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Home / Equine Research Bank / Dev Med Child Neurol / Horseback riding in children with cerebral palsy: effect on ...
Developmental medicine and child neurology2002; 44(5); 301-308; doi: 10.1017/s0012162201002122

Horseback riding in children with cerebral palsy: effect on gross motor function.

Abstract: The effects of recreational horseback riding therapy (HBRT) on gross motor function in children with cerebral palsy (CP: spastic diplegia, spastic quadriplegia, and spastic hemiplegia) were determined in a blinded study using the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM). Seventeen participants (nine females, eight males; mean age 9 years 10 months, SE 10 months) served as their own control. Their mean Gross Motor Function Classification System score was 2.7 (SD 0.4; range 1 to 5). HBRT was 1 hour per week for three riding sessions of 6 weeks per session (18 weeks). GMFM was determined every 6 weeks: pre-riding control period, onset of HBRT, every 6 weeks during HBRT for 18 weeks, and 6 weeks following HBRT. GMFM did not change during pre-riding control period. GMFM Total Score (Dimensions A-E) increased 7.6% (p<0.04) after 18 weeks, returning to control level 6 weeks following HBRT. GMFM Dimension E (Walking, Running, and Jumping) increased 8.7% after 12 weeks (p<0.02), 8.5% after 18 weeks (p<0.03), and remained elevated at 1.8% 6 weeks following HBRT (p<0.03). This suggests that HBRT may improve gross motor function in children with CP, which may reduce the degree of motor disability. Larger studies are needed to investigate this further, especially in children. with more severe disabilities. Horseback riding should be considered for sports therapy in children with CP.
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Publication Date: 2002-05-30 PubMed ID: 12033715DOI: 10.1017/s0012162201002122Google Scholar: Lookup
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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.

The research evaluates the effects of horseback riding therapy on gross motor function in children suffering from cerebral palsy. Key findings indicate that the horseback riding therapy improves gross motor abilities in these children, and therefore, could reduce the extent of their motor disability.

Overview of the Study

  • The research conducted was a blinded study to determine the effects of recreational horseback riding therapy (HBRT) on gross motor function in children with cerebral palsy (CP). The types of CP considered in the study included spastic diplegia, spastic quadriplegia, and spastic hemiplegia.
  • 17 participants, nine of which were females and eight males, having an average age of 9 years and 10 months, were used as their controls in the study. Their mean Gross Motor Function Classification System score was 2.7.
  • The provided HBRT involved a one-hour weekly session for a total of 18 weeks (three sessions of 6 weeks each).

Methodology and Measurements

  • The Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) was used as a measuring tool throughout the study. This measure was determined at different stages: the pre-riding control period, the onset of HBRT, every six weeks during the HBRT for 18 weeks, and six weeks after the HBRT.
  • The GMFM did not present any changes during the pre-riding control period.

Findings and Recommendations

  • The GMFM Total Score (covering Dimensions A-E) increased by 7.6% after 18 weeks of HBRT, which indicates improvement of gross motor function. However, this score returned to control level six weeks after the therapy cessation.
  • Specially, GMFM Dimension E (covering Walking, Running, and Jumping) showed an increased score of 8.7% after 12 weeks, 8.5% after 18 weeks, and even maintained an elevated level of 1.8% six weeks after HBRT.
  • From these findings, the researchers suggested that HBRT could improve the gross motor function in children with CP, possible reducing the level of their motor disability. Thus, horseback riding therapy should be considered as a useful sports therapeutic strategy for children with CP.
  • However, it was also highlighted that larger studies involving more participants and especially those with more severe disabilities need to be conducted to confirm the findings of this initial study.

Cite This Article

APA
Sterba JA, Rogers BT, France AP, Vokes DA. (2002). Horseback riding in children with cerebral palsy: effect on gross motor function. Dev Med Child Neurol, 44(5), 301-308. https://doi.org/10.1017/s0012162201002122

Publication

Developmental medicine and child neurology
ISSN: 0012-1622
NlmUniqueID: 0006761
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 44
Issue: 5
Pages: 301-308

Researcher Affiliations

Sterba, John A
  • Center for Sports Therapy Research, East Aurora, NY 14052-2233, USA. sportstherapy@earthlink.net
Rogers, Brian T
    France, Amy P
      Vokes, Deborah A

        MeSH Terms

        • Animals
        • Cerebral Palsy / rehabilitation
        • Cerebral Palsy / therapy
        • Child
        • Female
        • Horses
        • Humans
        • Male
        • Psychomotor Performance
        • Recreation
        • Severity of Illness Index
        • Time Factors
        • Treatment Outcome

        Citations

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