AAT interventions are often used in mental health practice, yet there is little research on its use in improving social skills and memory in persons with ABI. I am looking to use this literature to build a strategy within traditional cognitive rehabilitation that would increase successful and long termpositive outcomes.
Walter Reed Military Center has an equine-assisted program for wounded veterans with TBI and PTSD. Also:
1. http://www.horsesandhumans.org/Research.html
2. Violette, Kate, and Mary Ann Wilmarth. "Hippotherapy: a therapeutic treatment strategy." Today in PT (2009): 34-38.
3. Beder, Joan, Laurie Sullivan-Sakaeda, and Tamar P. Martin. "ANIMAL-ASSISTED INTERVENTION." Advances in Social Work Practice with the Military (2012): 239.
I had come across research when I was doing my own ABI rehab, but I don't see it now. All the best to your endeavors!
Thanks Rosie, this is very helpful information. If you know any ABI survivors that have used AAT please let me know if they are willing to share the expereince
dear Mary in the scientific literature exists only one paper in German describing a single case in vegetative state. I really suggest to you to program a research on this topic because in my personal experience the impact on ABI quality of life in presence of pets is always positive. Best regards Anna
Colleagues at Oliver Zangwill Centre have presented and written about this topic, the published conference abstract was
Winegardner, J, Ashworth, F & Jennings, C. (2012). The benefits of a therapy dog in holistic neuropsychological rehabilitation. Conference Program and Abstracts of the 9th Annual Conference of the Special Interest Group in Neuropsychological Rehabilitation of the World Federation for NeuroRehabilitation (WFNR). Brain Impairment, 13, pp 132-195.
there is a book chapter in press somewhere soon
Our current Assistant Psychologist brings his very well trained Cocker Spaniel to work where he forms part of our environment ('the therapeutic milieu'), adding to the sense of welcome to the Centre, and as a prospective memory challenge & exercise opportunity - in the community meeting clients are invited to offer to walk him around the grounds during breaks....
see my twitter feed @ozcboss for a photo of 'Bertie'
Mary, I certainly did know ABI survivors who used AAT--equine therapy and companion dogs--but it has been a long time since I participated in ABI (it was TBI then) support groups. Some former clients have used AAT, but it has not been in a formal research context.
A colleague from my work with elders in long term care is a strong advocate for AAT with residents. Although geriatrics is usually a different population than ABI, there may be some parallel value for you, especially regarding social skills, cognition and memory issues, and it is better represented in the research literature--as I'm sure you are aware! Here is one review article: http://informahealthcare.com/doi/abs/10.3109/02703181.2013.816404?src=recsys&
I will connect with you separately for my contacts.
Thanks so much! The journal will be emphasizing efficacy of the AAT, so I am looking for some positive outcomes , of evidence of improvement cognitive and social skills. I love the narratives of therapists and especially qualitative descriptions of good outcomes. Best!