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Physical therapy1988; 68(10); 1505-1512;

Effect of therapeutic horseback riding on posture in children with cerebral palsy.

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to measure postural changes in children with spastic cerebral palsy after participation in a therapeutic horseback riding program. Eleven children with moderate to severe spastic cerebral palsy, aged 2 years 4 months to 9 years 6 months, were selected for this study and underwent postural assessments according to a repeated-measures design. Assessment of posture was performed by a panel of three pediatric physical therapists, using a postural assessment scale designed by the author. A composite score for each test interval was calculated for each child, and a median score was calculated for the entire group at each test interval. Data were analyzed using a Friedman test, assuming an alpha level of .05. A statistically significant difference was found between the three test intervals with significant improvement occurring during the period of therapeutic riding. Clinical improvements were also noted in muscle tone and balance as evidenced by improved functional skills. These results constitute the first objective measure supporting the efficacy of therapeutic horseback riding on posture in children with cerebral palsy.
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Publication Date: 1988-10-01 PubMed ID: 3174832
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  • Journal Article
  • 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.

This research aimed to observe the impact of therapeutic horseback riding on the posture of children suffering from spastic cerebral palsy. The results suggest a significant improvement in the posture, muscle tone, and balance of these children after participating in therapeutic horseback riding.

Study Description and Methodology

  • The study was designed to evaluate posture changes in children suffering from moderate to severe spastic cerebral palsy after they participate in a therapeutic horseback riding program.
  • The participants were eleven children aged between 2 years 4 months and 9 years 6 months.
  • A postural assessment was performed according to a repeated-measures design, which is a research design that involves multiple measures of the same variable taken on the same subjects.
  • Three pediatric physical therapists performed the assessment of posture. They used a postural assessment scale authored by the researcher of this study.

Data Collection and Analysis

  • The researchers calculated a composite score for each child at each test interval. They achieved this by taking into account various parameters of the postural assessment scale.
  • They also calculated a median score for the entire group at each test interval.
  • The collected data was analyzed using the Friedman test (a non-parametric statistical test) with an alpha level set at .05.

Results and Conclusion

  • The researchers found a statistically significant difference between the three test intervals leading to their conclusion that significant improvement occurred during the period of therapeutic horseback riding.
  • Besides improvements in posture, clinical improvements in muscle tone and balance were also noted. This was evident from the enhanced functional abilities of the participating children.
  • This study hence provided the initial objective measure demonstrating the efficacy of therapeutic horseback riding to improve posture in children affected by cerebral palsy.

Cite This Article

APA
Bertoti DB. (1988). Effect of therapeutic horseback riding on posture in children with cerebral palsy. Phys Ther, 68(10), 1505-1512.

Publication

Physical therapy
ISSN: 0031-9023
NlmUniqueID: 0022623
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 68
Issue: 10
Pages: 1505-1512

Researcher Affiliations

Bertoti, D B
  • Community Physical Therapy Associates, Birdsboro, PA 19508.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Cerebral Palsy / rehabilitation
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Horses
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Physical Therapy Modalities / methods
  • Posture

Citations

This article has been cited 26 times.
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