RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Hippotherapy Teenager-pediatric Radiotherapy

This study explores a new way to support children and teenagers who are having radiotherapy treatment for cancer. It's called horse-assisted therapy (HAT). The main idea is to see if taking part in ten sessions with horses can make a real difference to their quality of life and help calm any worries they might have. The researchers want to understand how these special sessions, away from the hospital, can help young patients feel less like they are just 'patients' and more like themselves. It's hoped that these moments could improve their spirits and make the daily radiotherapy a bit easier to cope with.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Centre Paul Strauss

Enrolment target

Start

19 Jun 2024

Estimated completion

19 Jun 2027

Radiotherapy

What is this study about?

This study is looking into a special kind of therapy that uses horses to help young people receiving radiotherapy for cancer. Radiotherapy is a treatment that uses radiation to kill cancer cells. While it's very important, it can also be tough on children and teenagers, making them feel worried or generally unwell.

The idea behind this study is to see if spending time with horses, in a calm environment away from the hospital, can make a positive difference. The doctors and nurses who work with these children every day believe that these sessions could help them forget about their illness for a while and just be children again. It's hoped that these fun and calming moments could help improve their overall quality of life and reduce any anxiety they might feel during their treatment.

The researchers will be carefully observing how the children and teenagers feel, both at the start and end of their radiotherapy treatment. They'll be looking at things like their mood, how happy they feel, and whether their worries have lessened. Parents are also part of this study, as their feelings are important too. The goal is to understand if horse-assisted therapy can significantly support young patients through their cancer treatment journey.

Key takeaways

A study looking at horse-assisted therapy for children and teenagers with cancer.
Aims to improve quality of life and reduce worry during radiotherapy.
Involves 10 sessions with horses, away from the hospital.
Could help children feel less like patients and more themselves.
Participation is voluntary and does not impact standard medical care.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, children need to be between 8 and 17 years old and be having radiotherapy for cancer, no matter the type. They can be staying in the hospital or coming in for day appointments. It's important that both the child and their parents or guardians can understand and speak French, as this is where the study takes place. Also, the child needs to have social security coverage.

There are some reasons why someone might not be able to take part. For example, if a child is afraid of horses or has allergies to horses or dust that could cause breathing problems like asthma. Children who need to stay on a stretcher, or whose parents have trouble understanding information even with help, wouldn't be able to join. Lastly, if the child or family isn't interested or can't commit to the sessions, they wouldn't be included.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Is your child aged between 8 and 17 years?
Is your child having radiotherapy for cancer?
Can your child and parents/guardians understand and speak French?
Is your child comfortable around horses and does not have related allergies?
Does your child have social security coverage?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you would have ten horse-assisted therapy sessions. These sessions would happen while the child is already having their radiotherapy treatment. The medical team would help arrange these sessions, which take place outside of the hospital. There wouldn't be any new medications or extra hospital visits just for the study; it's all about adding these special animal-assisted sessions to the child's existing treatment plan. The study will look at how the child is feeling, emotionally and generally, at the start and end of their radiotherapy course.

Potential risks and benefits

The main benefit of this study could be that children might feel happier, more relaxed, and less worried during a difficult time. Spending time with horses could be a welcome break from hospital routines and help improve their overall well-being. There aren't many known risks linked to this therapy in a controlled setting, but for safety, children who are allergic to horses or dust, or are afraid of horses, cannot join. Like any study, you are free to change your mind and stop participating at any time without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Centre Paul Strauss
Verified postcode
Strasbourg, France· Recruiting

Common questions

What is horse-assisted therapy?

It's a type of therapy where children spend time with horses as part of their support during medical treatment.

Where does this therapy happen?

The horse therapy sessions take place outside of the hospital, in a suitable environment like a stable or riding centre.

Will this therapy replace any of my child's cancer treatment?

No, this therapy is an addition to your child's radiotherapy, not a replacement. Their standard medical care will continue as planned.

How many sessions are involved?

Children taking part would attend 10 horse-assisted therapy sessions.

What if my child doesn't like horses?

Children who are afraid of horses cannot take part in this study, as their comfort and safety are most important.

How to find out more

Valérie SARTORI

v.sartori@icans.eu 368767223 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.