Does Hippotherapy Improve the Functions in Children with Cerebral Palsy? Systematic Review Based on the International Classification of Functioning.

The research paper reviews several studies to determine the effectiveness of hippotherapy (horseback therapy) in improving various functions in children with cerebral palsy. The research affirms that hippotherapy has a moderate level of proof (grade B), with beneficial effects on motor function, muscle contraction symmetry, spasticity, posture, and walking.

Introduction to the Research

• The research was initiated with an intention to carry out a systematic review of available literature concerning the effectiveness of hippotherapy in children with cerebral palsy. The grading was done in accordance with the recommendations of France’s Haute Autorité de Santé (HAS), using the International Classification of Functioning to guide the review.
• The researchers used specific keywords to filter relevant literature from MEDLINE and Cochrane Library databases, which are comprehensive resources for medical journals and studies. The terms used were various references to horseback therapy.

Methodology

• The researchers assessed the methodological quality of the literature sourced from the databases. The level of proof contained in these articles was evaluated using four levels of proof and three guideline grades A, B and C, where ‘A’ represents strong proof, ‘B’ represents moderate proof, and ‘C’ represents poor proof.
• After thorough analysis, the researchers found seven prospective, randomized controlled studies and one systematic review that confirmed the effectiveness of hippotherapy in children with cerebral palsy, with a grade of ‘B’.

Findings

• The studies showed that hippotherapy improved motor function, spasticity, posture, symmetry of muscle contraction, and walking in children with cerebral palsy.
• Additionally, 50 prospective non-randomized studies confirmed grade ‘C’ level results for improvement in balance, motor coordination, lumbo-pelvic mobility, walking speed, functional development, and social behavior through hippotherapy.

Conclusion

• Upon reviewing the literature, the researchers concluded that hippotherapy can indeed be recommended for children suffering from cerebral palsy.
• Despite variations in the strength of available proof, the overall consensus from the literature is that there is a moderate level of proof (grade B) that supports the effectiveness of hippotherapy in children with cerebral palsy.