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Wiadomosci lekarskie (Warsaw, Poland : 1960)2007; 55 Suppl 1(Pt 2); 732-735;

[The role of horse-therapy in improvement of children with Down syndrome].

Abstract: Many years of experience in horse-therapy show that this is the efficient method of rehabilitation of disabled children, also with Down syndrome. This method improves not only proficiency, but also mental sphere and social functions of children. 3 cases of children with Down syndrome in age 7-8 years rehabilitated by horse-therapy, and other methods (physical exercises, swimming, talking exercises) through 1-3 year have been described. In every case adding horse-therapy to other methods of rehabilitation gave measurable advantages both in physical sphere and also in mental and social spheres. In parents' opinion disabled children are highly motivated to take part in the classes of horse-therapy. It should be emphasized that in every described case we have seen high involvement of parents in rehabilitation process.
Publication Date: 2007-05-04 PubMed ID: 17474591
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  • Journal Article

Summary

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This research article studies the effectiveness of horse-therapy as a method of rehabilitation for children with Down syndrome, showing that it enhances not only their physical skills but also their mental and social capabilities.

Research Methodology

The researchers studied three cases of children with Down syndrome aged between 7 and 8 years. These children underwent horse-therapy along with other methods of rehabilitation such as physical exercises, swimming, and talking exercises for a period of 1 to 3 years

  • The primary focus of the study was to determine if adding horse-therapy to other conventional rehabilitation methods brought about any additional benefits in the physical, mental and social realms.
  • The paper doesn’t divulge specific measures or evaluation techniques used within the study. It does, however, allude to noticeable advancements in more than just the physical capabilities of the subjects.The mental and social aspects were considered as well, pointed to an all-round enhancement of the children’s abilities.
  • The researchers also monitored and recorded the children’s motivation levels towards participating in horse-therapy lessonss, in direct conversations with their parents.

Findings

According to the research findings, the incorporation of horse-therapy into the children’s rehabilitation regimes resulted in measurable benefits.

  • These improvements were not only physical but also extended to the mental and social spheres.
  • Parents also reported considerable elevation in their children’s motivation to participate in the horse-therapy classes.
  • Additionally, the researchers noted strong parental engagement in the rehabilitation process in all the cases.

Implications

Based on the findings of the study, the researchers conclude that horse-therapy is an effective addition to the standard methods of rehabilitation for children with Down syndrome.

  • Not only does it enhance physical skills but it also promotes mental and social development.
  • The therapy fosters motivation in children to actively participate in the sessions, an important factor for the success of any <a href="/equine-rehabilitation-guide/" title="rehabilitation program.
  • The high level of parental involvement noted in the study underscores the role and impact parents have in the rehabilitation process of their children, possibly contributing to the success of the therapy.

Cite This Article

APA
Klimberg A. (2007). [The role of horse-therapy in improvement of children with Down syndrome]. Wiad Lek, 55 Suppl 1(Pt 2), 732-735.

Publication

ISSN: 0043-5147
NlmUniqueID: 9705467
Country: Poland
Language: pol
Volume: 55 Suppl 1
Issue: Pt 2
Pages: 732-735

Researcher Affiliations

Klimberg, Aneta
  • Zakladu Higieny Katedry Medycyny Społecznej Akademii Medycznej im. Karola Marcinkowskiego w Poznaniu. anetaklimberg@wp.pl

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Child
  • Child Development
  • Down Syndrome / psychology
  • Down Syndrome / therapy
  • Exercise Therapy / classification
  • Exercise Therapy / methods
  • Horses
  • Human-Animal Bond
  • Humans
  • Movement / physiology
  • Parents / psychology
  • Physical Therapy Modalities
  • Poland

Citations

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