Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Developmental Coordination Disorder, Down Syndrome, Neuromuscular Diseases
Conditions
Keywords
hippotherapy, neuromuscular disorders, balance deficits, participation
Brief 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)
Interventions
OTHERHippotherapy
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.
Sponsors
Central Michigan University
Study design
Allocation
NA
Intervention model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE (Outcomes Assessor)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
5 Years to 17 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* between the ages of 5 and 17 * have a neuromuscular diagnosis or confirmed difficulties with balance * be able to stand 4 seconds without an assistive device * be able to follow testing instructions * must be under 250 pounds * be able to attend a minimum 10/12 sessions.
Exclusion criteria
* any compounding orthopedic or medical condition not related to the primary developmental diagnosis. * previous hippotherapy intervention or therapeutic riding experience * allergies or aversion to horses. * refusal of parents to sign the therapeutic riding center's liability release form * any new treatments (includes therapies, drugs, or other complementary treatments) within one month of the start of the study or plans for new treatments during the intervention period * lack of a physician referral for physical therapy
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Pediatric Balance Scale | 8-9 weeks | The Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS) is a standardized 14 item test of various component activities related to balance. It is a modified child version of the adult Berg Balance Scale. The PBS has high total score test-retest reliability of ICC (3,1) =0.998, as well as good interrater reliability (ICC(3,1) = 0.997).1 |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Activities Scale for Kids | 8-9 weeks | Activities Scale for Kids - Participation (ASKp) is a self-administered 30 item questionaire that measures the impact of children's disability to overall function and participation within relevant environments. It correlates well with parent reports on the Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire (r=0.81, p\<0.000) and clinician observations of children's function (ICC=0.92, p\<0.000). |
Countries
United States
Outcome results
None listed