Heart rate and salivary cortisol as indicators of arousal and synchrony in clients, therapy horses and therapist in equine-assisted therapy

Anna Naber; L. Kreuzer; Roswitha Zink; Eva Millesi; Rupert Palme; Karin Hediger; Lisa Glenk

doi:10.1016/j.ctcp.2025.101937

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Title (eng)

Heart rate and salivary cortisol as indicators of arousal and synchrony in clients, therapy horses and therapist in equine-assisted therapy

Author

Anna Naber

L. Kreuzer

University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna

Roswitha Zink

Eva Millesi

Rupert Palme

University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna

Karin Hediger

Lisa Glenk

University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna

Abstract (eng)

This exploratory study aimed to analyse physiological interaction processes in equine-assisted-therapy (EAT) between client, therapy horse and therapist.We measured heart rate (HR), heart rate variability (HRV) and cortisol levels before, during and after a standardized therapy session and a control condition in one therapist, four therapy horses and ten female clients in emerging adulthood (Mn = 21.8 years, SD = 3.39). The clients were diagnosed with mild (N = 5) to moderate (N = 5) intellectual disability (ID).There was no significant change in the client's HR, HRV and cortisol levels during an EAT session. No difference was observed between therapy sessions with or without a therapy horse, except during the challenge phase of the EAT protocol, where clients had a significantly lower HR when interacting with the therapy horse. HR between therapist and client correlated significantly, as well as between therapist and horse. This effect was greater when therapists interacted with a familiar horse. Clients' and horses' HRs also correlated, but only when the horse was the clients' familiar and preferred horse.These results indicate that relationship intensity is an important factor for the synchronization process. Moreover, the inclusion of horses in a therapeutic setting can lead to a decreased HR in young adults with intellectual disability while mastering a challenge. Future research should investigate this potential benefit of EAT, considering the reciprocal influences and the relationship between client, therapist and horse.

Keywords (eng)

FemaleHydrocortisone AnalysisHydrocortisone MetabolismEquine-Assisted Therapy MethodsHumansAnimalsHeart Rate PhysiologyHorsesSaliva ChemistryYoung AdultAdultArousal PhysiologyIntellectual Disability TherapyMale

Type (eng)

journal article

Language

[eng]

Persistent identifier

https://phaidra.vetmeduni.ac.at/o:4082

DOI

10.1016/j.ctcp.2025.101937

Is in series

Title (eng)

Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice

Volume