OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether hippotherapy (when applied by a simulator) improves postural control and balance in children with cerebral palsy. DESIGN: Stratified single-blind randomized controlled trial with an independent assessor. Stratification was made by gross motor function classification system levels, and allocation was concealed. SUBJECTS:Children between 4 and 18 years old with cerebral palsy. INTERVENTIONS: Participants were randomized to an intervention (simulator ON) or control (simulator OFF) group after getting informed consent. Treatment was provided once a week (15 minutes) for 10 weeks. MAIN MEASURES: Gross Motor Function Measure (dimension B for balance and the Total Score) and Sitting Assessment Scale were carried out at baseline (prior to randomization), end of intervention and 12 weeks after completing the intervention. RESULTS:Thirty-eight children participated. The groups were balanced at baseline. Sitting balance (measured by dimension B of the Gross Motor Function Measure) improved significantly in the treatment group (effect size = 0.36; 95% CI 0.01-0.71) and the effect size was greater in the severely disabled group (effect size = 0.80; 95% CI 0.13-1.47). The improvements in sitting balance were not maintained over the follow-up period. Changes in the total score of the Gross Motor Function Measure and the Sitting Assessment Scale were not significant. CONCLUSION:Hippotherapy with a simulator can improve sitting balance in cerebral palsy children who have higher levels of disability. However, this did not lead to a change in the overall function of these children (Gross Motor Function Classification System level V).
RCT Entities:
OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether hippotherapy (when applied by a simulator) improves postural control and balance in children with cerebral palsy. DESIGN: Stratified single-blind randomized controlled trial with an independent assessor. Stratification was made by gross motor function classification system levels, and allocation was concealed. SUBJECTS:Children between 4 and 18 years old with cerebral palsy. INTERVENTIONS:Participants were randomized to an intervention (simulator ON) or control (simulator OFF) group after getting informed consent. Treatment was provided once a week (15 minutes) for 10 weeks. MAIN MEASURES: Gross Motor Function Measure (dimension B for balance and the Total Score) and Sitting Assessment Scale were carried out at baseline (prior to randomization), end of intervention and 12 weeks after completing the intervention. RESULTS: Thirty-eight children participated. The groups were balanced at baseline. Sitting balance (measured by dimension B of the Gross Motor Function Measure) improved significantly in the treatment group (effect size = 0.36; 95% CI 0.01-0.71) and the effect size was greater in the severely disabled group (effect size = 0.80; 95% CI 0.13-1.47). The improvements in sitting balance were not maintained over the follow-up period. Changes in the total score of the Gross Motor Function Measure and the Sitting Assessment Scale were not significant. CONCLUSION: Hippotherapy with a simulator can improve sitting balance in cerebral palsychildren who have higher levels of disability. However, this did not lead to a change in the overall function of these children (Gross Motor Function Classification System level V).
Authors: Andréa Gomes Moraes; Fernando Copetti; Vera Regina Angelo; Luana Leonardo Chiavoloni; Ana Cristina David Journal: J Phys Ther Sci Date: 2016-08-31
Authors: Jun Young Han; Jong Moon Kim; Shin Kyoung Kim; Jin Sang Chung; Hyun-Cheol Lee; Jae Kuk Lim; Jiwon Lee; Kawn Yong Park Journal: Ann Rehabil Med Date: 2012-12-28
Authors: Juan G Dominguez-Romero; Assumpta Molina-Aroca; Jose A Moral-Munoz; Carlos Luque-Moreno; David Lucena-Anton Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2019-12-25 Impact factor: 3.390