Participation in 10 horse-assisted therapy sessions
Participation in 10 horse-assisted therapy sessions: supporting children and teenagers undergoing radiotherapy with a horse-assisted therapy approach
Study summary
This study proposes a horse-assisted therapy (HAT) approach to accompany children and young adults undergoing irradiation in the ICANS Radiotherapy Department.
The aim of this new approach is to improve quality of life and reduce anxiety in children and adolescents treated with radiotherapy. The impact of equine-assisted therapy on quality of life and anxiety disorders will be described prospectively between the start and end of irradiation in children and parents who agree to inclusion.
Eligibility
Sex
ALL
Min age
8 Years
Max age
17 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion Criteria:
* Children aged 8 to \<18 years.
* With an indication for radiotherapy for cancer (of any type)
* Patients hospitalized and/or managed on an ambulatory basis
* WHO ≤ 2
* Child and parents (or accompanying adults) who speak and understand French
* Free, express and informed consent of the adult patient OR of those exercising parental authority for minor patients
* Child with social security coverage
Exclusion Criteria:
* Children afraid of horses and stables
* Contraindication to the practice of equine-assisted therapy (allergy to horses or dust, children with asthma attacks triggered by dust/animal hair ...)
* Patient on stretcher
* Children or parents (or carers) with significant cognitive impairment, making self-assessment or hetero-assessment impossible even with assistance
* Unavailability or lack of interest in participating in equine-assisted therapy sessions
Primary outcome measure(s)
Evolution of quality of life between the beginning and the end of horse-assisted therapy (HAT) in children (self-questionnaire) treated with radiotherapy — before radiotherapy, halfway through the HAT sessions (at 5 weeks), at the end of the HAT sessions (at 10 weeks) and one month after the end of the HAT sessions The questionnaire used to assess quality of life will be completed by the child.
Two versions of the VSP-A questionnaire exist, depending on the child's age (versions \< 10 years and 10-17 years).
Results can be compared with reference values for the general population.
This page summarises publicly available registry data for informational purposes — not medical advice. Eligibility is determined by each study team; patients should discuss participation with their clinician.
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