Medizinische Universität Graz Austria/Österreich - Forschungsportal - Medical University of Graz
Gewählte Publikation:
Fruehwirth, B.
Equine-assisted intervention and heart rate variability in people under chronic stressful conditions
Humanmedizin; [ Diplomarbeit ] Medizinische Universität Graz; 2023. pp. 60
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- Autor*innen der Med Uni Graz:
- Betreuer*innen:
- Baranyi Andreas
- Rothenhäusler Hans-Bernd
- Altmetrics:
- Abstract:
- Chronic stress is considered a risk factor and a trigger for numerous cardiovascular and psychological diseases. In stressful situations, the autonomic nervous system is activated. While the sympathetic part is responsible for the acute stress response, the task of the parasympathetic part is to modulate and regenerate the stress axis. In chronic stress situations, this homeostasis is disturbed in favor of the sympathetic nervous system. The present study investigates the effects of animal-assisted intervention in chronically stressed individuals. The sympathetic and parasympathetic activity of the test persons before and after the horse-assisted intervention was recorded by measuring heart rate variability. Likewise, momentary well-being was evaluated using the Current Mood Scale (ASTS) questionnaire survey immediately before and after, as well as 7 days after the intervention. Results: There was a significant reduction in heart rate regardless of group allocation after each intervention. Conclusion: Regardless of group allocation, there was a reduction in heart rate as a result of the respective intervention. Thus, equine-assisted intervention and other relaxation methods in the tranquility of nature may serve as successful factors to support therapeutic interventions. Further research in this regard would be desirable.