Article

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of hippotherapy on body functions, activities,
and participation in children with CP of various functional levels by using the
International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health-Children and
Youth (ICF-CY) checklist. METHODS: Fourteen children with cerebral palsy (CP)
(3-8 years of age) were recruited for a 36-week study composed of baseline,
intervention, and withdrawal phases (12 weeks for each phase, ABA design).
Hippotherapy was implemented for 30 min once weekly for 12 consecutive weeks
during the intervention phase. Body Functions (b) and Activities and
Participation (d) components of the ICF-CY checklist were used as outcome
measures at the initial interview and at the end of each phase. RESULTS: Over the
12 weeks of hippotherapy, significant improvements in ICF-CY qualifiers were
found in neuromusculoskeletal and movement-related functions (b7), mobility (d4)
and major life areas (d8) and, in particular, mobility of joint functions (b710),
muscle tone functions (b735), involuntary movement reaction functions (b755),
involuntary movement functions (b765), and play (d811) (all p < 0.05) when
compared with baseline. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated the beneficial
effects of hippotherapy on body functions, activities, and participation in
children with CP. Implications for Rehabilitation ICF-CY provides a comprehensive
overview of functioning and disability and constitutes a universal language for
identifying the benefits of hippotherapy in areas of functioning and disability
in children with CP. In children with CP, hippotherapy encourages a more
complementary approach that extends beyond their impairments and limitations in
body functions, activities, and participation. The effect of hippotherapy was
distinct from GMFCS levels and the majority of improvements were present in
children with GMFCS levels I-III.
- Equithérapie

Langue : ANGLAIS