Outcomes following physical therapy incorporating hippotherapy on neuromotor function and bladder control in children with Down syndrome: A case series.
Abstract: : The objective of this case series was to document gross motor function, gait parameter, and bladder control outcomes following physical therapy incorporating hippotherapy in children with Down syndrome (DS). : Four children between three and five years of age received eight-weekly physical therapy sessions incorporating hippotherapy. Outcome measures included the Gross Motor Function Measure-88 (GMFM-88), parental perception of function during every day activities, spatiotemporal parameters of gait and bladder control. : Total change scores on the GMFM-88 exceeded the standardized response mean in all four children, while scores on Dimension E improved in two children. From the mothers' perspectives, all children showed at least some improvement in walking, running, and jumping; sitting, kneeling, and standing; symmetry and comfort; balance; coordination and social interactions and there were inconsistent changes in bladder control. Only one child demonstrated changes greater than 20% in any of the gait parameters. : Physical therapy incorporating hippotherapy may be a potential treatment to assist in improving gross motor function in children with DS, but eight sessions may not be long enough to show major improvements in gait parameters or bladder control. Further research in the form of larger controlled trials is warranted to provide more support for the intervention in those with DS.
Publication Date: 2019-05-20 PubMed ID: 31106675DOI: 10.1080/01942638.2019.1615601Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
Summary
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The study explores the effects of hippotherapy, incorporated into physical therapy, on motor function and bladder control in children with Down Syndrome. In brief, results suggest that while such an approach can have positive influence on gross motor function, its impacts on gait parameters and bladder control may need further investigation and larger sample size.
Research Objective and Methodology
- The study aimed to evaluate the impact of physical therapy combined with hippotherapy on gross motor functions, gait parameters, and bladder control in children with Down Syndrome (DS).
- The researchers worked with four children, aged between three and five. Each participant underwent an eight-week physical therapy regimen which included hippotherapy sessions.
- The Gross Motor Function Measure-88 (GMFM-88) tool was used to measure changes in motor functionality. In addition, parents’ accounts of their children’s everyday activities were taken, and the spatial and temporal aspects of the children’s gait were checked. Changes in bladder control were also monitored.
Outcomes and Findings
- All four children showed improvements in gross motor function as per the GMFM-88 scores.
- From the viewpoint of the mothers, all children exhibited improvements in walking, running, jumping, sitting, kneeling, standing, balance, coordination and social interactions. However, visible changes in bladder control were inconsistent.
- Just one of the children showed noticeable changes (greater than 20%) in any gait parameters.
Interpretation of Results and Future Research
- Physical therapy incorporating hippotherapy might prove to be a potential treatment strategy for enhancing gross motor function in DS children.
- However, an eight-session program may not be sufficiently in-depth to trigger marked improvements in gait parameters or bladder control.
- As this study involved only a small group of four children, future research should involve larger, controlled studies for a more extensive conclusion. This would shed more light on the potential benefits of such an approach in managing Down Syndrome.
Cite This Article
APA
Moriello G, Terpstra ME, Earl J.
(2019).
Outcomes following physical therapy incorporating hippotherapy on neuromotor function and bladder control in children with Down syndrome: A case series.
Phys Occup Ther Pediatr, 40(3), 247-260.
https://doi.org/10.1080/01942638.2019.1615601 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Utica College, Utica, NY, USA.
- The Root Farm, Saquoit, NY, USA.
- The Root Farm, Saquoit, NY, USA.
MeSH Terms
- Child, Preschool
- Down Syndrome / physiopathology
- Down Syndrome / therapy
- Equine-Assisted Therapy / methods
- Female
- Gait Disorders, Neurologic / therapy
- Humans
- Male
- Motor Skills Disorders / therapy
- Physical Therapy Modalities
- Surveys and Questionnaires
- Urinary Bladder / physiopathology
Citations
This article has been cited 4 times.- Rodríguez-Martínez MDC, De la Plana Maestre A, Armenta-Peinado JA, Barbancho MÁ, García-Casares N. Evidence of Animal-Assisted Therapy in Neurological Diseases in Adults: A Systematic Review. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2021 Dec 7;18(24).
- Jeon BJ, Son SM. Social interaction changes in people with intellectual disabilities through the application of equine-assisted intervention in Korea. Am J Transl Res 2021;13(4):3573-3581.
- Wang X, He H, Rui W, Xie X, Wang D, Zhu Y. Long Non-Coding RNA BCAR4 Binds to miR-644a and Targets TLX1 to Promote the Progression of Bladder Cancer. Onco Targets Ther 2020;13:2483-2490.
- Rezaee A, Daneshmandi H, Ramezanzade H, Mohammadzadeh S, Kurnaz M, Altınkök M. Improving coordination, proprioception, balance and motor proficiency in Down syndrome with developmental games. Exp Physiol 2026 Jan;111(1):139-152.
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