Using Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy to Elucidate Neurophysiological Mechanism of Action of Equine-Assisted Services: Proof-of-Concept Study

Beth A. Lanning (), Cory M. Smith, Cierra Ugale, Elena Nazarenko and William R. Marchand
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Beth A. Lanning: Department of Public Health, Baylor University, Waco, TX 76655, USA
Cory M. Smith: Department of Health, Human Performance and Recreation, Baylor University, Waco, TX 76655, USA
Cierra Ugale: Department of Health, Human Performance and Recreation, Baylor University, Waco, TX 76655, USA
Elena Nazarenko: Whole Health Service, VA Salt Lake City Health Care System, 500 Foothill Drive, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA
William R. Marchand: Whole Health Service, VA Salt Lake City Health Care System, 500 Foothill Drive, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA

IJERPH, 2025, vol. 22, issue 8, 1-15

Abstract: Equine-assisted services (EAS) are used for civilian and military trauma survivors to reduce depression and posttraumatic stress symptoms. While early scientific evidence supports the benefits of EAS, the neurophysiological mechanisms underlying these benefits are unknown. The specific aims of this exploratory study were to determine (1) whether functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) neuroimaging can be used to explore neural responses of EAS veteran participants and (2) the correlation between neural responses and psychological outcomes of the participants interacting with equines. Fifteen veterans participated in a 2-day EAS program consisting of four randomized activities. An fNIRS sensor cap was used to measure the oxygenated (O 2 Hb), deoxygenated (hHb), and total hemoglobin (tHb) of the participants during each activity. The results indicated no significant differences for O 2 Hb and tHb across the visits or activities, however, a significant difference in hHb was observed. There was an increase in hHb during the activities that included an equine, which indicated a greater cognitive load and attention. Further, data from pre-/post-psychometric assessments showed a significant improvement in participants’ trait anxiety, psychological flexibility, and positive and negative affect after interacting with the horse. Preliminary data revealed a potential association between the cognitive attention and psychological health of participants during an EAS session.

Keywords: equine-assisted services; veterans; fNIRS; neurophysiology; psychological flexibility; PTSD (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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