The effect of hippotherapy on postural balance

Abstract

Introduction. Impaired motor control in children with infantile cerebral palsy (ICP) frequently leads to mobility limitations. Aim. The aim of the study was to assess the effect of hippotherapy on maintaining postural balance and gait in children with ICP. Material and methods. A total of thirty children with spastic diplegia, aged 8-13 years, participated in the study. All children took part in a two-week hippotherapy program. The Tinetti and Timed Up and Go (TUG) tests were used to investigate the quality of their postural balance and gait. All tests were performed before and after therapeutic horseback riding. Results. After the two weeks of therapy, a statistically significant (p<0.05) improvement in balance maintenance and gait performance was observed in all children. Conclusion. 1. Hippotherapy sessions significantly improved the level of postural balance in children with ICP. 2. Equine-assisted therapy (EAT) positively affected the quality of gait and significantly decreased the risk of accidental falls in children who participated in the rehabilitation program.