A study by a recent University of Lethbridge graduate into adaptive recreation, such as horseback riding, is being published in the fall and presented at a symposium in New York State.
Executive Director of the Alberta Therapeutic Recreation Association and a volunteer with Lethbridge Therapeutic Riding Association’s Board of Directors, Amanda Ervin recently did a study “Measuring Health Quality of Life, Wellbeing, and Social and Personal Relationship Outcomes through Participation in Adapted Recreation”. According to Ervin, the study shows how effective therapeutic riding and recreational therapy can be for those with physical, cognitive, and mental health challenges.
Ervin says the study has been a passionate endeavour and hopes the implications will be meaningful and far-reaching. She adds the study has contributed to advancing the understanding of therapeutic recreation and how it fits with adapted recreation.
“I fervently hope that the findings and insights garnered from this work will positively impact the field, potentially reshaping practices, enhancing interventions, and ultimately improving the lives of individuals engaged in therapeutic recreation and adapted recreation programs,” Ervin says. “I am forever grateful to the LTRA and to AdaptABLE Outdoors for allowing me to be a part of their organizations and for trusting me to lead this research inquiry.”
A research article on the work is scheduled to be published in the academic journal Palaestra in the fall and the study will also be presented at the 2024 North American Federation of Adapted Physical Activity Symposium in Ithaca, New York in September.
