Immediate and long-term effects of hippotherapy on symmetry of adductor muscle activity and functional ability in children with spastic cerebral palsy.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the immediate effects of 10 minutes of hippotherapy, compared with 10 minutes of barrel-sitting, on symmetry of adductor muscle activity during walking in children with cerebral palsy (CP) (phase I). To investigate the long-term effects of 12 weeks of hippotherapy on adductor activity, gross motor function, and self-concept (phase II).


METHODS
Pretest/posttest randomized controlled trial plus clinical follow-up.


METHODS
Outpatient therapy center.


METHODS
Children with spastic CP (phase I: n=47; phase II: n=6).


METHODS
Phase I: 10 minutes of hippotherapy or 10 minutes of barrel-sitting; phase II: 12 weekly hippotherapy sessions.


METHODS
Phases I and II: adductor muscle activity measured by surface electromyography. Phase II: gross motor function and self-perception profiles.


RESULTS
Phase I: hippotherapy significantly improved adductor muscle asymmetry (P<.001; d=1.32). Effects of barrel-sitting were not significant (P>.05; d=.10). Phase II: after 12 weeks of hippotherapy, testing in several functional domains showed improvements over baseline that were sustained for 12 weeks posttreatment.


CONCLUSIONS
Hippotherapy can improve adductor muscle symmetry during walking and can also improve other functional motor skills.
McGibbon
Nancy H
NH
Therapeutic Riding of Tucson Therapy Services, Tucson, AZ, USA. nhmcgibbon@gmail.com
Benda
William
W
Duncan
Burris R
BR
Silkwood-Sherer
Debbie
D
D000293:Adolescent; D000818:Animals; D002547:Cerebral Palsy / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004576:Electromyography; D026241:Exercise Movement Techniques / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006736:Horses; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009068:Movement; D016138:Walking