Changes in dynamic trunk/head stability and functional reach after hippotherapy.

Abstract

OBJECTIVES:

To determine if hippotherapy (therapy using a horse) improves head/trunk stability and upper extremity (UE) reaching/targeting in children with spastic diplegia cerebral palsy (SDCP).

DESIGN:

Pre-postoperative follow-up with a 12-week intervention and 12-week washout period after intervention.

SETTING:

A human performance laboratory with 6 camera video motion capture systems for testing.

PARTICIPANTS:

Eleven children (age 5-13y, average 8y) with SDCP, 8 children (age 5-13y, average 8y) without disabilities.

INTERVENTION:

Hippotherapy intervention performed at 3 therapeutic horseback riding centers.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:

Video motion capture using surface markers collecting data at 60 Hz, a mechanical barrel to challenge trunk and head stability, and functional reach/targeting test on static surface.

RESULTS:

Significant changes with large effect sizes in head/trunk stability and reaching/targeting, elapsed time, and efficiency (reach/path ratio) after 12 weeks of hippotherapy intervention. Changes were retained after a 12-week washout period.

CONCLUSIONS:

Hippotherapy improves trunk/head stability and UE reaching/targeting. These skills form the foundation for many functional tasks. Changes are maintained after the intervention ceases providing a skill foundation for functional tasks that may also enhance occupational performance and participation.

• Authors: Tim L Shurtleff, John W Standeven, Jack R Engsberg
• Journal: Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitation (Arch Phys Med Rehabil) Vol. 90 Issue 7 Pg. 1185-95 (Jul 2009) ISSN: 1532-821X [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 19577032 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Multicenter Study, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Topics

• Adolescent
• Animals
• Cerebral Palsy (physiopathology, rehabilitation)
• Child
• Child, Preschool
• Exercise Therapy (methods)
• Female
• Head
• Horses
• Humans
• Male
• Thorax
• Upper Extremity