Italy
Organisation: ASD QUOЯЕ
Programme name: In Equilibrio
City: Oristano
Sport / Physical activity: Horseback riding
Programme information, aims and objectives: The programme aims to reduce psychiatric symptoms, to enhance social integration, and to train on social skills. It is complementary to other types of non-pharmacological treatments such as psychiatric management followed by healthcare professionals who are in charge of patients.
Participants: Participants are both males and females and divided by age groups (14-20 / 21-45 years old). The programme covers a wide range of psychiatric conditions, including autism, depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorders, and personality disorders.
Sessions: The activity takes place in groups of 3 to 7 people and is followed by both qualified sports professionals and assistants. The professional who follows the sports program is a technician of integrated sports and the training is structured – i.e. each activity is determined by the instructor. The exercise takes place twice a week at 9 am in spring and summer and at 2:30 pm in autumn and winter. The programme lasts on average between 30 and 60 minutes. The sessions are held outdoors, taking advantage of the benefits of the open air and contact with nature. The activity involves learning and perfecting new skills, especially cognitive, behavioural, social and motor skills. The sessions include a plenary session / feedback at the end.
Evaluation/Measurement of outcomes: The sports program is evaluated, while the progress of the participants' mental well-being is measured at the during and at the end through a psychiatric / psychological assessment. Patients rarely leave the program.
Contact person: Federica Olmo
Email: fede.vermillo@hotmail.it
FB page: www.facebook.com/QUO%D0%AF%D0%95-ASD-366113427238321/
