Hippotherapy.
Hippotherapy refers to the use of the movement of the horse asa treatment tool by physical therapists, occupational therapists,and speech-language therapists to address impairments, functional limitations, and disabilities in clients with neuromusculoskeletal dysfunction, such as cerebral palsy. Hippotherapy is used as part of an integrated treatment program to achieve functional outcomes. Hippotherapy engages the client in activities on the horse that are enjoyable and challenging. In the controlled hippotherapyenvironment, the therapist modifies the horse's movement and carefully grades sensory input, establishing 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.
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Livermore Division Building 62, M/S 117 4951, Arroyo Road, Livermore, CA 94550, USA. gnmotr@aol.com
Gary
G
Meregillano
D000818:Animals; D002547:Cerebral Palsy / Q000534:rehabilitation; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy / Q000379:methods; D000529:Complementary Therapies / Q000379:methods*; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D006736:Horses; D001841:Human-Animal Bond; D006801:Humans; D016896:Treatment Outcome