Hippotherapy to Improve the Balance of Children With Movement Disorders

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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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
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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)

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

Conditions
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Neuromuscular Diseases, Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, Autism, Developmental Coordination Disorder

Intervention / Treatment
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* Other: Hippotherapy


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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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

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 5 Years
Maximum Age: 17 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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No

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Treatment
Intervention Model: Single Group Assignment
Masking: Single


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Treatment group<br>Children between 5-17 years who have balance deficits related to any movement disorder (preferably neuromuscular) | Other: Hippotherapy<br>* 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.<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pediatric Balance Scale | 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 | 8-9 weeks | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Activities Scale for Kids | 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). | 8-9 weeks | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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hippotherapy, neuromuscular disorders, balance deficits, participation