Work

Effects of Equine Coaching on Psychoemotional Wellbeing: A Pilot Study in Women with and Without Fibromyalgia

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Equine-assisted interventions have shown positive effects on psychoemotional well-being. However, little is known about their effects in populations with chronic pain such as fibromyalgia. OBJECTIVE: This pilot study evaluated the impact of an equine coaching program with and without a diagnosis of fibromyalgia. METHODS: The sample consisted of 20 adult women (mean age = 32 years), 12 with fibromyalgia and 8 without a clinical diagnosis. Instruments used included the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and the General Health Questionnaire-28 (GHQ-28). RESULTS: The findings indicated significant improvements in depression, anxiety, and general health in both groups, suggesting benefits for women with and without fibromyalgia. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest potential benefits of equine coaching as a complementary approach to psychoemotional wellbeing, although causal conclusions cannot be drawn.

Source: Healthcare

DOI: 10.3390/healthcare13212696

Authors: Noelia Rodríguez-Sobrino, Anabel Melguizo-Garín

Institutions: Universidad del Atlántico Medio, Universidad de Málaga

Language: English

Topic: Human-Animal Interaction Studies

Subfield: Genetics

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,258