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

TL;DR

This pilot study found that equine coaching may improve mental health in women, including those with fibromyalgia.

Contribution

The study is among the first to explore equine coaching's effects on women with fibromyalgia and their psychoemotional wellbeing.

Findings

Significant improvements in depression were observed in both groups.

Anxiety levels decreased significantly for participants with and without fibromyalgia.

General health scores improved in both groups following the equine coaching program.

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.