What is the mechanism of action of this treatment?

The Collaborative Occupational Therapy Interactive Vaulting Program combines the therapeutic benefits of occupational therapy with physical and social engagement from interactive vaulting. Occupational therapy focuses on improving fine motor skills, cognitive functions, and daily living activities through structured tasks and exercises. Physical engagement through activities like vaulting enhances gross motor skills, balance, and coordination. Social participation in group settings fosters communication, social skills, and emotional regulation. These mechanisms are crucial for developmental disability patients as they address multiple areas of impairment, promoting overall functional independence and quality of life.

What side effects are associated with this type of intervention?

Common treatments for developmental disabilities, such as occupational therapy, physical therapy, and social skills training, generally have minimal side effects. However, some individuals may experience temporary discomfort or fatigue following physical activities. In rare cases, there may be emotional or behavioral responses to therapy sessions, such as frustration or anxiety, especially when new or challenging tasks are introduced. Overall, these therapies are considered safe and beneficial for improving functional abilities and social participation.

What prior FDA approvals exist?

The FDA has approved several medications for the treatment of symptoms associated with developmental disabilities, such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD). These include antipsychotic drugs like risperidone and aripiprazole, which are used to manage irritability and aggression in children with ASD. However, there are no specific FDA-approved drugs that combine the therapeutic benefits of occupational therapy with physical and social engagement, as seen in the Collaborative Occupational Therapy Interactive Vaulting Program. This program's approach is more aligned with non-pharmacological interventions aimed at improving executive function and social participation through structured physical activities and social interaction.

What other types of research exist?

Promising alternatives include: 1) Virtual Reality (VR)-delivered exercise programs, which offer engaging and immersive physical and cognitive rehabilitation. 2) Dance therapy, which has been shown to improve functional mobility, motor symptoms, and quality of life. 3) Music therapy, which integrates motor and emotional rehabilitation. 4) Multidisciplinary rehabilitation programs, which provide comprehensive care addressing multiple aspects of disability. 5) Tai Chi, which improves balance, reduces fall risk, and enhances overall well-being.

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Horseback Riding Therapy for Developmental Disabilities

N/A

Recruiting

Led By Heather Panczykowski, DHSc, OTR/L

Research Sponsored by East Carolina University

Eligibility Criteria Checklist

Specific guidelines that determine who can or cannot participate in a clinical trial

Must have

Ambulatory with or without an assistive device

Children with a documented developmental disability

Must not have

Children without a documented developmental disability

Non-ambulatory

Timeline

Screening 3 weeks

Treatment Varies

Follow Up 30 minutes

Awards & highlights

No Placebo-Only Group

Summary

This trial involves using horses as part of therapy sessions for children with disabilities aged 5-17. The goal is to see if these activities can help improve their emotional control, social skills, and thinking strategies. The therapy combines physical activities with horses and guidance from occupational therapists. Therapeutic horseback riding (THR) has been recognized as a progressive form of therapy for people with disabilities, showing positive effects on physical, cognitive, and psychosocial functioning.

Who is the study for?

This trial is for children aged 5-17 with developmental disabilities who can walk (with or without help) and follow simple instructions. They should not be aggressive towards animals, peers, or staff and must be eligible for equine assisted activities but not solely for equine assisted therapy due to severe physical/medical issues.

What is being tested?

The study tests how a collaborative occupational therapy program that includes interactive vaulting (horseback riding activities) affects the executive function and social skills of children with developmental disabilities.

What are the potential side effects?

Since this is an occupational therapy involving horseback riding activities, potential side effects may include muscle soreness, falls leading to injuries, allergic reactions to animals, or psychological distress if there's fear of horses.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

You may be eligible if you check “Yes” for the criteria below

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I can walk by myself or with help from a device.

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My child has a recognized developmental disability.

Exclusion Criteria

You may be eligible for the trial if you check “No” for criteria below:

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My child does not have a diagnosed developmental disability.

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I cannot walk by myself.

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I struggle to follow 2-3 step instructions.

Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks3 visits

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~ 30 minutes

Screening ~ 3 weeks

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~30 minutes

This trial's timeline: 3 weeks for screening, Varies for treatment, and 30 minutes for reporting.

Treatment Details

Study Objectives

Study objectives can provide a clearer picture of what you can expect from a treatment.

Primary study objectives

Brief Rating Inventory of Executive Function-2

Parent Interview

Social Profile

+1 more

Awards & Highlights

No Placebo-Only Group

All patients enrolled in this study will receive some form of active treatment.

Trial Design

1Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Group I: One groupExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

One group pre-test, post-test design

0 / 5Eligibility criteria met

Research Highlights

Information in this section is not a recommendation. We encourage patients to speak with their healthcare team when evaluating any treatment decision.

Mechanism Of Action

Side Effect Profile

Prior Approvals

Other Research

The Collaborative Occupational Therapy Interactive Vaulting Program combines the therapeutic benefits of occupational therapy with physical and social engagement from interactive vaulting. Occupational therapy focuses on improving fine motor skills, cognitive functions, and daily living activities through structured tasks and exercises. Physical engagement through activities like vaulting enhances gross motor skills, balance, and coordination. Social participation in group settings fosters communication, social skills, and emotional regulation. These mechanisms are crucial for developmental disability patients as they address multiple areas of impairment, promoting overall functional independence and quality of life.

Feasibility of Using Multiplayer Game-Based Dual-Task Training with Augmented Reality and Personal Health Record on Social Skills and Cognitive Function in Children with Autism.