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Home / Equine Research Bank / Phys Occup Ther Pediatr / Horseback riding as therapy for children with cerebral palsy...
Physical & occupational therapy in pediatrics2007; 27(2); 5-23;

Horseback riding as therapy for children with cerebral palsy: is there evidence of its effectiveness?

Abstract: A systematic review of the literature on horseback riding therapy as an intervention for children with cerebral palsy (CP) was carried out. The terms horse, riding, hippotherapy, horseback riding therapy, equine movement therapy, and cerebral palsy were searched in electronic databases and hand searched. Retrieved articles were rated for methodological quality using PEDro scoring to assess the internal validity of randomized trials and the Newcastle Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale to assess cohort studies. PICO questioning (Population, Intervention, Comparison, and Outcomes) was used to identify questions of interest to clinicians for outcomes within the context of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health. Levels of evidence were then accorded each PICO question. There is Level 2a evidence that hippotherapy is effective for treating muscle symmetry in the trunk and hip and that therapeutic horseback riding is effective for improved gross motor function when compared with regular therapy or time on a waiting list. No studies addressed participation outcomes.
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Publication Date: 2007-04-20 PubMed ID: 17442652
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  • Journal Article
  • Research Support
  • Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review
  • Systematic Review

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 article reviews literature on horseback riding therapy’s effectiveness for children with cerebral palsy, finding strong evidence that it can improve muscle symmetry and gross motor function.

Objective of the Research

  • The study’s objective was to perform a systematic review of the available literature on the use and effectiveness of horseback riding therapy (also known as hippotherapy) as an intervention for children who have cerebral palsy (CP).

Methodology of the Research

  • The authors conducted a search using terms such as horse, riding, hippotherapy, horseback riding therapy, equine movement therapy, and cerebral palsy. These terms were searched across electronic databases and through manual search of various sources.
  • The gathered articles were analyzed and rated based on their methodological quality. The researchers used the PEDro scoring system to determine the internal validity of randomized trials, and the Newcastle Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale to evaluate cohort studies.
  • The team also incorporated PICO questioning into the review. This strategy involved identifying questions concerning Population, Intervention, Comparison, and Outcomes, which are significant to clinicians when considering the effectiveness of treatments within the context of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health.

Findings of the Research

  • The researchers found Level 2a evidence that hippotherapy is an effective intervention for improving muscle symmetry in the trunk and hip region of children with cerebral palsy.
  • Furthermore, therapeutic horseback riding has been demonstrated to enhance gross motor function when compared with standard therapy or waiting list controls.
  • However, the review found no studies that addressed participation outcomes—essentially, the long-term benefits and impact of the therapy on the children’s everyday functioning and participation in day-to-day activities.

Cite This Article

APA
Snider L, Korner-Bitensky N, Kammann C, Warner S, Saleh M. (2007). Horseback riding as therapy for children with cerebral palsy: is there evidence of its effectiveness? Phys Occup Ther Pediatr, 27(2), 5-23.

Publication

Physical & occupational therapy in pediatrics
ISSN: 0194-2638
NlmUniqueID: 8109120
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 27
Issue: 2
Pages: 5-23

Researcher Affiliations

Snider, Laurie
  • , School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, 3654 Promenade Sir William Osler, Montreal, Q, Canada. laurie.snider@mcgill.ca
Korner-Bitensky, Nicol
    Kammann, Catherine
      Warner, Sarah
        Saleh, Maysoun

          MeSH Terms

          • Animals
          • Cerebral Palsy / rehabilitation
          • Child
          • Exercise Therapy / methods
          • Horses
          • Humans
          • Psychomotor Performance
          • Recreation
          • Treatment Outcome

          Citations

          This article has been cited 26 times.
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