Korean J Sports Med.  2024 Mar;42(1):12-22. 10.5763/kjsm.2024.42.1.12.

Impact of Equine-Assisted Activities and Therapies on Gross Motor Function in Children with Cerebral Palsy: A Prospective Case Series

• Lee SJ
• Lee SY
• Choi JH
• Seok M
• Song SW
• Lee HJ

• KMID: 2553552
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5763/kjsm.2024.42.1.12

Abstract

Purpose
This study aimed to investigate the sustained effects of a 3-week equine-assisted activities and therapies (EAAT) program on motor function and muscle activity in children with cerebral palsy (CP).
Methods
Nine children with CP (aged 5–15 years, Gross Motor Function Classification System stages I–III) parti- cipated in the study. We assessed Gross Motor Function Measure-66 (GMFM-66) scores, Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS) scores, BioRescue static posturography (RM Ingenierie) findings, core-muscle activity, and body composition before, immediately after, and 3 months after EAAT.
Results
Of the nine included children, eight showed improvement in their GMFM-66 scores and six showed improvement in their PBS scores. No significant changes were observed in GMFM-66 and PBS scores immediately after the EAAT program compared to baseline. However, significant improvements were noted 3 months after EAAT in both GMFM-66 and PBS scores. Trunk skeletal muscle mass showed a significant increase immediately after EAAT. Balance, stability, and muscle activity during the gait cycle remained stable throughout the study.
Conclusion
This study suggests that a short-period EAAT program can lead to long-term improvements in gross motor function for children with CP.

Keyword

Cerebral palsy; Equine-assisted therapy; Rehabilitation; Postural balance

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