Effect of Hippotherapy in Children With Down Syndrome

Effect of Hippotherapy on Balance, Functional Mobility, and Functional Independence in Children With Down Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of hippotherapy on balance, functional mobility, and functional independence in children with Down syndrome (DS).

Methods: Thirty-four children with DS were randomly assigned to the experimental (hippotherapy) and control groups after initial assessment. Both groups received physiotherapy including balance exercises, and the experimental group also received hippotherapy. Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS), Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), and Functional Independence Measure for Children (WeeFIM) were used before and after the intervention.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of hippotherapy on balance, functional mobility, and functional independence in children with Down syndrome (DS).

Methods: Thirty-four children with DS were randomly assigned to the experimental (hippotherapy) and control groups after initial assessment. Both groups received physiotherapy including balance exercises, and the experimental group also received hippotherapy. Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS), Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), and Functional Independence Measure for Children (WeeFIM) were used before and after the intervention.

Inclusion Criteria:

• diagnosed with down syndrome
• being aged 4 to 14 years
• being voluntary

Exclusion Criteria:

• having a history of previous hippotherapy intervention,
• having a phobia related to horse riding, epileptic seizures, atlantoaxial instability, and
• having any orthopedic, neurological, or cardiovascular disease that prevents physical activity.