NCT01313325

Hippotherapy to Improve the Balance of Children With Movement Disorders

Hippotherapy to Improve Balance Deficits in a Cohort of Children With Movement Disorders: A Pilot Study

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 16 (actual)
• Sponsor: Central Michigan University · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 5 Years – 17 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

The purpose of this study is to determine if adding hippotherapy treatment will improve balance for children ages 5-17 who have disabilities such as cerebral palsy and down syndrome. We also want to find out if by improving their balance the children increase their participation in age appropriate activities.

Detailed description

The primary purpose of this study is to determine the effects of hippotherapy on the balance of children with developmental disorders that cause mild to moderate balance problems. The secondary purpose is to determine if the use of hippotherapy also improves perceived functional abilities and thus quality of life as measured by the pediatric balance scale and Activities Scale for Kids (respectively)

Conditions

• Neuromuscular Diseases
• Cerebral Palsy
• Down Syndrome
• Autism
• Developmental Coordination Disorder

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
OTHER	Hippotherapy	Children will receive treatment by a licensed physical therapist using hippotherapy as the treatment strategy. This includes sitting on a horse who's movement is controlled by a horse leader, with the PT directing the movements required of the horse, as well as supplying supplemental cues to the participant. Alternative positions (such as sitting backward and sideways) may also be used during the treatment session.

Timeline

• Start date: 2006-09-01
• Primary completion: 2007-12-01
• Completion: 2007-12-01
• First posted: 2011-03-11
• Last updated: 2011-03-11

Locations

1 site across 1 country: United States