Experience of using hippotherapy in complex effects on muscle spirals in children with spastic forms of cerebral palsy.

This research study investigates the effectiveness of hippotherapy, a type of therapy using horses, in improving muscle control and psychophysical wellbeing in children suffering from spastic forms of cerebral palsy.

What is the research about?

• The study is focused on the use of hippotherapy as a method of rehabilitation for children affected by spastic forms of cerebral palsy. The aim is to understand how this unique therapy affects the children’s ability to control their muscle spirals – the convoluted muscle groups responsible for bodily movement.
• The focus isn’t just on physical rehabilitation. The researchers are also interested in examining any improvements in psychophysical state and motivation among the affected children following the implementation of the therapy.

How was the research conducted?

• The research was carried out at Ippotsentra “Wind of Change” between 2010 and 2013, and involved 36 children with spastic forms of cerebral palsy.
• The therapy sessions were conducted twice a day, each lasting 30 minutes, for a total of 10-12 days.
• The study also focused on determining the optimal number of sessions and looking at the potential effects of fatigue on the children in the course of the therapy.

What were the findings?

• The study found that the integration of hippotherapy had a positive effect on the children’s control of their muscle spirals.
• It did not cause any somatic or psychological complications in the children and improved their sensorimotor and psychomotor abilities and normalized muscle tone for up to three months – longer than traditional physiotherapy methods.
• Hippotherapy also served to train children in new postures and movements, thereby improving their locomotor capabilities, potentially facilitating the learning of walking skills.