University of Lethbridge research project
Why is this study being conducted?
The purpose of this project is to explore the experience of a variety of adapted recreation activities on Health Quality of Life (H-QOL) and well-being for clients (ages 8 +) with physical, cognitive, and mental health challenges, volunteers and families/caregivers (ages 18+).
How is this study being conducted for minors?
With a signed assent form for minors, you will be asked to complete one assessment (based on your observation) before and after participation in the activity. After the activity, you will be asked to fill in a feedback survey. With a signed assent form, trained researchers will write fieldnotes before, during and after the activity. You will only have to fill out this paperwork one time.
How do I enrol a minor client into the research program?
Thank you for inquiring about participating in this project - the more participants involved the more accurate the results will be. The registration page for minors is available through the following link:
How is this study being conducted for adult participants?
With informed consent, you will be asked to complete two assessments, before and after you participate, observe or volunteer in the activity. After the activity, you will be asked to fill in a feedback survey. You will only have to fill out this paperwork one time.
How do I enrol an adult client or observing volunteer/parent/guardian into the research program?
Thank you for inquiring about participating in this project - the more participants involved the more accurate the results will be. The registration page for participating adults is available through the following link:
Who can participate in this study?
Riders, volunteers and family members who observe a loved one engaging in equine-assisted activities may all participate in this study with signed assent/ consent forms.
Am I required to participate in this study?
Your participation in this research is completely voluntary, and you can change your mind at any time.
Can I still participate in the activities at LTRA if I choose not to participate in the study?
There are no consequences for choosing not to participate in this research study. You will still be able to participate in your regular activities at LTRA.
Can I quit the research study at any time?
Yes. You are able to withdraw from the study at any time.
What happens to the information I provide?
After the research team leaves, your information will be analyzed and used to write research articles. Your name will never be shared with anyone other than the research team. Your name is removed from all documents and you will be assigned a random ‘code’.
What are the benefits of adapted recreation?
“Participation in adapted outdoor recreation for persons with disabilities (e.g. kayaking, fishing, hiking and climbing etc.) is associated with improvements in mental, emotional, and physical health. Individuals with impairments affecting mobility and cognition, such as children and adults with spinal cord injury (SCI), cerebral palsy (CP), traumatic brain injury (TBI), and amputees have experienced improvements that contribute to overall wellbeing and health-quality of life (H-QOL; DelGrande et al., 2020; Menzies et al., 2020; Merrick et al., 2020; Slater & Meade, 2004)”
What are the research questions?
The objectives of this project is to determine the following:
Will engaging in one adapted recreation experience improve Health Quality of Life (H-QOL) and well-being for clients with physical, cognitive, and mental health issues ages 8+, volunteers and family/ caregivers ages 18+?
What qualities of the overall adapted recreation sessions impacted participant experience?
Who can I contact if I have questions?
For questions related to the research, please contact Amanda Ervin:
403-393-0744
For questions related to LTRA please contact our office:
403-328-2165
Lethbridge Therapeutic Riding Association
24 205015 Hwy 512
Lethbridge County, Alberta
T1J 5N8
6 km East of Lethbridge on the Jail Road.
Accredited Riding Centre
Lethbridge Therapeutic Riding Association is an Accredited Centre of Canadian Therapeutic Riding Association (CanTRA).