Does hippotherapy impact balance and motor skills in children with cerebral palsy?

Abstract

Overview of the topic: Cerebral palsy is a condition associated with impaired muscle coordination (spastic paralysis) and/or other disabilities, typically caused by damage to the brain before or at birth. Children with Cerebral palsy require lifelong treatment and therapy. In this dissertation, the effect of Hippotherapy on balance and motor skills of children with Cerebral palsy is studied. The research question: Does Hippotherapy impact balance and motor skills in children with cerebral palsy? PICO elements: The population (P) studied was children with cerebral palsy. The Intervention (I) observed was Hippotherapy and comparison (C) a Control made with a control group of children that underwent physiotherapy (with an occupational or physiotherapist). The final desired Outcome (O) was improved balance and motor skills.

Method: A systematic literature search was carried out using the key elements of the PICO Question. Using the online databases EBSCO, PubMed, OVID and Web of Science search criteria's such as limiters, Boolean operators and, inclusion and exclusion criteria were used to find the relevant articles. The Critical Appraisal Skills Program (CASP) tool were used to critically appraise the literature.

Results: A total of five key studies were identified. These included two systematic reviews and three randomized trials. Conclusion: A definite conclusion cannot be presented, however, it can be said that the evidence gathered pointed to the likelihood of benefits being reaped from using Hippotherapy on children with cerebral palsy to improve balance and motor skills. However, more research is needed in the area to answer the PICO question. Implications and recommendations: The use of Hippotherapy in children with cerebral palsy is recommended and should be advised to the patient as a complementary treatment. More research should be carried out to identify the specific benefits of Hippotherapy, how the therapy can be improved and who can benefit from it.