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The efficacy of Equine Assisted Therapy intervention in gross motor function, performance, and spasticity in children
Alexandra N Stergiou1,2, Sanna Mattila-Rautiainen3, Dimitrios N Varvarousis4
1Division of Surgery, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Ioannina Medical School, Ioannina, Greece.
Insights
Equine Assisted Therapy significantly improved gross motor function and performance in children with Cerebral Palsy. These gains were maintained for two months post-intervention, highlighting its efficacy.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Rehabilitation
- Neuroscience
- Animal-Assisted Interventions
Background:
- Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder affecting motor function.
- Therapeutic interventions aim to improve motor skills and quality of life for children with CP.
- Equine Assisted Therapy (EAT) is an emerging therapeutic modality with potential benefits for motor rehabilitation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the effectiveness of Equine Assisted Therapy in enhancing gross motor function and performance in children with Cerebral Palsy.
- To determine if improvements in motor function persist for two months after the cessation of EAT.
- To evaluate the impact of EAT on spasticity in children with Cerebral Palsy.
Main Methods:
- A prospective cohort study involving children with Cerebral Palsy.
- A 12-week intervention of once-weekly, 30-minute Equine Assisted Therapy sessions.
- Utilized repeated measures design with assessments including the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM-88), Gross Motor Performance Measure (GMPM), and Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS).
Main Results:
- Statistically significant improvements (p < 0.005) were observed in Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM-88) and Gross Motor Performance Measure (GMPM) scores.
- These improvements in gross motor function were sustained for two months following the completion of the EAT intervention.
- While a trend towards reduced spasticity was noted, it did not reach statistical significance.
Conclusions:
- Equine Assisted Therapy demonstrates significant clinical efficacy in improving both qualitative and quantitative motor abilities in children with Cerebral Palsy.
- The positive effects on gross motor function are durable, persisting for at least two months after therapy concludes.
- EAT offers a promising therapeutic avenue for enhancing motor development and functional outcomes in pediatric CP populations.
Purpose:
To evaluate the efficacy of Equine Assisted Therapy in children with Cerebral Palsy, in terms of gross motor function, performance, and spasticity as well as whether this improvement can be maintained for 2 months after the end of the intervention.
Methods:
Children with Cerebral Palsy participated in this prospective cohort study. The study lasted for 28 weeks, of which the equine assisted therapy lasted 12 weeks taking place once a week for 30 min. Repeated measures within the subject design were used for the evaluation of each child's physical performance and mental capacity consisting of six measurements: Gross Motor Function Measure-88 (GMFM-88), Gross Motor Performance Measure (GMPM), Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS), Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) and Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC III).
Results:
Statistically significant improvements were achieved for 31 children in Gross Motor Function Measure and all its subcategories (p < 0.005), also in total Gross Motor Performance Measure and all subcategories (p < 0.005). These Gross Motor Function Measure results remained consistent for 2 months after the last session of the intervention. Regarding spasticity, although an improving trend was seen, this was not found to be statistically significant.
Conclusion And Implications:
Equine Assisted Therapy improves motor ability (qualitatively and quantitatively) in children with Cerebral Palsy, with clinical significance in gross motor function.
