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Equestrian vaulting as an innovative complementary intervention in eating disorders: A pilot study

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  13 August 2021

B. Collacchi
Affiliation:
Center For Behavioural Sciences And Mental Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, er for Behavioural Sciences and Mental Health, Rome, Italy
F. Cirulli
Affiliation:
Center For Behavioural Sciences And Mental Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, er for Behavioural Sciences and Mental Health, Rome, Italy
M. Borgi
Affiliation:
Center For Behavioural Sciences And Mental Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, er for Behavioural Sciences and Mental Health, Rome, Italy
I. Monaci
Affiliation:
Department Of Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
A. Piccotti
Affiliation:
Department Of Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
S. Renga
Affiliation:
Psychology, Family Psychotherapy Academy, Rome, Italy
L. Dalla Ragione
Affiliation:
Umbertide Eating Disorder, USL Umbria 1, Perugia, Italy
M. Ettorre
Affiliation:
Umbertide Eating Disorder, USL Umbria 1, Perugia, Italy
G. Biccheri
Affiliation:
Umbertide Eating Disorder, USL Umbria 1, Perugia, Italy
F. Rossetti
Affiliation:
Umbertide Eating Disorder, USL Umbria 1, Perugia, Italy
S. Cerino*
Affiliation:
Sphere, ECOS - EU, Massa Martana, Italy
*
*Corresponding author.

Abstract

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Introduction

Anorexia is a disorder associated with severe disturbances in eating behaviors and related thoughts and emotions (distorted weight perception, body dissatisfaction). Multidimensional integrative treatment approaches are needed to act both on intrapersonal (e.g. nutritional and psychological) and interpersonal (e.g. behavioral and affective) processes.

Objectives

Aim of this pilot project was to develop a 3-months horse-assisted intervention based on Equestrian Vaulting (EV) and tests its suitability and acceptability in patients with anorexia nervosa. Preliminary observations were carried out to assess the effectiveness of this program on body image, interpersonal relationships and communication and in managing anxiety.

Methods

Seven patients in charge of public service specialized in eating disorder participated in the study. EV activities were performed in an Equestrian Centre included horse grooming, gym exercises and horseback sessions.Clinical and psychological tests (SF 36, IPAQ, EDI3, STAI, SCL90) were administered at baseline and at the end of the program.

Results

Increases in body fat and decreases in lean muscle mass were observed. These were accompained by an improvement in participants’ anxiety and relational skills and in the specific disease related symptoms.

Conclusions

Results indicate the potential of EV to help patients with eating disorder regaining awareness of themselves and their body, a critical element for their future reintegration in the contexts of everyday life and society. Although this is a pilot, the protocol developed represents an initial step to promote the application of EV in persons with eating disorders, informing feasibility in the design of larger controlled studies and suggesting critical variables to be targeted.

Type
Abstract
Creative Commons
Creative Common License - CCCreative Common License - BY
This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution licence (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted re-use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright
© The Author(s), 2021. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of the European Psychiatric Association
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