title: A study of therapeutic effects of horseback riding for children with cerebral palsy.
abstract: This article describes major findings from a study of the therapeutic benefits of horseback riding for children with cerebral palsy. Nineteen children (aged 4-12 years) with mild or moderate degrees of cerebral palsy were recruited from a children's treatment centre. Prior to randomization, the children were stratified according to their degree of disability. Ten children were allocated to a riding (experimental) group, and participated in one-hour weekly riding classes for six months. The remaining nine children were put on a waiting list for riding. The results of the study were inconclusive as so often in the case with children with cerebral palsy. Qualitative results gleaned from the weekly progress recordings of the riding instructor, reports of the on-site physical therapist, and reports from parents showed clear progressions in physical and psychosocial functioning. Results of standardized quantitative assessments showed few statistically significant changes in the children. The study clearly indicates a need for further research and for finding or developing instruments that are able to capture and reveal meaningful changes in physical and psychosocial status.
authors.affiliation: Associate Professor, Department of Occupational Therapy, Elborn College, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada N6G 1H1.
authors.forename: J R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Mackinnon
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Noh
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Lariviere
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Macphail
authors.forename: D E
authors.initials: DE
authors.lastname: Allan
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Laliberte