Hippotherapy in Rehabilitation Care for Children With Neurological Impairments and Developmental Delays: A Case Series.

This research analyzes the effect of hippotherapy, a therapeutic method that utilizes horseback riding, compared to standard outpatient physical therapy, on children with neurological impairments and developmental motor delays. The study indicates that both therapies are helpful, but more research is needed to validate the benefits of hippotherapy.

Research Study

• This research looked at two approaches for helping children with neurological impairments and significant gross motor delays improve their functional mobility. The two methods analyzed were hippotherapy, a therapeutic approach involving horseback riding, and standard outpatient physical therapy (PT). The objective of the research was to compare and evaluate the effectiveness of these two therapeutic interventions.
• The research employed a case series methodology, utilizing data that was originally collected for a randomized controlled trial that was later discontinued. The mentioned data was obtained during the 12-week treatment period where patients received either hippotherapy treatment or standard outpatient PT.

Findings and Measurements

• The results revealed active advancements, both subjectively and objectively, in the children’s functional mobility after the 12-week period. These improvements were noted in both groups who received either the hippotherapy or the standard outpatient PT.
• The functional mobility improvements were measured and validated by using the Peabody Developmental Motor Scales-2 (PDMS-2), the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI), and the Goal Attainment Scaling (GAS). These assessments are standardized tools used to measure motor skills, functional abilities, and attainment of therapy goals in children.

Conclusion and Recommendations

• Conclusively, the study suggests that hippotherapy can be seen as a promising alternative treatment to standard physical therapy for children aged 2 to 5 years with neurological impairments and gross motor delays. However, it also urges that further research is necessary to authoritatively prove the validity and robustness of the findings, giving a clear signal about the beneficial impact of hippotherapy.
• In practical terms, this study could help healthcare professionals consider hippotherapy as a complementary or alternative therapeutic intervention for children facing developmental delays or neurological disorders.