Commentary on Development of a Pediatric Goal-Centered Upper Limb Spasticity Home Exercise Therapy Program

HIPPOTHERAPY IN CEREBRAL PALSY - SURVEY RESEARCH

OBJECTIVE

The aim: To assess the effects of a one-year hippotherapy programme on the physical and mental functioning of children with cerebral palsy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Materials and methods: The study included 15 children with cerebral palsy whose mean age was 9 years. The children participated in hippotherapy ses¬sions at the Rehabilitation Centre in Rusinowice (one-year observation). The clinical presentation was dominated by manifestations of motor and postural abnormalities caused by central nervous system damage. A survey questionnaire was used in the study to collect information about problems associated with everyday life and functioning.

RESULTS

Results: The results obtained in this study showed that spastic CP was the most common form of the disorder, affecting 8 out of 15 children (53%). It was followed by mixed CP (40%, 6 children). Among the respondents, 67% (10 people) were already familiar with hippotherapy whereas 33% did not know this method.

CONCLUSION

Conclusions: There was a strong correlation between being familiar with effects of hippotherapy and the level of education of the parent/guardian. This result had a moderate influence on the frequency of hippotherapy sessions. Systematic hippotherapy sessions helped improve physical fitness and everyday functioning in children with cerebral palsy.

Cerebral Palsy: Sport and Exercise Considerations

ABSTRACT

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of debilitating motor disorders that carries a wide array of clinical presentations ranging from isolated physical or cognitive impairment to global loss of function. Despite the prevalence of CP, recommendations and benefits of physical activity/exercise have historically not been clearly defined. The research on the subject has several limitations, including small sample size, power, standardized measures/outcomes, and poor classification regarding severity of the disease. Nonetheless, the general consensus and new research shows that individuals with CP who participate in sports and exercise regimens, even at reduced frequency and intensity, exhibit improvements in health care benefits, including cardiorespiratory endurance, gross motor function, gait stability, and reduction in pain. These regimens can be prescribed safely and individualized by health care providers to improve morbidity and mortality in patients suffering from CP.