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Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitation2009; 90(7); 1185-1195; doi: 10.1016/j.apmr.2009.01.026

Changes in dynamic trunk/head stability and functional reach after hippotherapy.

Abstract: To determine if hippotherapy (therapy using a horse) improves head/trunk stability and upper extremity (UE) reaching/targeting in children with spastic diplegia cerebral palsy (SDCP). Methods: Pre-postoperative follow-up with a 12-week intervention and 12-week washout period after intervention. Methods: A human performance laboratory with 6 camera video motion capture systems for testing. Methods: Eleven children (age 5-13y, average 8y) with SDCP, 8 children (age 5-13y, average 8y) without disabilities. Methods: Hippotherapy intervention performed at 3 therapeutic horseback riding centers. Methods: Video motion capture using surface markers collecting data at 60 Hz, a mechanical barrel to challenge trunk and head stability, and functional reach/targeting test on static surface. Results: Significant changes with large effect sizes in head/trunk stability and reaching/targeting, elapsed time, and efficiency (reach/path ratio) after 12 weeks of hippotherapy intervention. Changes were retained after a 12-week washout period. Conclusions: Hippotherapy improves trunk/head stability and UE reaching/targeting. These skills form the foundation for many functional tasks. Changes are maintained after the intervention ceases providing a skill foundation for functional tasks that may also enhance occupational performance and participation.
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Publication Date: 2009-07-07 PubMed ID: 19577032DOI: 10.1016/j.apmr.2009.01.026Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article
  • Multicenter Study
  • Research Support
  • Non-U.S. Gov't

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research seeks to determine if hippotherapy, or therapy using a horse, can enhance head and trunk stability and upper extremity reach in children with spastic diplegia cerebral palsy. The study indicates that this type of therapy results in significant positive changes, which were long-lasting, even after the intervention ended.

Research Methodology

  • The study involved two sets of children between 5-13 years; eleven of them with spastic diplegia cerebral palsy (SDCP) and eight others without any disabilities.
  • A 12-week hippotherapy intervention was conducted for all participants, and this was followed by another 12-weeks period (washout period), during which no interventions took place.
  • The therapeutic intervention sessions were conducted at three therapeutic horseback riding centers.
  • Testing was carried out using advanced video motion capture systems, specifically a 6-camera system collecting data at 60 Hz.
  • A mechanical barrel was used to challenge the head and trunk stability of the participants, and their functional reach targeting abilities were tested on a static surface.

Research Findings

  • Improvements were reported in the head and trunk stability of the children with SDCP after undergoing the hippotherapy sessions. Their upper extremity reach targeting also improved.
  • The improvements were not temporary, as they remained visible even after stopping the intervention for a 12-week washout period.
  • Time efficiency also improved, as the participants were able to target and reach faster and more effectively (as demonstrated by the reach/path ratio data).

Conclusion

  • Hippotherapy proved effective in improving the head/trunk stability and upper extremity reach targeting abilities of children with SDCP.
  • Not only were the improvements significant, but they were also long-lasting, suggesting that hippotherapy provides foundational skills that can further enhance functional tasks and potentially improve the occupational performance and participation of children with SDCP in the long run.

Cite This Article

APA
Shurtleff TL, Standeven JW, Engsberg JR. (2009). Changes in dynamic trunk/head stability and functional reach after hippotherapy. Arch Phys Med Rehabil, 90(7), 1185-1195. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apmr.2009.01.026

Publication

Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitation
ISSN: 1532-821X
NlmUniqueID: 2985158R
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 90
Issue: 7
Pages: 1185-1195

Researcher Affiliations

Shurtleff, Tim L
  • Human Performance Laboratory, Program in Occupational Therapy, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA. shurtlefft@wusm.wustl.edu
Standeven, John W
    Engsberg, Jack R

      MeSH Terms

      • Adolescent
      • Animals
      • Cerebral Palsy / physiopathology
      • Cerebral Palsy / rehabilitation
      • Child
      • Child, Preschool
      • Exercise Therapy / methods
      • Female
      • Head
      • Horses
      • Humans
      • Male
      • Thorax
      • Upper Extremity

      Citations

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