[Hippotherapy as a method for complex rehabilitation of patients with late residual stage of infantile cerebral palsy].

This research article describes the beneficial effects of hippotherapy (therapeutic horseback riding) in the comprehensive rehabilitation of patients in the late residual stage of infantile cerebral palsy.

Study Objectives

• The study aimed to explore the therapeutic efficacy of hippotherapy as a method of complex rehabilitation for patients with the late residual stage of infantile cerebral palsy.

Observations and Results

• The use of hippotherapy resulted in a significant increase in the range of both active and passive movements in the lower extremity joints.
• There was an increase in the dynamometry (measurement of power and strength) indices of the left hand of the patients.
• Vital lung capacity, a measure of the maximum amount of air a person can expel from the lungs after a maximum inhale, also improved.
• Reactive and personality anxiety and depression also saw a decrease, suggesting an improvement in mental health while undergoing the therapy.
• Increased motivation for rehabilitation treatment was observed, which is a crucial factor in the success of any <a href="/equine-rehabilitation-guide/" title="rehabilitation program.
• Neurophysiological studies revealed significant changes in stem and thalamus cortical levels; these are major parts of the brain and changes indicate neural adjustments and enhancements.
• Modifications were also seen in the spectral components of cortical dynamics, which further implies the alterations in brain activity due to the therapy.

Outcomes and Implications

• The data obtained from the study allowed the researchers to propose hippotherapy as an effective method for the complex rehabilitation of patients with late residual stage of infantile cerebral palsy.
• The combination of sensory stimulation (riding the horse) and motor rehabilitation (increased physical activity) is suggested to be the key mechanism behind the therapy’s positive effects.

Conclusion

• Hippotherapy has shown significant benefits in not only improving physical conditions but also in improving mental health and motivation among patients, showcasing it as an effective method for holistic rehabilitation of patients suffering from cerebral palsy.