K.L.E.’S Institute of Physiotherapy, Nehru Nagar, Belgaum-590010, Karnataka, India.
To determine the effectiveness of artificial horse riding (AHR) on postural control in children with spastic diplegia.
A convenience sample of 30 children, with spastic diplegia participated, whose ages were between 5 to 12 years. Subjects were randomly grouped into group A (n=15), receiving AHR and conventional therapy, and group B (n=15) receiving only conventional therapy. Therapy was given 3 times in a week for 6 weeks. Outcome measures were compared pre and post therapy using gross motor functional measure (GMFM) and pediatric balance scale (PBS).
Paired t test was significant (p < 0.0001) for both groups for GMFM and PBS. Unpaired t-test was significant for group receiving AHR (p = 0.0494) as compared to control group for GMFM. Improvement was also noted in PBS following AHR compared to control, but was not statistically significant (p = 0.4516).
The results of this study suggest that AHR has a positive effect on postural control which is the foundation for gross motor activities. AHR appears to be a viable treatment strategy for therapist as a means to improve postural control in spastic diplegics.
Spastic diplegia, Hippotherapy, Artifical horse riding, Postural control, Gross motor function, Functional balance, Anticipatory postural adjustments
