LIT Research Student, Caren Hession, is conducting her second experiment in the exciting field of Equine Therapy. Equine Therapy involves the use of the horse for the physical, mental, emotional, behavioural, or cognitive development of an individual. As part of her PhD research, Ms Hession is leading a scientific study of 120 children with Dyspraxia, in the Limerick, Galway, and Dublin regions. The research study, which is due to commence in September, is open and free to all participants aged between 6 and 15yrs with a primary diagnosis of Dyspraxia. In overall terms, it aims to improve cognition, mood arousal and ambulation for children with Dyspraxia.
Under the supervision of Dr Nigel Oxley (LIT) and Dr Barbara Murphy (UCD), Ms Hession is investigating the potential of an audio visual approach to Equine Therapy, in order to make its undoubted value, more accessible, to a broader range of users. Following a preliminary experiment which revealed significant improvements in cognition, mood arousal and ambulation on 40 children with Dyspraxia, this extended experiment will be largest research study of its kind in the Ireland. Activities associated with the experiment will take place at The Hunt Museum in Limerick City, St. Michael’s Boys School, Mervue, Galway and Fettercairn Youth Horse Project in Tallaght Dublin.
Currently, places are still available for participants and volunteer helpers in this unique project.