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Disability and rehabilitation2012; 35(2); 89-99; doi: 10.3109/09638288.2012.687033

Systematic review and meta-analysis of the effect of equine assisted activities and therapies on gross motor outcome in children with cerebral palsy.

Abstract: To evaluate the literature on the efficacy of equine assisted activities and therapies (EAAT) on gross motor outcomes representing the ICF component of body functions and activity in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Methods: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials and observational studies of hippotherapy (HPOT) and therapeutic horseback riding (TR) for children with spastic CP. Gross motor outcomes, assessed via muscle activity and muscle tone, gait, posture and Gross Motor Function Measures (GMFM) were evaluated. Results: Five TR studies and nine HPOT studies were included. Our meta-analysis indicated that short-term HPOT (total riding time 8-10 min) significantly reduced asymmetrical activity of the hip adductor muscles. HPOT could improve postural control in children with spastic CP, GMFCS level < 5. However, the evidence did not show a statistically significant effect on GMFM after long-term HPOT or TR (total riding time, 8-22 h) in children with spastic CP. Conclusions: This systematic review found insufficient evidence to support the claim that long-term TR or HPOT provide a significant benefit to children with spastic CP. We found no statistically significant evidence of either therapeutic effect or maintenance effects on the gross motor activity status in CP children.
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Publication Date: 2012-05-26 PubMed ID: 22630812DOI: 10.3109/09638288.2012.687033Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article
  • Meta-Analysis
  • 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.

The research concludes that short-term program of Horse Riding Therapy improves hip muscle control, and possibly postural control, in children with cerebral palsy (CP), but there is insufficient evidence to support long-term benefits.

Objective

The aim of the research was to review and assess the efficacy of equine assisted activities and therapies (EAAT) specifically in improving the gross motor function in children affected by cerebral palsy (CP). Gross motor functions are those which involve the larger muscles of the body, responsible for locomotive actions like walking or maintaining posture.

Methods

  • The rigorous study involves the systematic review and meta-analysis of both randomized controlled trials and observational studies.
  • Two types of horse-assisted therapies were of interest: hippotherapy (HPOT) and therapeutic horseback riding (TR). Hippotherapy is a physical, occupational, and speech-language therapy treatment strategy that utilizes equine movement. In contrast, Therapeutic Riding uses equine-assisted activities for the purpose of contributing positively to cognitive, physical, emotional and social well-being of individuals with special needs.
  • The primary outcome was the effect on the muscle activity and muscle tone, gait (manner of walking), posture and Gross Motor Function Measures (GMFM).

Results

  • An analysis of results from five TR studies and nine HPOT studies were included.
  • Results indicated benefits from short-term HPOT. It shown to reduce asymmetrical activity of hip adductor muscles (involved in bringing the legs together) which form a key part of the motor functions in humans.
  • HPOT was also demonstrated to potentially improve postural control in children with spastic cerebral palsy, indicated by cases where Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level is less than 5 (in a scale where 5 denotes the most severe impairment).
  • However, on the contrary long-term implementation of HPOT or TR programs did not display significant evidence of benefit in terms of improving Gross Motor Function Measures (GMFM).

Conclusion

Ultimately, the systematic review did not find substantial evidence to wholeheartedly support the argument that long-term horse-assisted therapies, namely TR or HPOT, provide a significant gross motor function benefits to children with spastic cerebral palsy. Consequently, while the study marked certain recommendations, more evidence is needed to validate the therapeutic effect of EAAT on the gross motor activity conditions in children with CP.

Cite This Article

APA
Tseng SH, Chen HC, Tam KW. (2012). Systematic review and meta-analysis of the effect of equine assisted activities and therapies on gross motor outcome in children with cerebral palsy. Disabil Rehabil, 35(2), 89-99. https://doi.org/10.3109/09638288.2012.687033

Publication

Disability and rehabilitation
ISSN: 1464-5165
NlmUniqueID: 9207179
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 35
Issue: 2
Pages: 89-99

Researcher Affiliations

Tseng, Sung-Hui
  • Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
Chen, Hung-Chou
    Tam, Ka-Wai

      MeSH Terms

      • Animals
      • Cerebral Palsy / rehabilitation
      • Cerebral Palsy / therapy
      • Child
      • Equine-Assisted Therapy
      • Horses
      • Humans
      • Motor Skills
      • Treatment Outcome

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