Effects of Hippotherapy on Functionality in Children With Cerebral Palsy

Hippotherapy is a therapeutic intervention applied by physiotherapists that aims to improve impaired body functions. Hippotherapy is a therapy in which the rider receives stimuli from the horse that stimulate the sensory, neuromotor and cognitive systems during riding and exercise on the back of a horse. Hippotherapy is effective on posture control, balance, gross motor functions and functional performance in children with cerebral palsy.

In traditional pediatric physiotherapy, cushions of appropriate hardness were used for proprioceptive input. Stools of different heights were used for sitting, squatting, standing up by holding on and standing, Bobath balls and balance boards were used for balance reactions. Triangular and roll cushions of different hardness were used for weight transfer. Surfaces with different patterns were used for sensory input. The child's wishes and interests were taken into consideration in the selection of materials. The treatment was planned according to the activities that were difficult in daily life and the aim was to transfer the knowledge learned to daily life.