={2013},
  volume={32 4},
  pages={
          418-32
        }
}

• A. Selby, A. Smith-Osborne
• Published 1 April 2013
• Medicine, Psychology
• Health psychology : official journal of the Division of Health Psychology, American Psychological Association

OBJECTIVE
This systematic review examines the empirical literature in an emerging body of evidence for the effectiveness of biopsychosocial interventions involving equines across populations with chronic illness or health challenges.

METHOD
Selected quantitative studies published in peer-reviewed journals were reviewed for inclusion; the gray literature and white papers were also explored. Population, Intervention, Comparison, and Outcome (PICO) criteria and Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) were applied to all studies. Fourteen full reports meeting a priori inclusion criteria were extracted from 103 studies accessed through 16 electronic databases and a hand search. Data were synthesized in relation to three research questions informing evidence-based practice.

RESULTS
No randomized clinical trials were located. Two studies provided a moderate level of evidence for effectiveness. Nine studies demonstrated statistically significant positive effects. Three studies did not find significant psychosocial effects for the target group, although one found significant positive effects for the comparison group.

CONCLUSION
In the aggregate, the evidence is promising in support of the effectiveness of complementary and adjunct interventions employing equines in the treatment of health challenges. Future studies are needed that utilize rigorous and creative designs, especially longitudinal studies and comparisons with established effective treatments.