Italy
Organisation: ASD Gruppo Italiano Paraequestre
Programme name: Serena…mente in sella!
Cities: Rome, Perugia
Sport / Physical activity: Horseback Riding
Programme information, aims and objectives: The programme aims to reduce psychiatric symptoms and to enhance social integration, cognitive rehabilitation and physical fitness. It is complementary to other types of non-pharmacological treatments followed by healthcare professionals who are in charge of patients.
Participants: Participants are both males and females and are not divided by age groups. The programme covers a wide range of psychiatric conditions, including autism, obsessive-compulsive disorders, psychotic disorders, schizophrenia and personality disorders.
Sessions: The activity takes place in groups of 3 to 7 people and is followed by both qualified sports professionals and social and health workers. The professional who follows the sports program is a second level coach and the training is structured – i.e. each activity is determined by the instructor. The exercise takes place once a week at 11 am 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 motor skills. The sessions include a plenary session / feedback at the end.
Evaluation/Measurement of outcomes: The sports program was evaluated, while the progress of the participants' mental well-being was measured at the beginning and at the end through the quality of life test (QoL Test) and a psychiatric / psychological assessment. Patients rarely leave the program and validated tests are used for the evaluation.
