Summary of the Systematic Review

ARTICLE CITATION

Effect of Hippotherapy on Motor Control, Adaptive Behaviors, and Participation in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Pilot Study

Ajzenman HF, Standeven JW, Shurtleff TL

Am J Occup Ther(2013) 

ARTICLE DETAILS

Description

The purpose of this investigation was to determine whether hippotherapy increased function and participation in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We hypothesized improvements in motor control, which might increase adaptive behaviors and participation in daily activities. Six children with ASD ages 5-12 participated in 12 weekly 45-min hippotherapy sessions. Measures pre- and post-hippotherapy included the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales-II and the Child Activity Card Sort. Motor control was measured preintervention and postintervention using a video motion capture system and force plates.

Profession 

Occupational Therapist 

Location 

USA

Intervention Terminology

HPOT

Study Design 

Comparison 

Sample

6 children 

Age/Population

5-12  years 

Assessment/ Outcome measure tools

Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale-II; Child Activity Card Sort; Foce Plates and Video Motion Capture

Result Category 

Postural Control, Adaptive Behavior, Participation

Dosage/Description of Intervention

1x wk x 12 wks, 45 min mounted on horse