The effects of a short-term intensive hippotherapy on a child with cerebral palsy: A case study

Research has shown that hippotherapy is effective in improving gross motor function in individuals with cerebral palsy. In addition, it has shown positive effects in restoring balance and reducing muscle spasticity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a short-term, intensive hippotherapy program consisting of daily sessions over six consecutive days on the functional level of a child with cerebral palsy. The study included a child with cerebral palsy (spastic quadriplegia) aged 3.5 years. To evaluate the functional level of the child, gross mobility was measured using the GMFM-88 and GREAT scales, which evaluate the posture of the body and head on the horse. The physiotherapy intervention included ten sessions of hippotherapy. The child was initially evaluated one day before the intervention and re-evaluated one day after the end of the sessions. Measurements taken before and after the intervention indicated improvements in gross mobility and posture of the child’s body and head according to the evaluation scales. It was concluded that an intensive hippotherapy program may improve gross motor function in children with cerebral palsy, as measured using the GMFM-88 and GREAT scales. Further, this experience may be positive and motivating for children. However, the conclusions of this study cannot be considered reliable and generalizable because the sample consisted of only one child. Further research should be performed on a larger sample of children with cerebral palsy.