Article

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effects of hippotherapy on temporospatial parameters
and pelvic and hip kinematics of gait in children with bilateral spastic cerebral
palsy. Nonrandomized prospective controlled trial. SETTING: Outpatient
therapy center. PARTICIPANTS: Children (N=32) with bilateral spastic cerebral
palsy, Gross Motor Function Classification System level 1 or 2.
Hippotherapy (30 min twice weekly for 8 consecutive weeks). MAIN OUTCOME
MEASURES: Temporospatial parameters and pelvic and hip kinematic parameters in
3-dimensional motion analysis, Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM)-88, and score
for dimensions D (standing) and E (walking, running, jumping) of the GMFM,
GMFM-66, and Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS). RESULTS: Hippotherapy significantly
improved walking speed, stride length, and pelvic kinematics (average pelvic
anterior tilt, pelvic anterior tilt at initial contact, pelvic anterior tilt at
terminal stance). Scores for dimension E of the GMFM, GMFM-66 and PBS also
increased. CONCLUSIONS: Hippotherapy provided by licensed health professionals
using the multidimensional movement of the horse may be used in conjunction with
standard physical therapy for improvement of gait and balance in children with
bilateral spastic cerebral palsy.
CI - Copyright (c) 2011 American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine. Published by
Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS