The influence of equine-assisted services on the balance of a participant with visual impairment and autism characteristics

Abstract

Introduction: Balance is the basis for all body movements, and is influenced by sensory systems: visual, vestibular and proprioceptive. Therefore, the loss of any of these systems, as in the case of visual impairment (VI), may carry important consequences for body balance and, thus, motor development. The objective of this study was to evaluate changes in the static and dynamic balance of a participant with VI and autism characteristics. Methods: application of the Berg and Tinetti's Balance Scale, pre- and post-equine assisted services interventions. The study is a qualitative and descriptive case study. Results: The data found showed improvement in the participant's static and dynamic balance, with performance enhancement on the two scales assessed after the equine assisted services program. Conclusion: The results proved that equine assisted services is an alternative and effective tool for balance stimulation and improvement of a visually impaired participant with autism characteristics.