Italy
Organisation: ASD San Biagio Le Masse
Programme name: Horses and Butterflies
City: Perugia
Sport / Physical activity: Horseback riding
Programme information, aims and objectives: The programme aims to reduce psychiatric symptoms and to enhance social integration and physical fitness. It is complementary to other types of non-pharmacological treatments since users attend social cooperatives, where they undergo psychiatric and / or psychological support management.
Participants: Participants are both males and females and are not divided by age groups. The programme covers all psychiatric conditions.
Sessions: The activity takes place in groups of 3 to 7 people and is followed by qualified sports professionals and assistants. The professional who follows the sports program is a technician of equestrian rehabilitation and the training is structured – i.e. each activity is determined by the instructor. The exercise takes place once a week in the morning and lasts on average between 60 and 90 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 social, cognitive 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 beginning and at the end through the quality of life test (QoL Test). Patients rarely leave the program and observation and questionnaires are used for the evaluation.
Contact person: Dr Laura Dalla Ragione
Email: dallaragione@gmail.com
Website: www.maneggiosanbiagio.com
