Effect of Hippotherapy in Children With Down Syndrome

Down Syndrome Clinical Trial

Official title:

Effect of Hippotherapy on Balance, Functional Mobility, and Functional Independence in Children With Down Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Clinical Trial Details — Status: Completed

Administrative data

• NCT number: NCT05297149
• Other study ID #: ssaka4
• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Start date: November 30, 2020
• Est. completion date: January 25, 2021

Study information

• Verified date: March 2022
• Source: Halic University
• Contact: n/a
• Is FDA regulated: No
• Study type: Interventional

Clinical Trial Summary

Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of hippotherapy on balance, functional mobility, and functional independence in children with Down syndrome (DS).

Methods: Thirty-four children with DS were randomly assigned to the experimental (hippotherapy) and control groups after initial assessment. Both groups received physiotherapy including balance exercises, and the experimental group also received hippotherapy. Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS), Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), and Functional Independence Measure for Children (WeeFIM) were used before and after the intervention.

Description:

Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of hippotherapy on balance, functional mobility, and functional independence in children with Down syndrome (DS).

Methods: Thirty-four children with DS were randomly assigned to the experimental (hippotherapy) and control groups after initial assessment. Both groups received physiotherapy including balance exercises, and the experimental group also received hippotherapy. Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS), Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), and Functional Independence Measure for Children (WeeFIM) were used before and after the intervention.

Recruitment information / eligibility

• Status: Completed
• Enrollment: 34
• Est. completion date: January 25, 2021
• Est. primary completion date: January 4, 2021
• Accepts healthy volunteers: No
• Gender: All
• Age group: 4 Years to 14 Years

Eligibility

Inclusion Criteria:

• diagnosed with down syndrome

• being aged 4 to 14 years

• being voluntary

Exclusion Criteria:

• having a history of previous hippotherapy intervention,

• having a phobia related to horse riding, epileptic seizures, atlantoaxial instability, and

• having any orthopedic, neurological, or cardiovascular disease that prevents physical activity.

Related Conditions & MeSH terms

• Down Syndrome
• Syndrome

Intervention

Behavioral:
• Hippotherapy
The hippotherapy program consisted of 6 weekly sessions that varied in duration between 20 and 30 minutes depending on the weekly program and the participant's condition. Each session started with brief greetings and contact with the horse.
• Home exrecises
The home exercise program consisted of the following balance training exercises: one leg standing on foam with eyes open and closed, double leg standing on foam with eyes open and closed, walking in tandem with eyes open and closed, balance exercises on an inclined surface, balance exercises in squat, and jumping over an obstacle on the ground. All participants performed the exercises under parental supervision, 3 times per week for 6 weeks. The physiotherapist made video calls to the children and parents to ensure their adherence to the home exercise program.

Locations

Country	Name	City	State
Turkey	Haliç University	Istanbul

Sponsors (1)

Lead Sponsor	Collaborator
Halic University

Country where clinical trial is conducted

Turkey, 

References & Publications (3)

Bronson C, Brewerton K, Ong J, Palanca C, Sullivan SJ. Does hippotherapy improve balance in persons with multiple sclerosis: a systematic review. Eur J Phys Rehabil Med. 2010 Sep;46(3):347-53. Epub 2010 Apr 13. Review. — View Citation

Moriello G, Terpstra ME, Earl J. Outcomes following physical therapy incorporating hippotherapy on neuromotor function and bladder control in children with Down syndrome: A case series. Phys Occup Ther Pediatr. 2020;40(3):247-260. doi: 10.1080/01942638.20 — View Citation

Portaro S, Cacciola A, Naro A, Cavallaro F, Gemelli G, Aliberti B, De Luca R, Calabrò RS, Milardi D. Can Individuals with Down Syndrome Benefit from Hippotherapy? An Exploratory Study on Gait and Balance. Dev Neurorehabil. 2020 Aug;23(6):337-342. doi: 10. — View Citation

Outcome

Type	Measure	Description	Time frame	Safety issue
Primary	Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS)	The PBS is a modified version of the Berg Balance Scale that is used to assess functional balance skills in children with mild to moderate motor impairment. The scale consists of 14 items that are scored from 0 (lowest function) to 4 (highest function) with a maximum score of 56 points. Lower scores indicate poorer balance. The PBS has been validated for use in children with neuromotor dysfunction.	Change from baseline PBS at 6th week
Primary	Timed Up and Go Test (TUG)	The TUG assesses balance and functional mobility. The time required for the person to stand up from a chair, walk 3 meters forward, return to the chair, and sit down again was recorded. Times of 14 seconds or more are interpreted as high risk of falling. The TUG was reported to be reliable for assessing functional mobility in people with DS.	Change from baseline TUG at 6th week
Primary	Pediatric Functional Independence Measure for Children (WeeFIM)	The WeeFIM is a pediatric version of the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) that was developed to measures a child's consistent functional performance in essential daily functional skills (independence in self-care, sphincter control, transfers, locomotion, communication, and social cognition). It is an 18-item, 7-level ordinal scale instrument (score range: 18-126) and can be used for children with developmental disabilities aged 6 months to 21 years.	Change from baseline WeeFIM at 6th week