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Qin Z, Guo Z, Wang J. Multiple Equine Therapies for the Treatment of Gross Motor Function in Children with Cerebral Palsy: A Systematic Review. J Community Health Nurs 2024; 41:82-95. [PMID: 38229243 DOI: 10.1080/07370016.2024.2304825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed to evaluate the impact of three equine therapy approaches on gross motor function in children with cerebral palsy. METHODS The studies were retrieved from PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct, and the Cochrane Library, in accordance with the style commonly found in scientific journal publications:(1) peer-reviewed articles written in English; (2) experimental or quasi-experimental; (3) three Equine Therapy Interventions as experiment's independent variable; (4) children with cerebral palsy; and (5) measurement of outcomes related to Gross Motor Function. RESULTS The study examined 596 patients with cerebral palsy, whose average age was 8.03 years. The three types of horse therapy interventions had a significant impact on gross motor function in children with cerebral palsy (SMD = 0.19, 95% CI 0.02-0.36, p = 0.031). Additionally, the interventions positively affected dimensions C (SMD = 0.31, 95% CI 0.00-0.62, p = 0.05), D (SMD = 0.30, 95% CI 0.06-0.56, p = 0.017), and B (SMD = 0.72, 95% CI 0.10-1.34, p = 0.023). The Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) consists of 88 or 66 items, which are divided into five functional dimensions: GMFM-A (lying down and rolling), GMFM-B (sitting), GMFM-C (crawling and kneeling), GMFM-D (standing), and GMFM-E (walking, running, and jumping). Each subsection of the GMFM can be used separately to evaluate motor changes in a specific dimension of interest. Subgroup analysis revealed that different horse-assisted therapy approaches, types of cerebral palsy, exercise duration, frequency, and intervention periods are important factors influencing treatment outcomes. CONCLUSION The intervention period ranged from 8 to 12 weeks, with session durations of 30 to 45 minutes, 2 to 3 times per week. Equine-assisted therapy (EAT) demonstrated significant improvements in the overall gross motor function score, Dimension B, Dimension C, and Dimension D among children with cerebral palsy. The most effective treatment is provided by Equine-Assisted Therapy, followed by Horseback Riding Simulator (HRS). Due to its economic practicality, HRS plays an irreplaceable role. CLINICAL EVIDENCE Equine-Assisted Therapy (EAT) demonstrates the most effective treatment outcomes, suggesting that hospitals and healthcare professionals can form specialized teams to provide rehabilitation guidance. 2. Within equine-assisted therapy, Horseback Riding Simulator (HRS) exhibits treatment efficacy second only to Equine-Assisted Therapy (EAT), making it a cost-effective and practical option worthy of promotion and utilization among healthcare institutions and professionals. 3. In equine-assisted therapy, Therapeutic Horseback Riding (THR) holds certain value in rehabilitation due to its engaging and practical nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhikai Qin
- Institute of physical education and training, Capital University of Physical Education and Sports, Beijing, China
| | - Zizhao Guo
- Institute of physical education and training, Capital University of Physical Education and Sports, Beijing, China
| | - Junsheng Wang
- Institute of physical education and training, Capital University of Physical Education and Sports, Beijing, China
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Stergiou AN, Mattila-Rautiainen S, Varvarousis DN, Tzoufi M, Plyta P, Beris A, Ploumis A. The efficacy of Equine Assisted Therapy intervention in gross motor function, performance, and spasticity in children with Cerebral Palsy. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1203481. [PMID: 37649564 PMCID: PMC10464617 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1203481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose To evaluate the efficacy of Equine Assisted Therapy in children with Cerebral Palsy, in terms of gross motor function, performance, and spasticity as well as whether this improvement can be maintained for 2 months after the end of the intervention. Methods Children with Cerebral Palsy participated in this prospective cohort study. The study lasted for 28 weeks, of which the equine assisted therapy lasted 12 weeks taking place once a week for 30 min. Repeated measures within the subject design were used for the evaluation of each child's physical performance and mental capacity consisting of six measurements: Gross Motor Function Measure-88 (GMFM-88), Gross Motor Performance Measure (GMPM), Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS), Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) and Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC III). Results Statistically significant improvements were achieved for 31 children in Gross Motor Function Measure and all its subcategories (p < 0.005), also in total Gross Motor Performance Measure and all subcategories (p < 0.005). These Gross Motor Function Measure results remained consistent for 2 months after the last session of the intervention. Regarding spasticity, although an improving trend was seen, this was not found to be statistically significant. Conclusion and implications Equine Assisted Therapy improves motor ability (qualitatively and quantitatively) in children with Cerebral Palsy, with clinical significance in gross motor function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra N. Stergiou
- Division of Surgery, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Ioannina Medical School, Ioannina, Greece
- Ioannina Therapeutic Riding Center, Ioannina, Greece
| | | | | | - Meropi Tzoufi
- Division of Child’s Health, Department of Paediatrics, University of Ioannina Medical School, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Panagiota Plyta
- Division of Surgery, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Ioannina Medical School, Ioannina, Greece
- Ioannina Therapeutic Riding Center, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Alexandros Beris
- Division of Surgery, Department of Orthopaedics, University of Ioannina Medical School, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Avraam Ploumis
- Division of Surgery, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Ioannina Medical School, Ioannina, Greece
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Rehn AK, Caruso VR, Kumar S. The effectiveness of animal-assisted therapy for children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder: A systematic review. Complement Ther Clin Pract 2023; 50:101719. [PMID: 36599281 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2022.101719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND and purpose Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experience difficulty with communication, learning, behaviour, and social interactions. Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) is a growing alternative and complementary therapy for ASD. This review aims to investigate the effectiveness of AAT for children and adolescents with ASD in the domains of cognitive, social, emotional, behavioural, and physical. METHODS A systematic search of databases (Medline, Emcare, Embase, Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, PsycARTICLES, Scopus, ERIC and OTseeker) was conducted in March 2022. Grey literature was also explored which included searching Trove database and the first 10 pages of Google, as well as pearling reference lists of included studies. This review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using a modified Joanna Briggs Institute Review Form for Randomised Controlled Trials. A descriptive synthesis was undertaken due to heterogeneity within the evidence base. RESULTS Seven randomised controlled/clinical controlled trials with moderate methodological quality were included in this review. Overall, participation in AAT identified positive trends in the cognitive, social, emotional, behavioural, and physical domains. Despite the positive outcomes, implementation of AAT should be taken with caution as there are currently no standardised frameworks due to heterogeneity within the intervention protocols and outcome measures. CONCLUSION AAT may have positive effects across a multitude of outcomes in the management of ASD for children and adolescents. However, the current literature has considerable methodological concerns which should be addressed by future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Kate Rehn
- UniSA Allied Health and Human Performance, University of South Australia, GPO Box 2471, Adelaide, South Australia, 5001, Australia.
| | - Victoria Rose Caruso
- UniSA Allied Health and Human Performance, University of South Australia, GPO Box 2471, Adelaide, South Australia, 5001, Australia.
| | - Saravana Kumar
- UniSA Allied Health and Human Performance, University of South Australia, GPO Box 2471, Adelaide, South Australia, 5001, Australia.
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Cappelen H, Ivarsson A, Jormfeldt H. The Effects of an Equine-Assisted Therapeutic Intervention on Well-Being in Persons Diagnosed with Schizophrenia. A Pilot Study. Issues Ment Health Nurs 2023; 44:104-111. [PMID: 36649626 DOI: 10.1080/01612840.2022.2158408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
The process of personal recovery among persons diagnosed with schizophrenia may be facilitated through innovative health promotion interventions targeting multidimensional aspects of subjective well-being. The current pilot study aims to test the use of self-rated questionnaires as a means of evaluation of the effects of an equine-assisted intervention for persons diagnosed with schizophrenia. Twenty adults diagnosed with schizophrenia were offered a 12-week EAT intervention performed six times once every 14 days by a licensed mental health nurse. Two validated self-rated questionnaires, HSCL-25 and SHIS were used as outcome measurements at baseline and at post-treatment, additionally the self-rated questionnaire PANAS was completed twice a week starting 1 week before the 12 week-EAT intervention. Only six of the 20 participants managed to complete the validated questionnaires. Despite the low response rate of approximately 30%, a significant difference was found between pre and post scores for positive affect and well-being. Effect sizes, ranging from small to large for pre-to-post treatment scores indicated less depression and anxiety, more positive affect, less negative affect, and reinforced well-being. Results suggest that EAT interventions may have beneficial effects among persons diagnosed with schizophrenia and that a varied range of research methods are needed to create a solid evidence base for EAT interventions intended for the target group.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Cappelen
- Institute of Psychology Universiteit Leiden, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - A Ivarsson
- School of Health and Welfare, Halmstad University, Halmstad, Sweden
| | - H Jormfeldt
- School of Health and Welfare, Halmstad University, Halmstad, Sweden
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Wagner C, Grob C, Hediger K. Specific and Non-specific Factors of Animal-Assisted Interventions Considered in Research: A Systematic Review. Front Psychol 2022; 13:931347. [PMID: 35837630 PMCID: PMC9274084 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.931347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Research on animal-assisted interventions (AAIs) has increased massively in the last few years. But it is still not clear how AAIs work and how important the animal is in such interventions. The aim of this systematic review was to compile the existing state of knowledge about the working mechanisms of AAIs. We searched 12 major electronic databases for previous AAI studies with active control groups. Of 2001 records identified, we included 172 studies in the systematic review. We extracted previously published hypotheses about working mechanisms and factors that have been implicitly considered specific or non-specific in AAI research by categorizing control conditions using content analysis. We analyzed the categories using descriptive statistics. We found that 84% of the included studies mentioned a hypothesis of working mechanisms, but 16% did not define specific hypotheses. By analyzing their control conditions, we found that in most controlled studies, the animal or the interaction with the animal was implicitly considered as a specific factor for the effects of the AAI. Non-specific factors such as therapeutic aspects, social interactions, or novelty have also been controlled for. We conclude that AAI research still cannot answer the question of how and why AAIs work. To address this important research gap, we suggest using component studies with innovative control conditions and results from placebo research to address both the specific and non-specific, contextual factors of AAIs to disentangle its mechanisms. Systematic Review Registration https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=158103, identifier: CRD42020158103.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cora Wagner
- Division of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Psychology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Carmina Grob
- Division of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Psychology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Karin Hediger
- Division of Clinical Psychology and Animal-Assisted Interventions, Faculty of Psychology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- REHAB Basel, Clinic for Neurorehabilitation and Paraplegiology, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Human and Animal Health Unit, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- Faculty of Psychology, Open University, Heerlen, Netherlands
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Hyun C, Kim K, Lee S, Ko N, Lee IS, Koh SE. The Short-term Effects of Hippotherapy and Therapeutic Horseback Riding on Spasticity in Children With Cerebral Palsy: A Meta-analysis. Pediatr Phys Ther 2022; 34:172-178. [PMID: 35184078 PMCID: PMC8959353 DOI: 10.1097/pep.0000000000000880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE We systematically reviewed the short-term effects of hippotherapy and therapeutic horseback riding (THR) on lower-limb muscle spasticity in children with cerebral palsy (CP). METHODS PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar databases were searched for relevant quantitative studies. Treatment effects were coded using the Ashworth scale (AS) or modified Ashworth scale (MAS) in pre- and posttreatment evaluations. Of the 73 studies identified initially, 7 met the inclusion criteria. RESULTS Treatment was associated with positive effects on lower-limb muscle spasticity, as supported by the AS or MAS scores. However, repeated trials did not show a statistically significant difference from a single trial (Q = 2.95, P = .086). CONCLUSION Hippotherapy and THR can be used to treat lower-limb muscle spasticity in children with CP. However, repeated sessions did not show a better effect in reducing spasticity. WHAT THIS ADDS TO THE EVIDENCE This is the first meta-analysis to confirm that hippotherapy or THR can reduce lower-limb muscle spasticity in children with CP in the short term, but long-term effects on function still require further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheolhwan Hyun
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Konkuk University Medical Center, and Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kyungmin Kim
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Konkuk University Medical Center, and Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Soolim Lee
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Konkuk University Medical Center, and Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Nayeon Ko
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Konkuk University Medical Center, and Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - In-Sik Lee
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Konkuk University Medical Center, and Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seong-Eun Koh
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Konkuk University Medical Center, and Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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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. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:12882. [PMID: 34948491 PMCID: PMC8701659 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182412882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Revised: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In recent years, the possibility of intervening humans with animal-assisted therapy (AAT) has been growing due to numerous physical, psychological, and social benefits provided to humanity, enabling them to maintain or improve their quality of life. There exist different animals through which this therapy can be performed. The purpose of this systematic review will focus on the effects of AAT in several neurological diseases. METHODS The search of clinical trials was carried out in the PubMed, Scielo, Embase and PEDro databases. The selection of articles was made according to the different inclusion and exclusion criteria, incorporating those that approached neurological diseases to be reviewed. RESULTS Twenty-five clinical trials were identified, seventeen of which were finally included in the review. The results indicate that animal-assisted therapy (AAT) in different neurological diseases has many benefits in several areas, for example, in motor and physical ability as well as in mental and behavioural health. CONCLUSIONS This systematic review provides occupational therapy practitioners with evidence on the use of activity based on animal-assisted therapy as a novel field of intervention that can complement other therapies and obtain benefits in different populations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Juan Antonio Armenta-Peinado
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Malaga, C/Arquitecto Francisco Peñalosa 3, 29071 Málaga, Spain;
| | - Miguel Ángel Barbancho
- Pathological Anatomy and Physical-Sports, Education, Department of Human Physiology, Human Histology, University of Malaga, 29016 Málaga, Spain
- Centro de Investigaciones Médico Sanitarias (CIMES), University of Malaga, 29010 Málaga, Spain;
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), 29010 Málaga, Spain
| | - Natalia García-Casares
- Centro de Investigaciones Médico Sanitarias (CIMES), University of Malaga, 29010 Málaga, Spain;
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), 29010 Málaga, Spain
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaga, 29016 Málaga, Spain
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Zhao M, Chen S, You Y, Wang Y, Zhang Y. Effects of a Therapeutic Horseback Riding Program on Social Interaction and Communication in Children with Autism. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18052656. [PMID: 33800787 PMCID: PMC7967314 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18052656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2021] [Revised: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Various therapeutic interventions have been studied and found to be effective in reducing the stereotypical behaviors of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). There has been increasing interest in using animal-assisted interventions (AAIs) as an alternative approach to therapeutic rehabilitation for children with ASD, and many studies have reported that AAI has significant benefits for the cognitive, psychological, and social behavior of children with ASD. The present study was designed to examine the effects of a 16 weeks therapeutic horseback riding program on social interaction and communication skills in children with autism. Eighty-four children diagnosed with ASD, aged between 6 and 12 years old, were recruited for this study. All selected participants met the DSM-V criteria, and a total of sixty-one participants (N = 61) completed the study. A quasi-experimental design with an experimental group and control group was implemented for this study, taking measurements at pre-test, interim-test, and post-test to monitor the behavior changes in social and communication throughout the 16-week intervention. Repeated measures ANOVA and the independent sample t-test were used for data analysis, to assess the difference between the experimental group and control group. The results indicated that the THR program had positive influences on overall social skills and communication, based on the SSIS and the ABLLS-R scores, compared to the control group (p < 0.05). A notable improvement in the overall social interaction score was observed from the interim-testing point to post-test. In addition, participants in the therapeutic horseback riding (THR) group achieved significant improvements on six out of seven items in their communication evaluations. In conclusion, after 16 weeks of intervention, the THR program significantly enhanced the subdomains of social and communication skills in the areas of social interaction, communication, responsibility, and self-control, compared to the control group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengxian Zhao
- School of Physical Education, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China;
| | - Shihui Chen
- Department of Kinesiology, Texas A&M University, Texarkana, TX 75503, USA
- Correspondence: (S.C.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Yonghao You
- Department of Sports Science, Hefei Normal University, Hefei 230061, China;
| | - Yongtai Wang
- College of Health Sciences and Technology, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY 14623, USA;
| | - Yanjie Zhang
- School of Humanities and Social Science, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen 518060, China
- Correspondence: (S.C.); (Y.Z.)
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Physiotherapy interventions for the treatment of spasticity in people with spinal cord injury: a systematic review. Spinal Cord 2021; 59:236-247. [PMID: 33564117 DOI: 10.1038/s41393-020-00610-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2020] [Revised: 12/20/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN Systematic review. OBJECTIVE To determine the effectiveness of physiotherapy interventions for the treatment of spasticity in people with spinal cord injuries. SETTING Not applicable. METHODS A comprehensive search was undertaken to identify all randomised controlled trials of physiotherapy interventions that included an assessor-reported (objective) or participant-reported (subjective) measure of spasticity. Only trials that provided a physiotherapy intervention on more than one occasion were included. The susceptibility to bias of each trial was rated on the PEDro scale. Data were extracted to derive mean between-group differences (95% CI) for each trial. RESULTS Twenty-eight trials were identified but only 17 provided useable data. Seven trials compared a physiotherapy intervention to no intervention (or a sham intervention) and 10 trials compared one physiotherapy intervention to another physiotherapy intervention. The median (IQR) PEDro score of the 17 trials was 6/10 (6-8). The most commonly used assessor- and participant-reported measures of spasticity were the Ashworth scale and Spinal Cord Injury Spasticity Evaluation Tool, respectively. Only one trial demonstrated a treatment effect. This trial compared continuous passive motion of the ankle to no treatment on the Ashworth scale. The remaining 16 trials were either inconclusive or indicated that the treatment was ineffective for reducing spasticity. CONCLUSIONS There is no high-quality evidence to indicate that physiotherapy interventions decrease spasticity but this may reflect a lack of research on the topic. Future trials should focus on participant-reported measures of spasticity that distinguish between the immediate, short-term and long-term effects of any physiotherapy intervention.
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Panzera M, Alberghina D, Statelli A. Ethological and Physiological Parameters Assessment in Donkeys Used in Animal Assisted Interventions. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:E1867. [PMID: 33066258 PMCID: PMC7602119 DOI: 10.3390/ani10101867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Revised: 09/26/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Few studies have been performed to identify objective indicators for the selection of therapeutic donkeys or to assess their welfare during animal-assisted interventions (AAIs) Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the response to the ethological test and the modifications of physiological parameters in donkeys subjected to AAI sessions. METHODS Thirteen donkeys were subjected to a behavioral evaluation during an AAI session. Heart rate, heart rate variability, and root mean square of successive difference values were detected. RESULTS Statistically significant changes in the tested parameters were observed during AAI sessions. CONCLUSIONS In donkeys, there was a neurovegetative involvement during AAI sessions. Our data give a contribution to the evaluation of donkey welfare during AAIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Panzera
- Centro Universitario Specializzato per gli Interventi Assistiti con gli Animali, Università degli Studi di Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy;
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università degli Studi di Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy;
| | - Daniela Alberghina
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università degli Studi di Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy;
| | - Alessandra Statelli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università degli Studi di Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy;
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Chinniah H, Natarajan M, Ramanathan R, Ambrose JWF. Effects of horse riding simulator on sitting motor function in children with spastic cerebral palsy. PHYSIOTHERAPY RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 25:e1870. [PMID: 32808394 DOI: 10.1002/pri.1870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Revised: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Horse riding simulator (HRS) is an electronic horse, working under the principles of hippotherapy. It is one of the advanced therapeutic methods to improve postural control and balance in sitting, which could be recommended in the rehabilitation of cerebral palsy if real horses are unavailable. OBJECTIVE To investigate the therapeutic effects of HRS on sitting motor function in children with spastic diplegia and evaluate the changes in sitting motor function at different periods of time (4, 8 and 12 weeks). METHODS This study is a randomized controlled trial conducted over a period of 12 weeks. Thirty children with spastic diplegia age between 2 and 4 years with Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) Level I-III were included and divided into two groups. The control group received the conventional physiotherapy while the experimental group received HRS along with conventional physiotherapy. Sitting motor function was assessed by Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM)-88 (sitting dimension B) at baseline, 4, 8 and 12 weeks. Pre- and post-intervention scores were measured and analysed. RESULTS The baseline characteristics were similar in both groups before the intervention with p > .01. The observed mean value of GMFM in both groups improved over a period of 12 weeks. The results denote that the sitting motor function gradually improved over a period of time in both groups and the experimental group showed significant improvement (p < .01) than the control group in all the weeks. CONCLUSION The study results confirmed that gradual improvement in sitting motor function was observed in both groups. Children exposed to HRS show better improvement than the children in the control group. It was concluded that HRS is effective in improving the sitting motor function in children with spastic diplegia and the continuous provision of HRS in longer duration provide more benefits than the shorter duration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hemachithra Chinniah
- Division of PM&R, RMMC&H, Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Meena Natarajan
- Division of PM&R, RMMC&H, Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Ramanathan Ramanathan
- Department of Paediatrics, RMMC&H, Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar, Tamil Nadu, India
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Scopa C, Contalbrigo L, Greco A, Lanatà A, Scilingo EP, Baragli P. Emotional Transfer in Human-Horse Interaction: New Perspectives on Equine Assisted Interventions. Animals (Basel) 2019; 9:E1030. [PMID: 31779120 PMCID: PMC6941042 DOI: 10.3390/ani9121030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2019] [Revised: 11/19/2019] [Accepted: 11/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Equine assisted interventions (EAIs) include all therapeutic interventions aimed at improving human wellbeing through the involvement of horses. Due to the prominent emotional involvement traditionally characterizing their relation with humans, horses developed sophisticated communicative skills, which fostered their ability to respond to human emotional states. In this review, we hypothesize that the proximate causation of successful interventions could be human-animal mutual coordination, through which the subjects bodily and, most importantly, emotionally come into contact. We propose that detecting emotions of other individuals and developing the capacity to fine-tune one's own emotional states accordingly (emotional transfer mechanism), could represent the key engine triggering the positive effects of EAIs. We provide a comprehensive analysis of horses' socio-emotional competences according to recent literature and we propose a multidisciplinary approach to investigate this inter-specific match. By considering human and horse as a unique coupling system during the interaction, it would be possible to objectively measure the degree of coordination through the analysis of physiological variables of both human and animal. Merging the state of art on human-horse relationship with the application of novel methodologies, could help to improve standardized protocols for animal assisted interventions, with particular regard to the emotional states of subjects involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Scopa
- Italian National Reference Centre for Animal Assisted Interventions, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, 35020 Legnaro (Padua), Italy;
| | - Laura Contalbrigo
- Italian National Reference Centre for Animal Assisted Interventions, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, 35020 Legnaro (Padua), Italy;
| | - Alberto Greco
- Department of Information Engineering, University of Pisa, 56122 Pisa, Italy; (A.G.); (A.L.); (E.P.S.)
- Feel-Ing s.r.l., 56122 Pisa, Italy
| | - Antonio Lanatà
- Department of Information Engineering, University of Pisa, 56122 Pisa, Italy; (A.G.); (A.L.); (E.P.S.)
- Feel-Ing s.r.l., 56122 Pisa, Italy
| | - Enzo Pasquale Scilingo
- Department of Information Engineering, University of Pisa, 56122 Pisa, Italy; (A.G.); (A.L.); (E.P.S.)
- Feel-Ing s.r.l., 56122 Pisa, Italy
| | - Paolo Baragli
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy;
- Bioengineering and Robotic Research Center “E. Piaggio”, University of Pisa, 56122 Pisa, Italy
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Van Deun B, Hobbelen JSM, Cagnie B, Van Eetvelde B, Van Den Noortgate N, Cambier D. Reproducible Measurements of Muscle Characteristics Using the MyotonPRO Device: Comparison Between Individuals With and Without Paratonia. J Geriatr Phys Ther 2019; 41:194-203. [PMID: 28005829 DOI: 10.1519/jpt.0000000000000119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The MyotonPRO is a portable device that measures muscle tone and biomechanical muscle properties objectively. MyotonPRO has already proven to be effective in measuring muscle properties in healthy and diseased populations. However, to the best of our knowledge, it has never been tested in individuals suffering from paratonia, a form of hypertonia frequently accompanying dementia. The aims of the present study were to (1) compare muscle tone, elasticity, and stiffness between 3 different subpopulations of young and old healthy adults and individuals with paratonia, and (2) investigate the intra- and interrater reproducibility of MyotonPRO measurements of the biceps brachii (BB) muscle in each subpopulation. METHODS MyotonPRO measurements of muscle tone, elasticity, and dynamic stiffness were carried out by 2 investigators on 2 different days over the BB muscles of 54 participants (18 healthy young adults, 20 healthy older adults, and 16 older individuals with paratonia). Muscle properties were compared between subpopulations using ANOVA/Welch and post hoc tests. Reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient) and agreement parameters (standard error of measurement and the minimal detectable change) were calculated. RESULTS Statistically significant differences between subpopulations were found in all parameters, except for stiffness between healthy elderly and individuals with paratonia. In the healthy subpopulations, (a) intrarater reliability was very high and intrarater agreement was good between 2 consecutive series, (b) between days intrarater reliability was low to high and intrarater agreement was variable, (c) interrater reliability was high to very high and interrater agreement was good. In individuals with paratonia, (a) intrarater reliability was moderate to high and agreement was variable between series, (b) between days intrarater reliability was poor to moderate and agreement was poor, (c) interrater reliability ranged from low to high with poor agreement. CONCLUSIONS MyotonPRO measurements of the BB muscle showed good reproducibility in both healthy subpopulations, particularly for measurements performed within the same day. In individuals with paratonia, reliability and agreement were substantially lower. MyotonPRO can be used in clinical assessment and research. However, in individuals with paratonia, careful interpretation of results is required. Research in a larger sample of persons with paratonia at different stages of disease severity is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bieke Van Deun
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Johannes S M Hobbelen
- Research Group Healthy Ageing, Allied Health Care and Nursing, Hanze University of Applied Sciences, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Barbara Cagnie
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Birgit Van Eetvelde
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | | | - Dirk Cambier
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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Wood WH, Fields BE. Hippotherapy: a systematic mapping review of peer-reviewed research, 1980 to 2018. Disabil Rehabil 2019; 43:1463-1487. [PMID: 31491353 DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2019.1653997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Comprehensively and systematically map peer-reviewed studies of hippotherapy published over 30 years, from 1980 through 2018, from the perspective of a phased scientific approach to developing complex interventions as a guide to future research and practice. METHODS A systematic mapping review of research of hippotherapy was conducted. Searches of nine databases produced 3,528 unique records; 78 full-text, English-written studies were reviewed, the earliest of which was published in 1998. Data relevant to study aims were extracted electronically from these studies and analyzed using queries and pivot tables. RESULTS Children with cerebral palsy and physical therapists were most prevalent as participants and providers. Equine movement was hippotherapy's core component and mechanism. Early-phase outcomes-oriented research predominated. "Hippotherapy" was ambiguously defined as treatment strategies and comprehensive professional services, even as interventions grew more distinctive and complex. A treatment theory and proof of concept related to motor outcomes were established, and efficacy research with comparison conditions emerged. CONCLUSIONS Continuing research of complex interventions that integrate hippotherapy, equine movement as a therapy tool, is warranted. Attention to gaps in foundational scientific work concurrent with continued piloting and efficacy work will help to identify the most promising interventions worthy of replication, evaluation and widespread adoption.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONTo advance the evidence base of complex interventions that incorporate hippotherapy:•Proponents of hippotherapy need to define and represent hippotherapy to the public and in practice and research contexts as a therapy tool involving the use of the movement of horses by qualified professionals, rather than simply as a generic therapy with the help of a horse or simulated horse;•Providers of hippotherapy need to identify their professional degrees and certifications, and explicate their disciplinary perspectives that influence their selected components of intervention, related methods, and outcomes; and•Providers and researchers need to partner to develop an enablement theory of hippotherapy that links improved body functions with improved participation in everyday life and quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wendy H Wood
- Temple Grandin Equine Center, Departments of Animal Sciences and Occupational Therapy, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Beth E Fields
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
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Kinney AR, Eakman AM, Lassell R, Wood W. Equine-assisted interventions for veterans with service-related health conditions: a systematic mapping review. Mil Med Res 2019; 6:28. [PMID: 31462305 PMCID: PMC6714435 DOI: 10.1186/s40779-019-0217-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2019] [Accepted: 08/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evidence-based treatments for service-related health conditions such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and traumatic brain injury (TBI) are not effective for all veterans. Equine-assisted interventions are emerging as an additional treatment modality, but little is known regarding the safe and effective delivery of these interventions. This study aimed to describe the following features of the body of literature concerning equine-assisted interventions among veterans: 1) veterans who have participated in equine-assisted interventions; 2) specific characteristics of equine-assisted interventions in veterans; and 3) the specific characteristics of research on equine-assisted interventions in veterans. METHODS We conducted a systematic mapping review of peer-reviewed literature reporting on equine-assisted interventions among veterans between 1980 and 2017. Searches of nine databases yielded 3336 unique records, six of which met the inclusion criteria and were reviewed. Data relevant to the study aims were extracted and analyzed. RESULTS Equine-assisted interventions among veterans disproportionately targeted psychosocial outcomes and yielded promising results. The detailed methods of EAI varied in the reported studies, ranging from communicating with the horse to mounted exercises. There was also great diversity in outcome measurement. The state of theoretical development regarding the mechanisms by which equine-assisted interventions benefit the veteran population is currently underdeveloped. Studies provided insufficient detail with respect to the description of the intervention, reasons for attrition, and the dose-response relationship. CONCLUSIONS Scientific development of equine-assisted interventions targeting psychosocial outcomes among veterans is warranted to establish their efficacy. Targeted outcomes should be expanded, including outcomes more closely aligned with the nature of polytraumatic injuries. Future research must also emphasize the theoretical development of equine-assisted interventions for veterans and thoroughly describe the participants, components of the intervention, factors contributing to attrition, and optimal dose-response relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam R. Kinney
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523 USA
| | - Aaron M. Eakman
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523 USA
| | - Rebecca Lassell
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523 USA
- Temple Grandin Equine Center, Department of Animal Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523 USA
| | - Wendy Wood
- Temple Grandin Equine Center, Department of Animal Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523 USA
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An equine-assisted therapy intervention to improve pain, range of motion, and quality of life in adults and older adults with arthritis: A randomized controlled trial. Appl Nurs Res 2019; 49:5-12. [PMID: 31495419 DOI: 10.1016/j.apnr.2019.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2019] [Revised: 07/03/2019] [Accepted: 07/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
RESEARCH AIM To compare equine-assisted therapy to exercise education on pain, range of motion, and quality of life in adults and older adults with arthritis. BACKGROUND Quality of life for adults and older adults is negatively impacted by arthritis pain, stiffness, and decreased function. Equine-assisted therapy provides unique movements to the rider's joints and muscles improving pain, range of motion, and quality of life and has improved outcomes in balance, gait, strength, functional mobility, and spasticity for older adults, stroke, spinal cord injury, and multiple sclerosis patients. No research has investigated the effects on adults and older adults with arthritis. METHODS Twenty adults and older adults with arthritis recruited from rheumatology clinics participated in a randomized controlled trial for six weeks. Participants and research assistants were blinded to assignment. Standardized valid and reliable instruments were used to measure pain, range of motion, and quality of life targeting back, knees, shoulders, and hips. RESULTS Mean age was 63.85 (SD 6.885, 53-75) years. Pain significantly improved in shoulders (p = 0.007), hips (p = 0.027), and back (p = 0.006), not knees (p = 0.061). Range of motion improved for back (p = 0.02), hips (p = 0.04), shoulders (p = 0.005) and not knees. Quality of life improved for upper limb (p = 0.002), lower limb (p = 0.021), and affect (p = 0.030), not social interaction and symptoms. CONCLUSION This randomized controlled trial provides evidence that equine-assisted therapy decreases pain, and improves range of motion, and quality of life for adults and older adults with arthritis. Further fully powered research with cost/benefit outcomes would be beneficial.
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Kwon S, Sung IY, Ko EJ, Kim HS. Effects of Therapeutic Horseback Riding on Cognition and Language in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder or Intellectual Disability: A Preliminary Study. Ann Rehabil Med 2019; 43:279-288. [PMID: 31311249 PMCID: PMC6637059 DOI: 10.5535/arm.2019.43.3.279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2018] [Accepted: 12/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To investigate if therapeutic horseback riding (THR) can improve language and cognitive function in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or intellectual disability (ID). Methods We conducted a prospective case-control study on children diagnosed with ASD or ID. Eighteen and 11 children were enrolled for THR and control groups, respectively. For 8 weeks, those in the THR group underwent conventional therapy plus 30 minutes of THR per week while controls only received conventional therapy. Participants’ language (using Receptive and Expressive Vocabulary Test [REVT] and Preschool Receptive-Expressive Language Scale [PRES]) and cognitive abilities (using Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children [K-ABC] and the cognitive domain of Bayley Scales of Infant Development-II [BSID-II]) were assessed at baseline and at 8 weeks after treatment. Results There was no baseline difference between the two groups. In the THR group, there were statistically significant improvements in most domains after THR including receptive and expressive language and cognition compared to those before THR. In the control group, however, only receptive vocabulary ability assessed by REVT and cognitive function assessed by BSID-II showed improvements after conventional therapy. However, there were no statistically significant differences in language or cognitive abilities between the two groups at 8 weeks after treatment. Conclusion These results suggest that THR might improve language and cognitive abilities. Although the mechanisms and pathways involved in such improvements are currently unclear based on our findings, THR might have potential to optimize language and cognitive abilities of children with ASD and ID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Kwon
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - In Young Sung
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Eun Jae Ko
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Ulsan University Hospital, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Ulsan, Korea
| | - Han Seon Kim
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Ulsan City E Hospital, Ulsan, Korea
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Influence of Horseback Riding and Horse Simulator Riding on Heart Rate Variability: Are There Differences? APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/app9112194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to compare the heart rate variability (HRV) in healthy young people while riding a real horse or a horse gait simulator. The sample consisted of a group of 23 healthy young adults aged 22.91 (2.37), who rode a horse for five minutes at walking speed and spent five minutes on a horse gait simulator, while their HRV values were being recorded. Furthermore, immediately after each protocol, the HRV at rest was also recorded to observe the acute effects. We used the paired samples t-test to compare between the HRV during the horse-riding and the horse simulator-riding activities, as well as the differences in the acute effects between both situations. The findings indicate that the HRV was lower when participants were riding the horse compared with the activity on the horse simulator. However, no differences were observed immediately after the two protocols. Therefore, we state that the sympathetic tone is higher while riding a real horse than while riding a horse simulator. These differences may be due to emotional aspects and not due to differences in the physical load, considering the absence of differences in the acute effects.
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Baillet H, Leroy D, Vérin E, Delpouve C, Benguigui N, Komar J, Thouvarecq R. Effect of Mechanical Horse Practice as New Postural Training in Patients With Neurological Disorders: A Pilot Study. Front Psychol 2019; 10:1035. [PMID: 31133944 PMCID: PMC6517495 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.01035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2018] [Accepted: 04/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: From a dynamic system approach, this study evaluated the impact of a new training protocol using a mechanical horse on the postural coordination of brain-damaged patients. Methods: Eighteen volunteer brain-damaged patients (i.e., post-stroke or traumatic brain injury) were recruited and randomly divided into an experimental group (horse group; n = 10, conventional therapy associated with horse-riding exercise on the mechanical horse for 30 min, twice a week, for 12 weeks) and a control group (n = 8; conventional therapy without intervention on the mechanical horse). Postural coordination was evaluated during pre- and post-tests through discrete relative phase (DRP) computation: ϕHead−Horse, ϕTrunk−Horse. Results: A significant effect of used training has been showed, F(1, 15) = 16.6 (p < 0.05) for all patients, concerning the trunk/horse coordination. Conclusion: This pilot study results showed the impact of this new training method on the postural coordination of these patients. After 24 sessions, the coordination of the horse group patients differed from that of the control group, showing their ability to adapt to constraints and develop specific modes of postural coordination (trunk/horse antiphase) to optimize their posture.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - David Leroy
- Normandie Univ, UNIROUEN, CETAPS, Rouen, France
| | - Eric Vérin
- Normandie Univ, UNIROUEN, GRHV EA 3830, Rouen, France.,Rouen University Hospital, Rouen, France
| | - Claire Delpouve
- CRMPR Les Herbiers Rehabilitation Center, Bois-Guillaume, France
| | | | - John Komar
- National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
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Rahbar M, Salekzamani Y, Jahanjou F, Eslamian F, Niroumand A, Dolatkhah N. Effect of hippotherapy simulator on pain, disability and range of motion of the spinal column in subjects with mechanical low back pain: A randomized single-blind clinical trial. J Back Musculoskelet Rehabil 2019; 31:1183-1192. [PMID: 30056412 DOI: 10.3233/bmr-170832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hippotherapy is a form of therapeutic exercise for conservative treatment of lumbar spine segmental instability and/or hypomobility in subjects with low back pain (LBP). OBJECTIVE The current study evaluates the effects of a hippotherapy simulator on pain, disability, and range of motion (ROM) of the spinal column in subjects with mechanical LBP. METHODS In a randomized clinical trial, 80 subjects were randomly assigned to either the control or intervention groups. All subjects underwent routine physiotherapy. In addition, the intervention group underwent hippotherapy with a hippotherapy simulator for 15 sessions, each lasting 15 minutes. Pain, disability, and ROM of the lumbar spinal column of the subjects were measured in the first and last physiotherapy sessions respectively. RESULTS Improvement in pain intensity was higher in the hippotherapy simulator group over the first eight days of treatment (Hippotherapy vs. Control Point changes: Day 12: p= 0.010; after treatment: p= 0.005). The hippotherapy simulator group had significantly higher improvement in disability score in comparison to the control group (p< 0.001); mean changes in the modified Schober test were not significant (p= 0.423). CONCLUSION The hippotherapy simulator decreased pain and disability in subjects with LBP; however, no additional improvement in lumbar spine ROM was observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Rahbar
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Research Center, Aging Research Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Yaghoub Salekzamani
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Research Center, Aging Research Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Jahanjou
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Research Center, Aging Research Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Fariba Eslamian
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Research Center, Aging Research Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Alireza Niroumand
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Neda Dolatkhah
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Research Center, Aging Research Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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Muñoz-Lasa S, López de Silanes C, Atín-Arratibel MÁ, Bravo-Llatas C, Pastor-Jimeno S, Máximo-Bocanegra N. Efecto de la hipoterapia en esclerosis múltiple: estudio piloto en calidad de vida, espasticidad, marcha, suelo pélvico, depresión y fatiga. Med Clin (Barc) 2019; 152:55-58. [DOI: 10.1016/j.medcli.2018.02.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2017] [Revised: 02/14/2018] [Accepted: 02/15/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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Goodworth AD, Barrett C, Rylander J, Garner B. Specificity and variability of trunk kinematics on a mechanical horse. Hum Mov Sci 2018; 63:82-95. [PMID: 30503985 DOI: 10.1016/j.humov.2018.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2018] [Revised: 11/16/2018] [Accepted: 11/20/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
As perturbation training is gaining popularity, it is important to better understand postural control during complex three-dimensional stimuli. One clinically relevant and commonly used three-dimensional stimulus is found in hippotherapy and simulated hippotherapy on a mechanical horse. We tested nine healthy participants on a horse simulator, measured head and trunk kinematics, and characterized data in time (root-mean-square and variability) and frequency (amplitude spectra, gains, and phases) domains. We addressed three fundamental questions: 1) What is the specificity of postural responses to the simulator? 2) Which plane of motion is associated with the most and least variability (repeatable movements across repeated stimuli and across participants)? 3) To what extent are postural responses influenced by different degrees of stability (addition of pelvis straps and trunk support)? We found head and trunk responses were highly specific to the three-dimensional simulator perturbation direction and frequency. Frontal plane responses had the least variability across repetitions and participants whereas transverse motion was most variable. Head motion was more variable than the trunk at low frequencies and exhibited a marked decrease in tilt in the sagittal plane. Finally, the inclusion of pelvis straps had minimal effect on kinematics at low frequencies but altered higher frequencies; whereas added trunk support reduced head and trunk responses to perturbations and altered timing characteristics in all three planes. In conclusion, the present study suggests that frontal plane motion was under a high level of control, and results support the idea that specific head and trunk postural responses can be elicited from a complex three-dimensional stimuli, such as those found in hippotherapy. Researchers and clinicians can use results from this study to help interpret variability, implement mechanical adjustments to stability, and assess responses in pathological populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam D Goodworth
- University of Hartford, 200 Bloomfield Avenue, West Hartford, CT 06117, United States.
| | - Cody Barrett
- Baylor University, One Bear Place #97356, Waco, TX 76798, United States
| | - Jonathan Rylander
- Baylor University, One Bear Place #97356, Waco, TX 76798, United States
| | - Brian Garner
- Baylor University, One Bear Place #97356, Waco, TX 76798, United States
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Short-Term and Long-Term Effects of Riding for Children with Cerebral Palsy Gross Motor Functions. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 2018:4190249. [PMID: 30069468 PMCID: PMC6057413 DOI: 10.1155/2018/4190249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2017] [Revised: 05/29/2018] [Accepted: 06/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Aim. To evaluate the effects of riding for beginners (short-term) and advanced (long-term) riders with cerebral palsy on their whole mobility.
The study involved 15 subjects (two girls and eleven boys). The subjects were aged from 3 to 19 years (8.73 years ± 5.85).
All of the subjects had been diagnosed with a spastic form of cerebral palsy. The duration of the participation differed as follows:
the advanced subjects had been riding for 1-4 years (2.66 years ± 1.16), while the beginners have been riding for two weeks (10 sessions).
Group I (advanced riders) consisted of eight subjects (7 boys and 1 girl) who had therapy sessions regularly once a week and differed only in terms
of the duration of their participation in the experiment. Group II (beginners) consisted of seven children (1 girl and 6 boys) who participated in only 10
riding sessions. All of the subjects were assessed according to the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) and Gross Motor Function Classification
System for CP (GMFCS) both before the investigation and after it. Conclusions. Ten riding lessons did not have an influence on the
beginner riders with cerebral palsy gross motor functions and their gross motor function level did not change. However, in half of the advanced riders
with cerebral palsy, the gross motor functions significantly improved. Meanwhile, the level of the performance of the gross motor skills in the four
advanced riders increased, but this difference was not statistically significant.
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Charry-Sánchez JD, Pradilla I, Talero-Gutiérrez C. Animal-assisted therapy in adults: A systematic review. Complement Ther Clin Pract 2018; 32:169-180. [PMID: 30057046 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2018.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2018] [Revised: 06/20/2018] [Accepted: 06/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Animal-assisted therapies have become widespread with programs targeting a variety of pathologies and populations. Despite its popularity, it is unclear if this therapy is useful. The aim of this systematic review is to establish the efficacy of Animal assisted therapies in the management of dementia, depression and other conditions in adult population. A search was conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, LILACS, ScienceDirect, and Taylor and Francis, OpenGrey, GreyLiteratureReport, ProQuest, and DIALNET. No language or study type filters were applied. Conditions studied included depression, dementia, multiple sclerosis, PTSD, stroke, spinal cord injury, and schizophrenia. Only articles published after the year 2000 using therapies with significant animal involvement were included. 23 articles and dissertations met inclusion criteria. Overall quality was low. The degree of animal interaction significantly influenced outcomes. Results are generally favorable, but more thorough and standardized research should be done to strengthen the existing evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesús David Charry-Sánchez
- Neuroscience Research Group (NeURos), Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, D.C, Colombia
| | - Iván Pradilla
- Neuroscience Research Group (NeURos), Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, D.C, Colombia
| | - Claudia Talero-Gutiérrez
- Neuroscience Research Group (NeURos), Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, D.C, Colombia.
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Benefits of Hippotherapy and Horse Riding Simulation Exercise on Healthy Older Adults: A Systematic Review. PM R 2018; 10:1062-1072. [PMID: 29626616 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmrj.2018.03.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2018] [Revised: 03/12/2018] [Accepted: 03/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To provide an up-to-date research analysis on equine-assisted therapies and horse riding simulation exercise in older adults, and to suggest future directions in clinical practice and research. TYPE: Systematic review. LITERATURE SURVEY A comprehensive search of studies was performed in 4 electronic databases (Cochrane, PubMed, PEDro, and Web of Science) regarding the effects of equine-assisted therapies and horse riding simulation exercise in older adults. Eight articles were selected, 5 of them focused on hippotherapy, 2 on horse riding simulation, and a single article that used the 2 types of therapy. METHODOLOGY PRISMA guidelines were followed for the data extraction process. SYNTHESIS The studies were all randomized controlled trials, but not double-blind, so they were classified as level of evidence B. Duration of hippotherapy programs ranged from 8-12 weeks. Sessions lasted between 15 and 60 minutes and were performed 2-5 times per week. Interventions using a horse simulator spanned 8 weeks and were conducted for 20 minutes 5 times per week. CONCLUSIONS Results indicate that hippotherapy might improve balance, mobility, gait ability, and muscle strength, as well as could induce hormonal and cerebral activity changes in healthy older adults. Benefits of horse riding simulation could be limited to physical fitness and muscular activity. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE I.
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Lucena-Antón D, Rosety-Rodríguez I, Moral-Munoz JA. Effects of a hippotherapy intervention on muscle spasticity in children with cerebral palsy: A randomized controlled trial. Complement Ther Clin Pract 2018; 31:188-192. [PMID: 29705454 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2018.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2018] [Revised: 02/06/2018] [Accepted: 02/16/2018] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of the present study is to evaluate the effect of a 12 weeks hippotherapy intervention protocol on hip adductors spasticity in children with spastic cerebral palsy. DESIGN Randomized controlled trial. SETTINGS/LOCATION The intervention was conducted in an Equestrian and Therapeutic Association. Patients were recruited from a Rehabilitation Unit of Cerebral Palsy. SUBJECTS A total of 44 children with spastic cerebral palsy (Gross Motor Function Classification System [GMFCS] levels IV-V; 28 boys and 16 girls; aged 8 years 10 months, SD 3 months) were assigned to a treatment (n = 22; mean age 9 years 6 months, SD 3 months) or a control group (n = 22; mean age 8 years 3 months, SD 3 months). INTERVENTIONS The control group received conventional therapy, and the treatment group received hippotherapy in addition to their conventional treatment. The intervention consisted of a 12-weeks hippotherapy program (1 time/week, 45 min). OUTCOME MEASURES Both groups were assessed before and after the full program with the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS). RESULTS There were significant differences in the MAS scores between the treatment and the control group in both adductors (left adductors: p = 0,040; right adductors: p = 0,047), after a 12-weeks hippotherapy intervention. CONCLUSIONS A hippotherapy based treatment in addition to conventional therapy, in children with cerebral palsy, produces statistically significant changes in hip adductors spasticity after a 12-weeks intervention. Thus, it seems to produce benefits in the short-term.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Lucena-Antón
- Department of Nursing and Physiotherapy, University of Cádiz, Cádiz, Spain.
| | | | - Jose A Moral-Munoz
- Department of Nursing and Physiotherapy, University of Cádiz, Cádiz, Spain; Institute of Research and Innovation in Biomedical Sciences of the Province of Cadiz (INiBICA), University of Cádiz, Cádiz, Spain.
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White-Lewis S, Russell C, Johnson R, Cheng AL, McClain N. Equine-assisted therapy intervention studies targeting physical symptoms in adults: A systematic review. Appl Nurs Res 2017; 38:9-21. [DOI: 10.1016/j.apnr.2017.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2017] [Revised: 07/16/2017] [Accepted: 08/23/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Cho SH. Effects of horseback riding exercise on the relative alpha power spectrum in the elderly. Arch Gerontol Geriatr 2017; 70:141-147. [PMID: 28135668 DOI: 10.1016/j.archger.2017.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2016] [Revised: 12/31/2016] [Accepted: 01/14/2017] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The present study aimed to identify the effects of horseback riding and mechanical horseback riding exercise on the relative α-power spectrum in the elderly. A total of 31 healthy elderly were randomly divided into horseback riding (n=15) and mechanical horseback riding exercise groups (n=16). The horseback riding exercise program was conducted for 25min twice a week for 12 weeks. Two-way repeated analysis of variance was used to identify the changes in measured variables before the exercise program, and after 6 and 12 weeks of the program. The horseback riding exercise group showed an increase in relative fast alpha power in the background electroencephalogram, and the mechanical horseback riding exercise group showed an increase in relative slow alpha power. Both horseback riding and mechanical horseback riding exercises activated the EEG in all domains, thus increasing concentration and restfulness. The results suggested that horseback riding and mechanical horseback riding exercise may have a positive effect on psychological stability in the elderly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sung-Hyoun Cho
- Department of Physical Therapy, Nambu University, 23, Cheomdanjungang-ro, Gwangsan-gu, Gwangju City, 62271, Republic of Korea.
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Borgi M, Loliva D, Cerino S, Chiarotti F, Venerosi A, Bramini M, Nonnis E, Marcelli M, Vinti C, De Santis C, Bisacco F, Fagerlie M, Frascarelli M, Cirulli F. Effectiveness of a Standardized Equine-Assisted Therapy Program for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Autism Dev Disord 2016. [PMID: 26210515 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-015-2530-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
In this study the effectiveness of an equine-assisted therapy (EAT) in improving adaptive and executive functioning in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) was examined (children attending EAT, n = 15, control group n = 13; inclusion criteria: IQ > 70). Therapeutic sessions consisted in structured activities involving horses and included both work on the ground and riding. Results indicate an improvement in social functioning in the group attending EAT (compared to the control group) and a milder effect on motor abilities. Improved executive functioning was also observed (i.e. reduced planning time in a problem-solving task) at the end of the EAT program. Our findings provide further support for the use of animal-assisted intervention programs as complementary intervention strategies for children with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Borgi
- Section of Behavioral Neuroscience, Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena, 299, 00161, Rome, Italy.
| | | | - Stefania Cerino
- Italian Society for Psychosocial Rehabilitation, Rome, Italy
| | - Flavia Chiarotti
- Section of Neurotoxicology and Neuroendocrinology, Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Aldina Venerosi
- Section of Neurotoxicology and Neuroendocrinology, Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Claudia Vinti
- A.S.D. Equitazione per tutti, Fiumicino, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | - Francesca Cirulli
- Section of Behavioral Neuroscience, Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena, 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
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Pham C, Bitonte R. Hippotherapy: Remuneration issues impair the offering of this therapeutic strategy at Southern California rehabilitation centers. NeuroRehabilitation 2016; 38:411-7. [PMID: 27061169 DOI: 10.3233/nre-161332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hippotherapy is the use of equine movement in physical, occupational, or speech therapy in order to obtain functional improvements in patients. Studies show improvement in motor function and sensory processing for patients with a variety of neuromuscular disabilities, developmental disorders, or skeletal impairments as a result of using hippotherapy. OBJECTIVE The primary objective of this study is to identify the pervasiveness of hippotherapy in Southern California, and any factors that impair its utilization. METHODS One hundred and fifty-two rehabilitation centers in the Southern California counties of Los Angeles, San Diego, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Ventura, and Kern County were identified, and surveyed to ascertain if hippotherapy is utilized, and if not, why not. RESULTS Through a review of forty facilities that responded to our inquiry, our study indicates that the majority of rehabilitation centers are familiar with hippotherapy, however, only seven have reported that hippotherapy is indeed available as an option in therapy at their centers. CONCLUSION It is concluded that hippotherapy, used in a broad based array of physical and sensory disorders, is limited in its ability to be utilized, primarily due to remuneration issues.
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Rigby BR, Grandjean PW. The Efficacy of Equine-Assisted Activities and Therapies on Improving Physical Function. J Altern Complement Med 2016; 22:9-24. [DOI: 10.1089/acm.2015.0171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- B. Rhett Rigby
- Department of Kinesiology, Texas Woman's University, Denton, TX
| | - Peter W. Grandjean
- Baylor Laboratories for Exercise Science & Technology, Department of Health, Human Performance, and Recreation, Baylor University, Waco, TX
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Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this case report was to describe the use of hippotherapy with a boy who sustained a brain injury. KEY POINTS A 13-year-old boy, 6 months after traumatic brain injury received 12 physical therapy sessions, which included hippotherapy. Improvements were noted in balance, strength, gross motor skills, gait speed, functional mobility, and reported participation. SUMMARY Hippotherapy used with a 13-year-old boy after traumatic brain injury may have had a positive effect in the body structure, activity, and participation domains.
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del Rosario-Montejo O, Molina-Rueda F, Muñoz-Lasa S, Alguacil-Diego I. Effectiveness of equine therapy in children with psychomotor impairment. NEUROLOGÍA (ENGLISH EDITION) 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nrleng.2013.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
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del Rosario-Montejo O, Molina-Rueda F, Muñoz-Lasa S, Alguacil-Diego I. Efectividad de la terapia ecuestre en niños con retraso psicomotor. Neurologia 2015; 30:425-32. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nrl.2013.12.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2013] [Revised: 12/03/2013] [Accepted: 12/05/2013] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
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Rodríguez Laiseca YA, Lerma Castaño PR. Cambios en el tono muscular en dos niños con parálisis cerebral espástica mediante la hipoterapia: reporte de casos. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015. [DOI: 10.20320/rfcsudes.v2i1.258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Kendall E, Maujean A, Pepping CA, Downes M, Lakhani A, Byrne J, Macfarlane K. A systematic review of the efficacy of equine-assisted interventions on psychological outcomes. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHOTHERAPY & COUNSELLING 2015. [DOI: 10.1080/13642537.2014.996169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Rigby BR, Papadakis Z, Bane AA, Park JK, Grandjean PW. Cardiorespiratory and biomechanical responses to simulated recreational horseback riding in healthy children. RESEARCH QUARTERLY FOR EXERCISE AND SPORT 2015; 86:63-70. [PMID: 25437748 DOI: 10.1080/02701367.2014.977432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to determine the reliability of cardiorespiratory and pelvic kinematic responses to simulated horseback riding (SHBR) and to characterize responses to SHBR relative to walking in apparently healthy children. METHOD Fifteen healthy children (M(age) = 9.5 ± 2.6 years) completed SHBR on a commercially available simulator at low intensity (0.27 Hz) and high intensity (0.65 Hz) during 3 sessions on different occasions. Heart rate (HR), blood pressure, and respiratory gases were measured at rest and during steady-state exercise at both intensities. Pelvic displacement was measured during steady-state exercise. Rate of energy expenditure, mean arterial pressure, and rate pressure product (RPP) were calculated. Participants also walked on a treadmill for 26.8 m/min to 80.5 m/min in 13.4-m/min increments at 0% grade during 1 session to compare cardiorespiratory responses with those of SHBR. RESULTS Physiological variables across all 3 SHBR sessions were similar at both intensities (p>.05 for all). Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and coefficients of variation indicate good to modest reliability of cardiorespiratory measures during SHBR (ICCs = .542-.996 for oxygen consumption, energy expenditure, and RPP). Cardiorespiratory variables, except for HR, were 2% to 19% greater, and pelvic displacement was up to 37% greater with high-intensity riding. Treadmill walking at all speeds elicited greater physiological responses compared with SHBR (p < .05). CONCLUSION Cardiorespiratory responses and pelvic kinematics are reproducible with SHBR in young children, and these responses were lower than those elicited by slow treadmill walking.
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Beinotti F, Christofoletti G, Correia N, Borges G. Effects of Horseback Riding Therapy on Quality of Life in Patients Post Stroke. Top Stroke Rehabil 2015; 20:226-32. [DOI: 10.1310/tsr2003-226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Muñoz Lasa S, Máximo Bocanegra N, Valero Alcaide R, Atín Arratibel M, Varela Donoso E, Ferriero G. Animal assisted interventions in neurorehabilitation: a review of the most recent literature. NEUROLOGÍA (ENGLISH EDITION) 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nrleng.2013.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
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Intervenciones asistidas por animales en neurorrehabilitación: una revisión de la literatura más reciente. Neurologia 2015; 30:1-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nrl.2013.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2012] [Revised: 10/24/2012] [Accepted: 01/22/2013] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
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Garner BA, Rigby BR. Human pelvis motions when walking and when riding a therapeutic horse. Hum Mov Sci 2014; 39:121-37. [PMID: 25436916 DOI: 10.1016/j.humov.2014.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2014] [Revised: 06/06/2014] [Accepted: 06/24/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
A prevailing rationale for equine assisted therapies is that the motion of a horse can provide sensory stimulus and movement patterns that mimic those of natural human activities such as walking. The purpose of this study was to quantitatively measure and compare human pelvis motions when walking to those when riding a horse. Six able-bodied children (inexperienced riders, 8-12years old) participated in over-ground trials of self-paced walking and leader-paced riding on four different horses. Five kinematic measures were extracted from three-dimensional pelvis motion data: anteroposterior, superoinferior, and mediolateral translations, list angle about the anteroposterior axis, and twist angle about the superoinferior axis. There was generally as much or more variability in motion range observed between riding on the different horses as between riding and walking. Pelvis trajectories exhibited many similar features between walking and riding, including distorted lemniscate patterns in the transverse and frontal planes. In the sagittal plane the pelvis trajectory during walking exhibited a somewhat circular pattern whereas during riding it exhibited a more diagonal pattern. This study shows that riding on a horse can generate movement patterns in the human pelvis that emulate many, but not all, characteristics of those during natural walking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian A Garner
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Baylor University, Waco, TX, USA.
| | - B Rhett Rigby
- Department of Health, Human Performance, and Recreation, Baylor University, Waco, TX, USA.
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Harvey LA, Glinsky JV, Bowden JL, Arora M. How well do randomised controlled trials of physical interventions for people with spinal cord injury adhere to the CONSORT guidelines? An analysis of trials published over a 10-year period. Spinal Cord 2014; 52:795-802. [PMID: 25179652 DOI: 10.1038/sc.2014.152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2014] [Revised: 07/29/2014] [Accepted: 08/01/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN Cross-sectional descriptive study of randomised controlled trials involving physical interventions for people with spinal cord injury (SCI) published between 2003 and 2013. OBJECTIVES To determine how well randomised controlled trials of physical interventions for people with SCI adhere to the CONSORT (Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials) guidelines. SETTING University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia. METHODS A search was conducted for randomised controlled trials designed to determine the effectiveness of physical interventions for people with SCI published between 2003 and 2013. The CONSORT checklist for the reporting of randomised controlled trials was used to determine how well each trial adhered to the guidelines. Two independent reviewers rated each trial on each of the 37 items on the CONSORT checklist using the following criteria: 'fully reported', 'partially reported', 'not reported', 'not relevant' or 'not reported but unable to determine if relevant/done'. RESULTS Fifty-three trials were retrieved. None of the trials 'fully reported' all items of the CONSORT guidelines. The median (IQR) number of items that was 'fully reported' was 11/37 (7-20). The median (IQR) number of items that was either 'fully reported' or 'not relevant' or 'not reported but unable to determine if relevant' was 20/37 items (17-27). CONCLUSION The reporting of randomised controlled trials in SCI is only partially adhering to the CONSORT guidelines. Journals can help lift standards by encouraging authors of randomised controlled trials to adhere to the CONSORT guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- L A Harvey
- Rehabilitation Studies Unit, Kolling Institute, Sydney Medical School/Northern, Faculty of Medicine, University of Sydney, C/O Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, New South Wales, Australia
| | - J V Glinsky
- Rehabilitation Studies Unit, Kolling Institute, Sydney Medical School/Northern, Faculty of Medicine, University of Sydney, C/O Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, New South Wales, Australia
| | - J L Bowden
- Rehabilitation Studies Unit, Kolling Institute, Sydney Medical School/Northern, Faculty of Medicine, University of Sydney, C/O Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, New South Wales, Australia
| | - M Arora
- Rehabilitation Studies Unit, Kolling Institute, Sydney Medical School/Northern, Faculty of Medicine, University of Sydney, C/O Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, New South Wales, Australia
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Berg EL, Causey A. The life-changing power of the horse: Equine-assisted activities and therapies in the U.S. Anim Front 2014. [DOI: 10.2527/af.2014-0025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Erika L. Berg
- Department of Animal Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo
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Kim S, Yuk GC, Gak H. Effects of the horse riding simulator and ball exercises on balance of the elderly. J Phys Ther Sci 2013; 25:1425-8. [PMID: 24396203 PMCID: PMC3881470 DOI: 10.1589/jpts.25.1425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2013] [Accepted: 06/07/2013] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
[Purpose] The aim of this study was to examine the effects of horse riding exercise
using a horse riding simulator (HRS) and a ball on static and dynamic balance of elderly
people. [Methods] Thirty-two elderly people hospitalized in geriatric hospitals were
randomly assigned to the HRS exercise group or the ball exercise groups, and they
performed exercise for eight weeks. [Results] The length of postural sway during quite
standing with and without eyes closed significantly decreased in both groups after the
exercises and there was no significant difference between both groups in the Romberg test.
In the functional reach test (FRT), there were significant increases in distance in both
groups after the exercises, and the distance of the HRS exercise group was significantly
greater than that of the ball exercise group. In the Timed Up & Go test (TUG) and
Timed 10-meter walk test (10MWT), the time significantly decreased in both groups, and
there was a more significant decrease in the HRS exercise group than in the ball exercise
group. [Conclusion] The results of this study indicate that HRS and ball exercises may
improve the balance and gait ability of elderly people hospitalized in nursing homes or
geriatric hospitals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seonggil Kim
- Department of Rehabilitation Science, Graduate School, Daegu University, Republic of Korea
| | - Goon-Chang Yuk
- Department of Physical Therapy, Yeungnam University Hospital, Republic of Korea
| | - Hwangbo Gak
- Department of Physical Therapy, College of Rehabilitation Science, Daegu University, Republic of Korea
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Han JY, Kim JM, Kim SK, Chung JS, Lee HC, Lim JK, Lee J, Park KY. Therapeutic effects of mechanical horseback riding on gait and balance ability in stroke patients. Ann Rehabil Med 2013; 36:762-9. [PMID: 23342307 PMCID: PMC3546177 DOI: 10.5535/arm.2012.36.6.762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2012] [Accepted: 08/09/2012] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To investigate the therapeutic effects of mechanical horseback riding for gait and balance parameters in post-stroke patients. Method This study was a non randomized prospective positive-controlled trial over a 12 week period. From May 2011 to October 2011, 37 stroke patients were recruited from our outpatient clinic and divided into two groups. The control group received the conventional physiotherapy while the intervention group received the conventional physiotherapy along with mechanical horseback riding therapy for 12 weeks. Outcome measurements of gait included the Functional Ambulation Category (FAC) and gait part of the Performance Oriented Mobility Assessment (G-POMA) while those of balance included the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and the balance part of the Performance Oriented Mobility Assessment (B-POMA). These measurements were taken before and after treatment. Results There were no significant differences in the baseline characteristics and initial values between the two groups. When comparing baseline and 12 weeks post treatment in each group, the intervention group showed significant improvement on BBS (39.9±5.7 → 45.7±4.8, p=0.001) and B-POMA (10.4±2.6 → 12.6±2.1, p=0.001), but significant improvement on gait parameters. When comparing the groups, the dynamic balance category of BBS in post treatment showed significant difference (p=0.02). Conclusion This study suggests that mechanical horseback riding therapy may be an effective treatment tool for enhancing balance in adults with stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Young Han
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, School of Medicine, Konkuk University, Chungju 380-704, Korea
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Choi BR, Kim JH, Lee JU, Kim J. The Effects of Hippotherapy on Standing Balance in Patients with Incomplete Cervical Spinal Cord Injuries: A Pilot Study. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013. [DOI: 10.4236/nm.2013.41002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Sunwoo H, Chang WH, Kwon JY, Kim TW, Lee JY, Kim YH. Hippotherapy in adult patients with chronic brain disorders: a pilot study. Ann Rehabil Med 2012; 36:756-61. [PMID: 23342306 PMCID: PMC3546176 DOI: 10.5535/arm.2012.36.6.756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2012] [Accepted: 07/08/2012] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of hippotherapy for adult patients with brain disorders. METHOD Eight chronic brain disorder patients (7 males, mean age 42.4±16.6 years) were recruited. The mean duration from injury was 7.9±7.7 years. The diagnoses were stroke (n=5), traumatic brain disorder (n=2), and cerebral palsy (n=1). Hippotherapy sessions were conducted twice a week for eight consecutive weeks in an indoor riding arena. Each hippotherapy session lasted 30 minutes. All participants were evaluated by the Berg balance scale, Tinetti Performance-Oriented Mobility Assessment, 10 Meter Walking Test, Functional Ambulatory Category, Korean Beck Depression Inventory, and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale. We performed baseline assessments twice just before starting hippotherapy. We also assessed the participants immediately after hippotherapy and at eight weeks after hippotherapy. RESULTS All participants showed no difference in balance, gait function, and emotion between the two baseline assessments before hippotherapy. During the eight-week hippotherapy program, all participants showed neither adverse effects nor any accidents; all had good compliance. After hippotherapy, there were significant improvements in balance and gait speed in comparison with the baseline assessment (p<0.05), and these effects were sustained for two months after hippotherapy. However, there was no significant difference in emotion after hippotherapy. CONCLUSION We could observe hippotherapy to be a safe and effective alternative therapy for adult patients with brain disorders in improving balance and gait function. Further future studies are warranted to delineate the benefits of hippotherapy on chronic stroke patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyuk Sunwoo
- Department of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul 135-710, Korea
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Bunketorp Käll L, Lundgren-Nilsson Å, Blomstrand C, Pekna M, Pekny M, Nilsson M. The effects of a rhythm and music-based therapy program and therapeutic riding in late recovery phase following stroke: a study protocol for a three-armed randomized controlled trial. BMC Neurol 2012; 12:141. [PMID: 23171380 PMCID: PMC3554429 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2377-12-141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2012] [Accepted: 10/11/2012] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stroke represents one of the most costly and long-term disabling conditions in adulthood worldwide and there is a need to determine the effectiveness of rehabilitation programs in the late phase after stroke. Limited scientific support exists for training incorporating rhythm and music as well as therapeutic riding and well-designed trials to determine the effectiveness of these treatment modalities are warranted. METHODS/DESIGN A single blinded three-armed randomized controlled trial is described with the aim to evaluate whether it is possible to improve the overall health status and functioning of individuals in the late phase of stroke (1-5 years after stroke) through a rhythm and music-based therapy program or therapeutic riding. About 120 individuals will be consecutively and randomly allocated to one of three groups: (T1) rhythm and music-based therapy program; (T2) therapeutic riding; or (T3) control group receiving the T1 training program a year later. Evaluation is conducted prior to and after the 12-week long intervention as well as three and six months later. The evaluation comprises a comprehensive functional and cognitive assessment (both qualitative and quantitative), and questionnaires. Based on the International classification of functioning, disability, and health (ICF), the outcome measures are classified into six comprehensive domains, with participation as the primary outcome measure assessed by the Stroke Impact Scale (SIS, version 2.0.). The secondary outcome measures are grouped within the following domains: body function, activity, environmental factors and personal factors. Life satisfaction and health related quality of life constitute an additional domain. CURRENT STATUS A total of 84 participants were randomised and have completed the intervention. Recruitment proceeds and follow-up is on-going, trial results are expected in early 2014. DISCUSSION This study will ascertain whether any of the two intervention programs can improve overall health status and functioning in the late phase of stroke. A positive outcome would increase the scientific basis for the use of such interventions in the late phase after stroke. TRIAL REGISTRATION Clinical Trials.gov Identifier: NCT01372059.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lina Bunketorp Käll
- Center for Brain Repair and Rehabilitation, Department of Clinical Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
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Herrero P, Gómez-Trullén EM, Asensio A, García E, Casas R, Monserrat E, Pandyan A. Study of the therapeutic effects of a hippotherapy simulator in children with cerebral palsy: a stratified single-blind randomized controlled trial. Clin Rehabil 2012; 26:1105-13. [PMID: 22610128 DOI: 10.1177/0269215512444633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate whether hippotherapy (when applied by a simulator) improves postural control and balance in children with cerebral palsy. DESIGN Stratified single-blind randomized controlled trial with an independent assessor. Stratification was made by gross motor function classification system levels, and allocation was concealed. SUBJECTS Children between 4 and 18 years old with cerebral palsy. INTERVENTIONS Participants were randomized to an intervention (simulator ON) or control (simulator OFF) group after getting informed consent. Treatment was provided once a week (15 minutes) for 10 weeks. MAIN MEASURES Gross Motor Function Measure (dimension B for balance and the Total Score) and Sitting Assessment Scale were carried out at baseline (prior to randomization), end of intervention and 12 weeks after completing the intervention. RESULTS Thirty-eight children participated. The groups were balanced at baseline. Sitting balance (measured by dimension B of the Gross Motor Function Measure) improved significantly in the treatment group (effect size = 0.36; 95% CI 0.01-0.71) and the effect size was greater in the severely disabled group (effect size = 0.80; 95% CI 0.13-1.47). The improvements in sitting balance were not maintained over the follow-up period. Changes in the total score of the Gross Motor Function Measure and the Sitting Assessment Scale were not significant. CONCLUSION Hippotherapy with a simulator can improve sitting balance in cerebral palsy children who have higher levels of disability. However, this did not lead to a change in the overall function of these children (Gross Motor Function Classification System level V).
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