Efectos de la intervención asistida con caballos en la calidad de vida de personas adultas con discapacidad intelectual

Abstract

This study evaluates the effects of assisted group intervention with horses on the quality of life of adults with intellectual disabilities. The profile of disability is very diverse (chronic psychotic disorders, schizophrenia, generalized developmental delay due to encephalopathies, cerebral palsy, down syndrome, bipolar disorder, autistic spectrum syndrome, among others) and corresponds to the profile of usual working groups Located in occupational centers dependent on associations working with adults with intellectual disabilities. In this case we have worked with adults belonging to the ASPRODES SALAMANCA Association, a non-profit organization whose purpose is to improve the quality of life of people with intellectual disabilities and their families. It pursues the equality of opportunities of all the people. It manages different day centers and residences in Salamanca and its province, where it supports more than 750 people and their families. Two groups have been taken into account: Group of assisted therapeutic intervention with horses (IAC) (N = 14) CONTROL GROUP. Persons engaged in sports activities (N = 14). By means of a treatment of 12 sessions (one per week, in three groups of 5, 5 and 4 people) of 90 minutes each and a pre- and post-test evaluation with the INICO-FEAPS scale, significant results were obtained (α =. 01) in improving the quality of life of adults with intellectual disabilities who received assisted intervention with horses in front of the group of people who played sports.