Summary of the Systematic Review

Modulation of Back Geometry in Children with Spastic Diplegic CP via Hippotherapy training

El-Meniawy, G & Thabet N

Egytpian Journal of Medical Huan Genetics (2012) 

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Description

Controlled hippotherapy environment provides a foundation for improved neurologic function and sensory processing. This foundation can be generalized to a wide range of daily activities, making the horse a valuable therapeutic tool for rehabilitation. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a once weekly, twelve-week hippotherapy program on back geometry in children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy.

Thirty spastic diplegic children from both sexes, ranging in age from six to eight years represented the sample of this study. The degree of spasticity ranged from 1 to 1+ according to the modified Ashworth scale. They were divided randomly into two groups of equal number A (control) and B (Study).

Evaluation of back geometry parameters was conducted for each child of the two groups before and after three months of treatment via using Formetric instrument system. Group A received a designed exercise program, while group B received hippotherapy training in addition to the same exercise program given to group A.

Profession 

Physical Therapist 

Location 

Egypt

Intervention Terminology

HPOT

Study Design 

RCT

Sample

30 children 

Age/Population

6-8 Years 

Assessment/ Outcome measure tools

Formetric instrument system to measure back geometry

Result Category 

Back geometry/Posture

Dosage/Description of Intervention

1x per week, 2 sets of 15 minutes of movement on the horse with 10 minute rest break in the middle, arm exercises performed during the second set of movement