Equinoterapia en el desarrollo motor en niños de 3 a 4 años del Centro de Equinoterapia Virgen del Quinche Pillaro

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to know the importance of Equine Therapy in motor development in children from 3 to 4 years old at the Virgen del Quinche Pillaro Equine Therapy Center, it is transcendental by promoting the use of domesticated horses that show friendly and sociable traits; in this way they enjoy being in contact with people, demonstrating tranquility and obedience; fundamental elements that benefit in therapies. In the methodological framework, to carry out the field research, the qualitative - quantitative approach is used by including in a data collection of the motor development test, aimed at girls from 2 to 5 years old. The items evaluate coordination, language and motor skills through the observation made to the infant; It is highlighted that the elaboration of a questionnaire made up of 8 questions contributed in obtaining information related to equine therapy, the TEPSI Test, allowed to demonstrate the psychometric properties and presented high sensitivity to assess the age differences in the psychomotor development of infants ; in this way, it facilitated the establishment of conclusions and recommendations. In the result, it is determined that equine therapy is used as a complementary physical and mental therapy by contributing to the improvement of motor skills; it also favors muscle toning, thus being used by people with muscular dystrophy, spinal cord injuries, mental retardation and cerebral palsy.