Margaret C McGee1, Nancy B Reese. 1. Department of Physical Therapy, University of Central Arkansas, Conway, Arkansas 72035-0001, USA. mmcgee@uca.edu
Abstract
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the immediate effects of a hippotherapy session on temporal and spatial gait parameters in children with spastic cerebral palsy (CP). METHODS: Subjects comprised 9 children with a diagnosis of CP, 6 girls and 3 boys, 7 to 18 years of age. Data for temporal and spatial gait parameters were collected immediately before and after a hippotherapy session. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) were noted in the postride temporal and spatial gait parameter values when compared with the preride values. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides baseline data for future research and useful clinical information for physical therapists using hippotherapy as a treatment modality for children with spastic CP.
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the immediate effects of a hippotherapy session on temporal and spatial gait parameters in children with spastic cerebral palsy (CP). METHODS: Subjects comprised 9 children with a diagnosis of CP, 6 girls and 3 boys, 7 to 18 years of age. Data for temporal and spatial gait parameters were collected immediately before and after a hippotherapy session. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) were noted in the postride temporal and spatial gait parameter values when compared with the preride values. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides baseline data for future research and useful clinical information for physical therapists using hippotherapy as a treatment modality for children with spastic CP.