Development of Simulated Hippotherapy System and Investigation of Its Effectiveness in Children With Cerebral Palsy

Development of Simulated Hippotherapy System and Investigation of Its Effectiveness in Children With Cerebral Palsy

The purpose of this study is to develop a simulated hippotherapy system controlled by electromyography (EMG) signals and investigate its effectiveness in children with cerebral palsy. In order to investigate its effectiveness evaluation of gross motor functions, lower extremity joint movements, spasticity of the lower extremities, functional independence, body movements, sitting and standing balance, muscle tone, stiffness and elasticity level, analysis of the walking are planned.

Hippotherapy is a therapeutic method in which a real horse is used for therapeutic purposes. It is widely used in many countries in the treatment of neuromuscular diseases (Multiple Sclerosis, stroke, Cerebral Palsy, etc.). Although the use of hippotherapy is widespread, many people can not reach and use this method effectively because of many reasons such as the high cost of caring, feeding, and sheltering horses or fear of people from horses. In recent years, hippotherapy simulation devices (mechanic and robotic horses) have been developed to overcome these problems. These devices aim to create the effects of hippotherapy on people by simulating a real horse's movement. The aim of this project is to develop and produce a simulated hippotherapy system, which can be controlled by electromyography (EMG) signals coming from the rider, movements programmable (for different musculoskeletal problems), rehabilitation-specific, providing evaluation during therapy, integrating virtual reality system and therapy games and investigate its effectiveness in children with cerebral palsy.

Inclusion Criteria

• Having a diagnosis of Spastic Cerebral Palsy,
• Children aged between 5 - 18 years,
• Gross motor functional level is I, II or III,
• Independent seating
• Walking at least 10 meters independently,
• Can understand simple verbal instructions,
• Those with a spasticity level less than 2 according to Modified Ashworth Scale ,
• Having bilateral hip abduction enough to sit on the hippotherapy device,
• Voluntary acceptance to participate in the study

Exclusion Criteria

• Having hip dislocation,
• Severe contracture or deformity,
• Scoliosis (above 20 degrees),
• Acute uncontrolled acute seizures,
• Epilepsy,
• Visual and auditory problems,
• Injection of botulinum toxin in the last 6 months,
• History of surgical operation such as muscle relaxation, tendon extension and selective dorsal rhizotomy in the last 6 months.