# 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.

## Key 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.