Effects of Hippotherapy in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder

N/ANot Yet RecruitingNCT07739693

Fenerbahce University30 enrolled

Overview

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by difficulties in social communication and interaction, as well as impairments in physical function domains such as postural control, balance, coordination, and motor planning. This study is designed as a randomized controlled trial to determine the effects of hippotherapy, applied in addition to a special education program, on physical function, bladder-bowel symptoms, and social communication level in children with ASD.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impairments in social communication and interaction, along with restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior. During hippotherapy, the child must continuously make postural adjustments to adapt to the rhythmic movements of the horse. The literature has demonstrated that hippotherapy has positive effects on balance, postural control, functional independence, and motor performance, particularly in children with cerebral palsy and Down syndrome. However, evidence regarding the effects of hippotherapy in children with ASD remains limited, particularly in relation to physical function, bladder and bowel symptoms, and social communication. Therefore, the present study aims to investigate the effects of hippotherapy on physical function-including balance, trunk control, posture, and handgrip strength-as well as bladder and bowel symptoms and social communication in children with ASD. By addressing this gap in the literature, the findings of the study may contribute to the existing evidence and provide guidance for rehabilitation practices.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

NONE

Enrollment

Conditions

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Interventions

Hippotherapy ProgramOTHER

Participants will receive 30-minute hippotherapy sessions once weekly for 8 weeks in addition to their ongoing special education program. The program will include exercises targeting balance, postural control, trunk stabilization, coordination, muscle strength, upper extremity function, and sensory processing.

Special Education ProgramOTHER

Participants will continue their ongoing special education program throughout the 8-week study period. The program includes educational activities, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, proprioceptive activities, and sensory-based interventions according to the individual needs of the child.

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 7 YearsMax age: 15 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) criteria * Ability to understand and follow basic verbal instructions * Ability to stand independently for at least 30 seconds * Voluntary participation in the study and written informed consent provided by a parent or legal guardian Exclusion Criteria: * Presence of an active infection * Bladder or bowel symptoms attributable to an organic condition, such as anorectal malformation or Hirschsprung disease * Presence of another neurological or orthopedic condition that may affect participation or study outcomes, such as cerebral palsy or hip dislocation * Inability to attend the treatment program regularly * Receipt of hippotherapy within the previous 12 months * History of epilepsy or seizures * Surgery involving the spine or abdominopelvic region within the previous 12 months

Locations (1)

Ankara Yildirim Beyazit University

Ankara, Turkey (Türkiye)

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Balance

Balance will be assessed using the Pediatric Balance Scale, a 14-item scale evaluating sitting balance, standing balance, transfers, reaching, turning, and stepping activities. The total score ranges from 0 to 56, with higher scores indicating better balance performance. The scale will be administered by a physiotherapist.