The Effects of Hippotherapy on Physical Function, Bladder and Bowel Symptoms, and Social Communication in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder
试验速览
- 阶段
- 不适用
- 状态
- 尚未招募
- 发起方
- 入组人数
- 30
- 试验地点
- 1
- 主要终点
- Balance
研究概览
简要总结
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.
详细描述
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.
研究设计
- 研究类型
- Interventional
- 分配方式
- Randomized
- 干预模型
- Parallel
- 主要目的
- Treatment
- 盲法
- None
入排标准
- 年龄范围
- 7 Years 至 15 Years（Child）
- 性别
- All
- 接受健康志愿者
- 否
入选标准
- •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
排除标准
- •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
研究组 & 干预措施
Hippotherapy Group
干预措施: Hippotherapy Program (Other)
Control Group
干预措施: Special Education Program (Other)
结局指标
主要结局
Balance
时间窗: Baseline and at the end of the 8-week intervention
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.
Trunk Control
时间窗: Baseline and at the end of the 8-week intervention
Trunk control will be assessed using the Trunk Control Measurement Scale. The total score ranges from 0 to 58, with higher scores indicating better trunk control. The assessment will be administered by a physiotherapist.
Posture
时间窗: Baseline and at the end of the 8-week intervention
Postural alignment will be assessed using the New York Posture Rating Chart. The total score ranges from 13 to 65, with higher scores indicating better postural alignment. The assessment will be performed by a physiotherapist.
Handgrip Strength
时间窗: Baseline and at the end of the 8-week intervention
Handgrip strength will be measured in kilograms using a hand dynamometer. Three measurements will be obtained for each hand, with a 1-minute rest period between measurements. The mean value of the three measurements will be used in the analysis. Higher values indicate greater handgrip strength.
Bladder and Bowel Symptoms
时间窗: Baseline and at the end of the 8-week intervention
Bladder and bowel symptoms will be assessed using the Bladder and Bowel Dysfunction Questionnaire. The total score ranges from 0 to 52, with higher scores indicating greater symptom severity. The questionnaire will be completed by the child with parental assistance.
Social Communication
时间窗: Baseline and at the end of the 8-week intervention
Social communication will be assessed using the Autism Social Skills Profile-Turkish Form. The scale consists of 45 items and includes three subscales: social reciprocity, social participation/avoidance, and detrimental social behaviors. Items are rated on a 4-point Likert scale. Higher total scores indicate better social skills. The questionnaire will be completed by the participant's parent.
次要结局
未报告次要终点
研究者
Elif Sena Düşgün
Assistant Professor
Fenerbahce University