Hippotherapy for Neuromotor Impairment

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)

Age: < 18

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Recruiting

Sponsor: University of Montana

No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?The goal of this pilot clinical trial is to determine if physical therapy incorporating horses can improve the motor skills of the arms in children 6-17 years old with neuromotor disorders (such as cerebral palsy, spinal muscular atrophy, or spina bifida) compared to standard play-based physical therapy. The main questions it aims to answer are: 1. Is the study protocol feasible and acceptable for participants, that investigators could apply them to a larger trial? 2. Do participants make improvements toward their goals for motor function, arm use, and participation in life situations following treatment, and is it different between the experimental and comparative intervention groups? 3. What are the physiological, behavioral, and emotional responses of children receiving physical therapy incorporating horses, versus those receiving standard physical therapy? Researchers will compare the experimental group who receive physical therapy incorporating horses to the comparative intervention group who receive standard play-based physical therapy to see if there is a difference in outcomes. Participants will complete a pre- and post-intervention assessment of their motor function and participation in life situations. Participants will receive physical therapy twice a week for 8 weeks for the intervention. In both groups, physiological, behavioral, and emotional responses to the interventions will be measured in 4 total sessions, 1 each at weeks 2, 4, 6, and 8.

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for children aged 6-17 with neuromotor disorders like cerebral palsy, spinal muscular atrophy, or spina bifida. They should be able to participate in physical therapy sessions twice a week for 8 weeks and complete assessments of their motor functions.

Inclusion Criteria

I can sit on a horse for 30 minutes without a break.

I meet the standards for horseback riding activities set by PATH Intl.

I am between 6 and 17 years old.

+2 more

Exclusion Criteria

Caregivers unable to speak and read English

I cannot control my head movement on my own.

Fear of or aversion to horses

+2 more

Participant Groups

The study compares two types of physical therapy: one using horses (hippotherapy) and the standard play-based approach. It checks if hippotherapy can better improve arm motor skills and participation in life situations than the conventional method.

2Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Active Control

Group I: Physical Therapy Using Hippotherapy and the Equine EnvironmentExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Participants in the intervention group will receive 8 weeks of PT using hippotherapy and the equine environment, 2 x 1-hour sessions per week (16 hours total). Treatment will be provided by a licensed PT with the recommended training to incorporate hippotherapy and the equine environment into treatment (American Hippotherapy Association (AHA) Inc. Hippotherapy Treatment Principles Part I and II). Each therapist will work with an equine professional with PATH Intl. Therapeutic Riding Instructor Certification, to ensure that therapists adhere to industry standards for safety and handling of the equines.

Group II: Play-Based Physical TherapyActive Control1 Intervention

Participants in the control group will receive 8 weeks of standard play-based PT, 2 x 1-hour sessions per week, for a total of 16 hours. The sessions will be implemented by a licensed PT.