The Effect of Hippotherapy Simulator in Children with Spastic Cerebral Palsy

Investıgatıon of the Effect of Hıppotherapy Sımulator on Lower Extremıty Selectıve Motor Control, Balance and Trunk Control in Chıldren Wıth Spastıc Cerebral Palsy

The horseback riding simulator (HRS) is a dynamic robotic device that mimics the movement of a horse for hippotherapy purposes. HRS aims to improve the patient's balance, adaptation and provide postural adjustment by mimicking the rhythmic movements of the horse.

This study aims to research the potential benefits of the horseback riding simulator on the lower extremity selective motor control, balance and trunk control in children with Cerebral palsy.

Between the dates of the study, children with Cerebral palsy (CP) who meet the inclusion criteria will be allocated into two groups (intervention group, control group) by randomiZation method.

Intervention group: horseback riding simulator (HRS) will be applied in addition to routine Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation. This group will receive 20 minutes of routine physiotherapy training and 20 minutes of HRS application in addition to 2 sessions per week for 8 weeks.

Control group: Routine physiotherapy training will be applied within a specific programme for 40 minutes in 2 sessions per week for 8 weeks.

All the assessments will be performed before and after the training in the 8-week groups.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosis of Spastic Cerebral Palsy
• Voluntary participation
• Age between 5-17 years,
• GMFCS Level I-II-III
• MACS Level I-II-III
• Modified Asworth Scale (MAS) Level 1-2-3
• Have the ability to sit with support

Exclusion Criteria:

• Having severe visual and hearing problems
• Severe distractibility problems and inability to follow task instructions,
• Not voluntary to participate in the research,
• Individuals with CP who have had hip or spine surgery in the last 6 months
• Individuals with CP who have undergone Botox in the last 6 months