Hippotherapy in children with cerebral palsy

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the influence of hippotherapy (therapy with horses) on gross motor function and balance among children with cerebral palsy (CP). Methods: The study was conducted with ten children with CP. The children from the study groups attended 30min hippotherapy sessions for 12 consecutive weeks, twice. The gross motor function measure scale–88 (GMFM-88) and Berg balance scale were used to measure the effect of hippotherapy. Results: The mean age of children was 76.70 (33-139) months. In four, three, and three children, respectively, the types of CP were bilateral quadriplegia, diplegia, and hemiplegia. The mean scores of GMFM-88 and Berg balance scales were measured as 66.24 ± 21.30 (23.92-88.14) and 23.90 ± 16.25 (1.00-51) at the beginning of the hippotherapy program. After 12 weeks, these values were calculated as 66.69 ±27.11 (26.26-95.64) and 31.00 ± 18.39 (3.00-55.00). Conclusion: Hippotherapy has a positive influence on the balance and gross motor functions in children with cerebral palsy.
Keywords: Cerebral palsy, hippotherapy, children