Summary of the Systematic Review

Effect of a hippotherapy intervention program on static balance and strength in adolescents with intellectual disabilities

Giagazoglou, Arabatzi, Dipla, Liga, Kellis

Research in Dev. Disabilities (2012)

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Description

The aim of this study was to assess the effects of a hippotherapy program on static balance and strength in adolescents with intellectual disability (ID). Nineteen adolescents with moderate ID were assigned either an experimental group (n=10) or a control group (n=9). The experimental group attended a 10-week hippotherapy program. To assess static balance, three tasks of increasing difficulty (Double-Leg Stance with opened or closed eyes, and One-Leg Stance with opened eyes) were performed while standing on an EPS pressure platform (Loran Engineering S.r.I., Bologna, Italy).  

Profession 

Physical Therapist 

Location 

Greece

Intervention Terminology

HPOT

Study Design 

Randomized group with control pre–post

Sample

19 Adolescents 

Age/Population

13-17 years 

Assessment/ Outcome measure tools

Double-Leg Stance with opened or closed eyes, and One-Leg Stance with opened eyes) were performed while standing on an EPS pressure platform . The strength measurements consisted of three maximal isometric half-squats from the seating position (knee joint at 90°). 

Result Category 

Static balance, Strength

Dosage/Description of Intervention

Experimental group= 10 weeks HPOT