Hippotherapy in Patients With Schizophrenia
This study will determine the efficacy of hippotherapy (horseback-riding) program, as an adjuvant to standard psychiatric treatment, on the outcomes of patients with schizophrenia. A randomized controlled trial is conducted in a Community Mental Health Center. All participants are randomized into two groups (experimental and control groups) using blocked randomization. All participants received the standard psychiatric treatment, while the experimental group is additionally provided with a 16-session hippotherapy program for 8 weeks. All participants will be evaluated using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Quality of Life Scale, UCLA Loneliness Scale at both baseline and after the intervention.
- EligibilityCriteria: Inclusion Criteria:  Being diagnosed with schizophrenia, Being at an age of older than 18 years, Being registered with and treated at the Community Mental Health Center, Being at remission period (a stable condition) at the time of enrollment and throughout the study. Being able to provide written informed consent and comprehend the instruments.  Exclusion Criteria:  The participants who suffer from other comorbid psychiatric disorders (depression, personality disorder, substance addiction, etc.), The participants who are not willing to sign the consent. The participants who have physical health problems that would prevent horseback-riding. - HealthyVolunteers: No - Gender: All - MinimumAge: 19 Years - StdAgeList: Adult, Older Adult