Hippotherapy Simulators on Trunk Control and Upper Extremity Functions in Cerebral Palsy

Investigation of the Effect of Hippotherapy Simulators on Trunk Control and Upper Extremity Functions in Children With Cerebral Palsy

The hippotherapy simulator imitates the three-dimensional mechanical movement and walking of the horse and transfers the mechanical effect to the rider during hippotherapy. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of exercise program with hippotherapy simulator on upper extremity functions and trunk control of individuals with cerebral palsy.All individuals diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy who agree to participate in the study and meet the inclusion criteria will be randomly divided into two groups as Study and Control Group. In addition to conventional physiotherapy, the study group will be trained in the Hippotherapy Simulature for 15 minutes a day, 5 days a week for 4 weeks.n addition to conventional physiotherapy, the control group will be allowed to sit in the Hippotherapy Simulature for 15 minutes a day, 5 days a week for 4 weeks. However, the simulator will be kept in closed position to prevent oscillations.

Cerebral Palsy can be defined as a non-progressive lesion that occurs in the brain that has not yet completed its development and causes activity limitation with movement and posture problems. Although the disorders seen in Cerebral Palsy are not progressive, these individuals may experience losses in their current motor functions in later ages and this may cause losses in their independence and activities of daily living. The hippotherapy simulator imitates the three-dimensional mechanical movement and walking of the horse and transfers the mechanical effect to the rider during hippotherapy. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of exercise program with hippotherapy simulator on upper extremity functions and trunk control of individuals with cerebral palsy.All individuals diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy who agree to participate in the study and meet the inclusion criteria will be randomly divided into two groups as Study and Control Group. In addition to conventional physiotherapy, the study group will be trained in the Hippotherapy Simulature for 15 minutes a day, 5 days a week for 4 weeks.n addition to conventional physiotherapy, the control group will be allowed to sit in the Hippotherapy Simulature for 15 minutes a day, 5 days a week for 4 weeks. However, the simulator will be kept in closed position to prevent oscillations.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Being between 6-18 years old
• Being diagnosed with unilateral spastic type cerebral palsy
• Voluntariness of the family and individuals to participate in the study
• Being at I, II, III level according to the Hand Skills Classification System
• To have the cognitive development to cooperate

Exclusion Criteria:

• Having undergone any orthopedic and/or neurological surgery and/or BoNT A operation within the last 6 months
• Having a history of epilepsy
• Hearing and/or vision loss at a level that prevents participation in the study