Hippotherapy to Improve the Balance of Children With Movement Disorders

Hippotherapy to Improve Balance Deficits in a Cohort of Children With Movement Disorders: A Pilot Study

The purpose of this study is to determine if adding hippotherapy treatment will improve balance for children ages 5-17 who have disabilities such as cerebral palsy and down syndrome. We also want to find out if by improving their balance the children increase their participation in age appropriate activities.

The primary purpose of this study is to determine the effects of hippotherapy on the balance of children with developmental disorders that cause mild to moderate balance problems. The secondary purpose is to determine if the use of hippotherapy also improves perceived functional abilities and thus quality of life as measured by the pediatric balance scale and Activities Scale for Kids (respectively)

Inclusion Criteria:

• between the ages of 5 and 17
• have a neuromuscular diagnosis or confirmed difficulties with balance
• be able to stand 4 seconds without an assistive device
• be able to follow testing instructions
• must be under 250 pounds
• be able to attend a minimum 10/12 sessions.

Exclusion Criteria:

• any compounding orthopedic or medical condition not related to the primary developmental diagnosis.
• previous hippotherapy intervention or therapeutic riding experience
• allergies or aversion to horses.
• refusal of parents to sign the therapeutic riding center's liability release form
• any new treatments (includes therapies, drugs, or other complementary treatments) within one month of the start of the study or plans for new treatments during the intervention period
• lack of a physician referral for physical therapy