An exploration of German and British physiotherapists’ views on the effects of hippotherapy and their measurement.
Abstract: Hippotherapy (Greek hippos = horse) is a specialised physiotherapy treatment that makes use of the horses' unique three-dimensional movement impulses at a walk to facilitate movement responses in patients sitting on the horse's back (Strauss, 2000). Despite a substantial body of anecdotal and clinical evidence for its benefits, research evidence for hippotherapy is sparse. This questionnaire survey was the first study in a series of investigations exploring the views of physiotherapists and people with cerebral palsy who use hippotherapy. These investigations, in turn, form the basis from which the authors will recommend outcome measures for individuals with cerebral palsy in a hippotherapy environment. This study aimed to: (a) establish the pattern of hippotherapy practice in Germany and the U.K.; (b) examine the perceived main effects of hippotherapy on people with cerebral palsy in Germany and the U.K.; and (c) investigate how these effects are being measured in both countries. The results highlighted considerable differences in how hippotherapy is practised in the U.K. compared with in Germany. In spite of this, the study revealed agreement among respondents on the overall perceived effects of hippotherapy on individuals with cerebral palsy, namely, the regulation of muscle tone, improvement of postural control and psychological benefits. The results also indicate scant use of outcome measures to evaluate these effects. The impact of these findings is discussed in the light of published research, and suggestions for further research are made.
Publication Date: 2006-01-07 PubMed ID: 16396433DOI: 10.1080/09593980500321143Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
Summary
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The study aims to understand the differences in the practice and perceived effects of hippotherapy – a physiotherapy method involving horseback riding – in Germany and the U.K, primarily in treating cerebral palsy. Through questionnaires circulated amongst practitioners, they examined treatment patterns, measured impacts, and the perceived main effects of this therapy.
Research Methodology
- The study employed questionnaires to gather information so as to explore the perspectives of practicing physiotherapists in Germany and the U.K.
- This was the first study in a series aimed at understanding both the views of these therapists and people with cerebral palsy who are using hippotherapy.
Aims of the Study
- The main goals were to establish the pattern of hippotherapy practice in both countries,
- Examine the perceived main effects of this therapy on people with cerebral palsy, and
- Investigate the measurement methods used to evaluate these effects.
Findings of the Study
- There are considerable differences in the implementation of hippotherapy in Germany as compared to the U.K.
- Despite these differences, the physiotherapists agreed on the overall perceived effectiveness of this therapy on individuals with cerebral palsy.
- The primary beneficial effects noted were the regulation of muscle tone, postural control improvements, and psychological well-being enhancements.
- The study, however, noted a lack of significant use of outcome measures to evaluate these effects, pointing out an area of potential advancement in practice.
Impact and Further Research
- These findings bring valuable insights into the practice of hippotherapy and its impacts, spotlighting areas for improvement like outcome measurement.
- The authors advocate for more substantial research in this field, moving towards written recommendations for outcome measures for individuals undergoing hippotherapy for cerebral palsy.
Cite This Article
APA
Debuse D, Chandler C, Gibb C.
(2006).
An exploration of German and British physiotherapists’ views on the effects of hippotherapy and their measurement.
Physiother Theory Pract, 21(4), 219-242.
https://doi.org/10.1080/09593980500321143 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- School of Health, Community and Education Studies, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK. dorothee.debuse@unn.ac.uk
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Cerebral Palsy / psychology
- Cerebral Palsy / rehabilitation
- Child
- Germany
- Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
- Horses
- Humans
- Outcome Assessment, Health Care
- Physical Therapy Modalities
- Physical Therapy Specialty
- Postural Balance
- Surveys and Questionnaires
- United Kingdom
Citations
This article has been cited 15 times.- Hyun C, Kim K, Lee S, Ko N, Lee IS, Koh SE. The Short-term Effects of Hippotherapy and Therapeutic Horseback Riding on Spasticity in Children With Cerebral Palsy: A Meta-analysis. Pediatr Phys Ther 2022 Apr 1;34(2):172-178.
- Portaro S, Maresca G, Raffa A, Gemelli G, Aliberti B, Calabrò RS. Donkey Therapy and Hippotherapy: Two Faces of the Same Coin?. Innov Clin Neurosci 2020 Jan 1;17(1-3):20-21.
- Baillet H, Leroy D, Vérin E, Delpouve C, Benguigui N, Komar J, Thouvarecq R. Effect of Mechanical Horse Practice as New Postural Training in Patients With Neurological Disorders: A Pilot Study. Front Psychol 2019;10:1035.
- Weissman-Miller D, Miller RJ, Shotwell MP. Translational Research for Occupational Therapy: Using SPRE in Hippotherapy for Children with Developmental Disabilities. Occup Ther Int 2017;2017:2305402.
- Koca TT, Ataseven H. What is hippotherapy? The indications and effectiveness of hippotherapy. North Clin Istanb 2015;2(3):247-252.
- Mutoh T, Mutoh T, Takada M, Doumura M, Ihara M, Taki Y, Tsubone H, Ihara M. Application of a tri-axial accelerometry-based portable motion recorder for the quantitative assessment of hippotherapy in children and adolescents with cerebral palsy. J Phys Ther Sci 2016 Oct;28(10):2970-2974.
- Guerino MR, Briel AF, Araújo Md. Hippotherapy as a treatment for socialization after sexual abuse and emotional stress. J Phys Ther Sci 2015 Mar;27(3):959-62.
- Kim YN, Lee DK. Effects of horse-riding exercise on balance, gait, and activities of daily living in stroke patients. J Phys Ther Sci 2015 Mar;27(3):607-9.
- Baik K, Byeun JK, Baek JK. The effects of horseback riding participation on the muscle tone and range of motion for children with spastic cerebral palsy. J Exerc Rehabil 2014 Oct;10(5):265-70.
- Kim HS, Lee CW, Lee IS. Comparison between the Effects of Horseback Riding Exercise and Trunk Stability Exercise on the Balance of Normal Adults. J Phys Ther Sci 2014 Sep;26(9):1325-7.
- Lemke D, Rothwell E, Newcomb TM, Swoboda KJ. Perceptions of equine-assisted activities and therapies by parents and children with spinal muscular atrophy. Pediatr Phys Ther 2014 Summer;26(2):237-44.
- Kim SG, Lee CW. The effects of hippotherapy on elderly persons' static balance and gait. J Phys Ther Sci 2014 Jan;26(1):25-7.
- Kim S, Yuk GC, Gak H. Effects of the horse riding simulator and ball exercises on balance of the elderly. J Phys Ther Sci 2013 Nov;25(11):1425-8.
- Herrero P, Asensio A, García E, Marco A, Oliván B, Ibarz A, Gómez-Trullén EM, Casas R. Study of the therapeutic effects of an advanced hippotherapy simulator in children with cerebral palsy: a randomised controlled trial. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2010 Apr 16;11:71.
- Aewerdieck LM, Martin RA, Graham FP, Hay-Smith J. Exploring In-Session Engagement in Equine-Assisted Services for Children and Youth Experiencing Disability: A Scoping Review. J Integr Complement Med 2024 Dec;30(12):1147-1161.
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