The Effects of Horseback Riding on Children with Spastic Cerebral Palsy.
Resource
ADAPTED PHYSICAL ACTIVITY QUARTERLY v.21 n.2 pp.103-121
Journal
ADAPTED PHYSICAL ACTIVITY QUARTERLY
Journal Volume
v.21
Journal Issue
n.2
Pages
103-121
Date Issued
2004
Date
2004
Author(s)
CHERNG, RONG-JU
LIAO, HUA-FANG
LEUNG, HENRY W-C
HWANG, AE-WEN
Abstract
This study investigated the effectiveness of a16-week therapeutic horseback riding (THR) program on the gross motor function measures (GMFM) and the muscle tone of hip adductors in 14 children with spastic cerebral palsy (age: 3 years, one month, to 11 years, 5 months). In the first phase of 16 weeks, nine of the children received the THR in addition to their regular treatment, while the rest received their regular treatment only. In the second phase (also 16 weeks), the arrangements were reversed. After THR, some of the children improved significantly in the GMFM E ( walk/run/ jump) score and the total score. The effect appears to be sustained for at least 16 weeks. No effect of THR on muscle tone was noted . We conclude that THR may be beneficial for some children with spastic cerebral palsy. (136 words)
Subjects
Therapeutic horseback riding
Spastic cerebral palsy
Gross Motor Function Measure