NCT05297149

Effect of Hippotherapy in Children With Down Syndrome

Effect of Hippotherapy on Balance, Functional Mobility, and Functional Independence in Children With Down Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 34 (actual)
• Sponsor: Halic University · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 4 Years – 14 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of hippotherapy on balance, functional mobility, and functional independence in children with Down syndrome (DS). Methods: Thirty-four children with DS were randomly assigned to the experimental (hippotherapy) and control groups after initial assessment. Both groups received physiotherapy including balance exercises, and the experimental group also received hippotherapy. Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS), Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), and Functional Independence Measure for Children (WeeFIM) were used before and after the intervention.

Detailed description

Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of hippotherapy on balance, functional mobility, and functional independence in children with Down syndrome (DS). Methods: Thirty-four children with DS were randomly assigned to the experimental (hippotherapy) and control groups after initial assessment. Both groups received physiotherapy including balance exercises, and the experimental group also received hippotherapy. Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS), Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), and Functional Independence Measure for Children (WeeFIM) were used before and after the intervention.

Conditions

• Down Syndrome

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
BEHAVIORAL	Hippotherapy	The hippotherapy program consisted of 6 weekly sessions that varied in duration between 20 and 30 minutes depending on the weekly program and the participant's condition. Each session started with brief greetings and contact with the horse.
BEHAVIORAL	Home exrecises	The home exercise program consisted of the following balance training exercises: one leg standing on foam with eyes open and closed, double leg standing on foam with eyes open and closed, walking in tandem with eyes open and closed, balance exercises on an inclined surface, balance exercises in squat, and jumping over an obstacle on the ground. All participants performed the exercises under parental supervision, 3 times per week for 6 weeks. The physiotherapist made video calls to the children and parents to ensure their adherence to the home exercise program.

Timeline

• Start date: 2020-11-30
• Primary completion: 2021-01-04
• Completion: 2021-01-25
• First posted: 2022-03-28
• Last updated: 2022-03-28

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Turkey (Türkiye)