The purpose of this study is to develop healing riding algorithm applicable in rural riding centers and to apply this to children with cerebral palsy.
Horseback riding activities in Korea's riding centers have mostly centered on physical rehabilitation for children with special needs, including those with cerebral palsy, mental disabilities, and autism, with the program conducted by certified equine-assisted therapy instructors. However, there is no definite way to assess the ability of children for horseback riding and no standard riding program. Therefore, developing a assessment and program algorithm for healing horseback riding is expected to contribute to providing more activities for children with special needs and also for general people. Children older than 4 years old or adolescent with cerebral palsy who voluntarily want to enroll this study would be enrolled. Participants have 2 times of 30-minute horse riding program for 8 weeks, total 16 times of riding program in a local horse riding center. Sample size assessment: Calculating for 20% of drop out, 16 patients were calculated to apply the assessment and applicable program. Drop out: missing more than 2 lessons of horse-riding Plan for missing data: not included Statistical analysis plan: paired t-test for the outcome measures
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
SUPPORTIVE_CARE
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
12
Apply 30 minutes/session, twice a week for 8 weeks of horseback riding therapy (provided with 1 horse rider, 2 side walkers)
St. Vincent's hospital
Suwon, South Korea
Change of gross motor function (assessment of GMFM-88)
Assessment of GMFM-88 before and after the 16 sessions of horse riding program
Time frame: Before the program starts (up to 2 weeks), After the program ends (up to 2 weeks)
Change of Berg balance (assessment of pediatric berg balance scale)
Assessment of pediatric berg balance scale before and after the 16 sessions of horse riding
Time frame: Before the program starts (up to 2 weeks), After the program ends (up to 2 weeks)
Actigraph (to monitor activity)
wear an Actigraph to monitor activity of children
Time frame: During the horse riding therapy/
Child Health Questionnaire (CHQ)
Caregivers answer the sheets
Time frame: Before the program starts (up to 2 weeks), After the program ends (up to 2 weeks)
Postural Assessment Scale for Hippotherapy (PASH)
Developed tool for assessment of ability for hippotherapy
Time frame: From starting the therapy, every 2 weeks re-evaluated through study completion, in total 4 times
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.