Effect of Hippotherapy on Balance, Functional Mobility, and Functional Independence in Children With Down Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Overview
- Phase
- Not Applicable
- Intervention
- Not specified
- Conditions
- Down Syndrome
- Sponsor
- Halic University
- Enrollment
- 34
- Locations
- 1
- Primary Endpoint
- Timed Up and Go Test (TUG)
- Status
- Completed
- Last Updated
- 4 years ago
Overview
Brief Summary
Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of hippotherapy on balance, functional mobility, and functional independence in children with Down syndrome (DS).
Methods: Thirty-four children with DS were randomly assigned to the experimental (hippotherapy) and control groups after initial assessment. Both groups received physiotherapy including balance exercises, and the experimental group also received hippotherapy. Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS), Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), and Functional Independence Measure for Children (WeeFIM) were used before and after the intervention.
Detailed Description
Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of hippotherapy on balance, functional mobility, and functional independence in children with Down syndrome (DS). Methods: Thirty-four children with DS were randomly assigned to the experimental (hippotherapy) and control groups after initial assessment. Both groups received physiotherapy including balance exercises, and the experimental group also received hippotherapy. Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS), Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), and Functional Independence Measure for Children (WeeFIM) were used before and after the intervention.
Investigators
Seda Saka
PT PhD
Halic University
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria
- •diagnosed with down syndrome
- •being aged 4 to 14 years
- •being voluntary
Exclusion Criteria
- •having a history of previous hippotherapy intervention,
- •having a phobia related to horse riding, epileptic seizures, atlantoaxial instability, and
- •having any orthopedic, neurological, or cardiovascular disease that prevents physical activity.
Outcomes
Primary Outcomes
Timed Up and Go Test (TUG)
Time Frame: Change from baseline TUG at 6th week
The TUG assesses balance and functional mobility. The time required for the person to stand up from a chair, walk 3 meters forward, return to the chair, and sit down again was recorded. Times of 14 seconds or more are interpreted as high risk of falling. The TUG was reported to be reliable for assessing functional mobility in people with DS.
Pediatric Functional Independence Measure for Children (WeeFIM)
Time Frame: Change from baseline WeeFIM at 6th week
The WeeFIM is a pediatric version of the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) that was developed to measures a child's consistent functional performance in essential daily functional skills (independence in self-care, sphincter control, transfers, locomotion, communication, and social cognition). It is an 18-item, 7-level ordinal scale instrument (score range: 18-126) and can be used for children with developmental disabilities aged 6 months to 21 years.
Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS)
Time Frame: Change from baseline PBS at 6th week
The PBS is a modified version of the Berg Balance Scale that is used to assess functional balance skills in children with mild to moderate motor impairment. The scale consists of 14 items that are scored from 0 (lowest function) to 4 (highest function) with a maximum score of 56 points. Lower scores indicate poorer balance. The PBS has been validated for use in children with neuromotor dysfunction.