Improving trunk posture control in children with CP through a cable-driven robotic hippotherapy: A randomized...

Area of Science:

• Pediatric rehabilitation
• Robotics in physical therapy
• Neuromotor control

Background:

• Children with cerebral palsy (CP) often exhibit trunk posture control deficits.
• Impaired trunk control significantly impacts gait and upper limb function in children with CP.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility of a cable-driven robotic hippotherapy system for improving trunk posture control in children with CP.
• To assess the system's impact on walking function.

Main Methods:

• Ten children with CP were randomized into a robotic hippotherapy group or a conventional balance training group.
• Both groups trained for 6 weeks, 3 times/week.
• Trunk control (TCMS), motor function (GMFM-66), walking speed, and 6-minute walk distance were measured pre- and post-intervention and at follow-up.

Main Results:

• The robotic group showed significantly greater improvement in trunk control (TCMS) compared to the conventional group.
• No significant improvements were observed in GMFM scores, walking speed, or 6-minute walk distance for either group.

Conclusions:

• A cable-driven robotic hippotherapy system is feasible for enhancing trunk posture control in children with CP.
• This technology offers potential for developing new perturbation-based interventions for pediatric CP rehabilitation.