AMERICAN HIPPOTHERAPY ASSOCIATION RESEARCH GRANT UP TO $1,000.00 AWARD

Tim Shurtleff, AHA Grant Recipient

Research grant money is available from the American Hippotherapy Association, Inc. for PT/OT/SLP students, instructors or clinicians to complete empirical research measuring outcomes related to hippotherapy.

General Application Criteria:

• Research studies which demonstrate empirical evidence of the efficacy of hippotherapy with the potential for publication
• Application for granted funds should be sent prior to the recruitment of subjects and prior to data collection.
• The primary researcher or faculty advisor must be a current member of the AHA Inc.

Purpose: The AHA research grant award has been established to provide a means of funding research projects that investigate the effect of hippotherapy in order to promote scientific, publishable hippotherapy research. This research can be related to the effectiveness of hippotherapy for children or adults. The funding priorities include but are not exclusively limited to:

• Studies measuring functional outcomes from hippotherapy
• Studies contrasting hippotherapy with other treatment approaches on specific functional outcomes
• Studies developing appropriate assessment strategies for the measurement of treatment outcomes
• Studies contributing to the theoretical basis of hippotherapy
• Pilot studies which are a precursor to a larger scale research study. Pilot studies must address one of the priorities stated above and include a plan for submitting a proposal to another funding source that will support the subsequent study.

Budget: The grant review committee will determine the amount of awarded funds based on the projected budget. Grants may not exceed $1000 per research study. Note: It is understandable that the actual research study budget to exceed available funds from AHA. The max allocation of this grant may possibly cover a specific portion of the research budget. The applicant is expected to justify their need for support.

Funding Criteria: Expenses that may be covered by this grant include but are not limited to outcome measures, data collection, treatment phase, statistical analysis, treatment cost for subjects. The itemized budget submitted in the application should specifically address the anticipated costs in detail. Researchers should specify exactly how they intend to use granted funds from AHA. The committee reserves the right to allocate funds based on the justification of need and may request more information from the researcher to make any final determination before granting financial support. Funding will not be granted for travel, housing or living expenses.

Dissemination: Grant recipients are encouraged to submit the results of their study to a peer-reviewed journal. Recipients should report the results of the study in one of the following formats: 1) abstract or summary in the AHA newsletter: 2) poster presentation at a national meeting; or 3) platform presentation at a national meeting. National meetings include AHA annual conference or the researcher’s professional association. If submission of the study results is made to the researcher’s professional association a copy of acceptance of the project for presentation must be submitted to AHA. This information may be included in AHA publications to membership.

Review process: Applications are reviewed by the AHA Research Committee Chair for completeness. An independent review process will be conducted by the AHA Research Committee. All studies involving human subjects must be approved by a Human Subjects Review Committee.

Submission of proposal: Application forms may be downloaded from the AHA website or by request from the AHA research committee chair. The grant applicant should send the completed application to the AHA research chairperson electronically. The research chairperson will delete any identification of the investigators before the application documents are forwarded to the research committee members for review and scoring. An applicant can expect the review process to take approximately eight weeks.

Click here for Grant Application

HIPPOTHERAPY RESEARCH AND SUPPORTIVE EVIDENCE

ABSTRACTS

Effects of hippotherapy on postural stability, in persons with multiple sclerosis: a pilot study.

Silkwood-Sherer D, Warmbier H (2007) J Neurol Phys Ther. Jun;31(2):77-84. PURPOSE: The purpose of this pilot study was to examine the effectiveness of hippotherapy as an intervention for the treatment of postural instability in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS). SUBJECTS: A sample of convenience of 15 individuals with MS (24-72 years) were recruited from support groups and assessed for balance deficits. METHODS: This study was a nonequivalent pretest-posttest comparison group design. Nine individuals (4 males, 5 females) received weekly hippotherapy intervention for 14 weeks. The other 6 individuals (2 males, 4 females) served as a comparison group. All participants were assessed with the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and Tinetti Performance Oriented Mobility Assessment (POMA) at 0, 7, and 14 weeks. RESULTS: The group receiving hippotherapy showed statistically significant improvement from pretest (0 week) to posttest (14 week) on the BBS (mean increase 9.15 points (x (2) = 8.82, p = 0.012)) and POMA scores (mean increase 5.13 (x (2) = 10.38, p = 0.006)). The comparison group had no significant changes on the BBS (mean increase 0.73 (x (2) = 0.40, p = 0.819)) or POMA (mean decrease 0.13 (x (2) = 1.41, p = 0.494)). A statistically significant difference was also found between the groups’ final BBS scores (treatment group median = 55.0, comparison group median 41.0), U = 7, r = -0.49. DISCUSSION: Hippotherapy shows promise for the treatment of balance disorders in persons with MS. Further research is needed to refine protocols and selection criteria.

An exploration of German and British physiotherapists’ views on the effects of hippotherapy and their measurement.

Debuse D, Chandler C, Gibb C. (2005) Physiother Theory Pract. Oct-Dec;21(4):219-42. Hippotherapy (Greek hippos = horse) is a specialized physiotherapy treatment that makes use of the horses’ unique three-dimensional movement impulses at a walk to facilitate movement responses in patients sitting on the horse’s back (Strauss, 2000). Despite a substantial body of anecdotal and clinical evidence for its benefits, research evidence for hippotherapy is sparse. This questionnaire survey was the first study in a series of investigations exploring the views of physiotherapists and people with cerebral palsy who use hippotherapy. These investigations, in turn, form the basis from which the authors will recommend outcome measures for individuals with cerebral palsy in a hippotherapy environment. This study aimed to: (a) establish the pattern of hippotherapy practice in Germany and the U.K.; (b) examine the perceived main effects of hippotherapy on people with cerebral palsy in Germany and the U.K.; and (c) investigate how these effects are being measured in both countries. The results highlighted considerable differences in how hippotherapy is practiced in the U.K. compared with in Germany. In spite of this, the study revealed agreement among respondents on the overall perceived effects of hippotherapy on individuals with cerebral palsy, namely, the regulation of muscle tone, improvement of postural control and psychological benefits. The results also indicate scant use of outcome measures to evaluate these effects. The impact of these findings is discussed in the light of published research, and suggestions for further research are made.

Evaluation of hippotherapy (United States). A single-subject experimental design study replicated in eleven patients with multiple sclerosis.

Hammer A, Nilsagård Y, Forsberg A, Pepa H, Skargren E, Oberg B. (2005) Physiother Theory Pract. Jan-Mar;21(1):51-77. The aim of this study was to investigate whether therapeutic riding (TR, Sweden) hippotherapy (HT, United States) may affect balance, gait, spasticity, functional strength, coordination, pain, self-rated level of muscle tension (SRLMT), activities of daily living (ADL), and health-related quality of life. Eleven patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) were studied in a single-subject experimental design iSSED) study, type A-B-A. The intervention comprised ten weekly TR/HT sessions of 30 minutes each. The subjects were measured a maximum of 13 times. Physical tests were: the Berg balance scale, talking a figure of eight, the timed up and go test, 10 m walking, the modified Ashworth scale, the Index of Muscle Function, the Birgitta Lindmark motor assessment, part B, and individual measurements. Self-rated measures were. the Visual Analog Scale for pain, a scale for SRLMT, the Patient-Specific Functional Scale for ADL, and the SF-36. Data were analyzed visually, semi-statistically and considering clinical significance. Results showed improvement for ten subjects in one or more of the variables, particularly balance, and some improvements were also seen in pain, muscle tension, and ADL. Changes in SF-36 were mostly positive, with an improvement in Role-Emotional seen in eight patients. Conclusively, balance and Role-Emotional were the variables most often improved, but TR/HT appeared to benefit the subjects differently.

The effect of hippotherapy on ten children with cerebral palsy.

Casady RL, Nichols-Larsen DS. (2004) Pediatr Phys Ther. Fall;16(3):165-72. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine whether hippotherapy has an effect on the general functional development of children with cerebral palsy. METHODS: The study employed a repeated-measures design with two pre-tests and two post-tests conducted 10 weeks apart using the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI) and the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) as outcome measures. A convenience sample of 10 children with cerebral palsy participated whose ages were 2.3 to 6.8 years at baseline (mean +/- 4.1 +/- 1.7 sd). Subjects received hippotherapy once weekly for 10 weeks between pre-test 2 and post-test 1. Test scores on the GMFM and PEDI were compared before and after hippotherapy. RESULTS: One-way analysis of variance of group mean scores with repeated measures was significant (p < 0.05) for all PEDI subscales and all GMFM dimensions except lying/rolling. Post hoc analyses with the Tukey test for honest significant differences on the PEDI and GMFM total measures as well as GMFM crawling/kneeling and PEDI social skills subtests were statistically significant between pre-test 2 and post-test 1. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that hippotherapy has a positive effect on the functional motor performance of children with cerebral palsy. Hippotherapy appears to be a viable treatment strategy for therapists with experience and training in this form of treatment and a means of improving functional outcomes in children with cerebral palsy.

Hippotherapy.

Meregillano G. (2004) Phys Med Rehabil Clin N Am.
Nov;15(4):843-54, vii. Hippotherapy refers to the use of the movement of the horse asa treatment strategy by physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech-language therapists to address impairments, functional limitations, and disabilities in clients with neuromusculoskeletal dysfunction, such as cerebral palsy. Hippotherapy is used as part of an integrated treatment program to achieve functional outcomes. Hippotherapy engages the client in activities on the horse that are enjoyable and challenging. In the controlled hippotherapy environment, the therapist modifies the horse’s movement and carefully grades sensory input, establishing a foundation for improved neurologic function and sensory processing. This foundation can be generalized to a wide range of daily activities, making the horse a valuable therapeutic tool for rehabilitation.

Improvements in muscle symmetry in children with cerebral palsy after equine-assisted therapy (hippotherapy).

Benda W, McGibbon NH, Grant KL. (2003) J Altern Complement Med. Dec;9(6):817-25. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of hippotherapy on muscle activity in children with spastic cerebral palsy. DESIGN: Pretest/post-test control group. SETTING/LOCATION: Therapeutic Riding of Tucson (TROT), Tucson, AZ. SUBJECTS: Fifteen (15) children ranging from 4 to 12 years of age diagnosed with spastic cerebral palsy. INTERVENTIONS: Children meeting inclusion criteria were randomized to either 8 minutes of hippotherapy or 8 minutes astride a stationary barrel. OUTCOME MEASURES: Remote surface electromyography (EMG) was used to measure muscle activity of the trunk and upper legs during sitting, standing, and walking tasks before and after each intervention. RESULTS: After hippotherapy, significant improvement in symmetry of muscle activity was noted in those muscle groups displaying the highest asymmetry prior to hippotherapy. No significant change was noted after sitting astride a barrel. CONCLUSIONS: Eight minutes of hippotherapy, but not stationary sitting astride a barrel, resulted in improved symmetry in muscle activity in children with spastic cerebral palsy. These results suggest that the movement of the horse rather than passive stretching accounts for the measured improvements.

The short-term effect of hippotherapy on spasticity in patients with spinal cord injury.

Lechner HE, Feldhaus S, Gudmundsen L, Hegemann D, Michel D, Zäch GA, Knecht H. (2003) Spinal Cord. Sep;41(9):502-5. STUDY DESIGN: Assessment of spasticity before and after hippotherapy treatment. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the short-term effect of hippotherapy on spasticity of spinal cord injured patients (SCIs). SETTING: Swiss Paraplegic Centre, Nottwil. METHODS: 32 patients with spinal cord injury with various degrees of spasticity had repeated sessions (mean 11) of Hippotherapy-K. Spasticity of the lower extremities was scored according to the Ashworth Scale. RESULTS: In primary rehabilitation patients Ashworth values after hippotherapy were significantly lower than before (Wilcoxon’s signed-rank test: P<0.001). Highest improvements were observed in SCIs with very high spasticity. No significant difference between short-term effect in paraplegic and short-term effect in tetraplegic subjects was found. CONCLUSIONS: Hippotherapy significantly reduces spasticity of lower extremities in SCIs.

Effect of an equine-movement therapy program on gait, energy expenditure, and motor function in children with spastic cerebral palsy: a pilot study.

McGibbon NH, Andrade CK, Widener G, Cintas HL. (1998) Dev Med Child Neurol. Nov;40(11):754-62. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of an 8-week program of hippotherapy on energy expenditure during walking; on the gait dimensions of stride length, velocity, and cadence; and on performance on the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) in five children with spastic cerebral palsy (CP). A repeated-measures within-subjects design was used consisting of two baseline measurements taken 8 weeks apart, followed by an 8-week intervention period, then a posttest. After hippotherapy, all five children showed a significant decrease (X2(r)=7.6, P<0.05) in energy expenditure during walking and a significant increase (X2(r)=7.6, P<0.05) in scores on Dimension E (Walking, Running, and Jumping) of the GMFM. A trend toward increased stride length and decreased cadence was observed. This study suggests that hippotherapy may improve energy expenditure during walking and gross motor function in children with CP.

Influence of Hippotherapy on the Kinematics and Functional Performance of Two Children with Cerebral Palsy.

Haehl V, Giuliani C, Lewis C. (1999) Pediatric Physical Therapy 11:99-101. Therapists use hippotherapy to improve postural control in children with neuromotor dysfunction. Understanding the influence of the horse’s movement on the child may clarify mechanisms, which influence posture during hippotherapy. This study was conducted in two phases. First measures of the kinematic relationship between the rider and the horse were developed. A kinematic analysis of the rider’s trunk and the horse’s back was used to describe postural orientation, postural stability, and temporal phase relations of a novice and an experienced rider. Both riders exhibited biphasic movement patterns in response to the horse’s movement. The experienced rider had a more vertical orientation of the trunk and delayed postural response to the movement of the horse. Next we examined the influence of 12 weekly hippotherapy sessions on the postural control, coordination, and function of two children with cerebral palsy. Both children with cerebral palsy approximated the biphasic movement patterns exhibited by the two children developing typically. Both also demonstrated improved coordination between the upper and lower trunk, and between the lower trunk and the back of the horse. One child’s functional mobility improved.

Hippotherapy as a method for complex rehabilitation of patients with late residual stage of infantile cerebral palsy.

Sokolov PL, Dremova GV, Samsonova SV. (2002) Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova.;102(10):42-5. Influence and therapeutic efficacy of horseback riding (hippotherapy) as a method for complex rehabilitation of patients with late residual stage of infantile cerebral palsy were studied. Significant increase of a range of active and passive movements in large joints of lower extremities, higher, indices of hand dynamometry on the left, of vital lung capacity as well as a relief of relief of reactive and personality anxiety and depression, higher motivation for rehabilitation treatment, etc., were registered. Neurophysiological study revealed significant changes of afferentation at stem and thalamus cortical levels and of spectral components of cortical rhythmics. The data obtained allow us to consider hippotherapy as an effective method of complex rehabilitation of patients with late residual stage of infantile cerebral palsy. A combination of sensory stimulation and motor rehabilitation components may be a key mechanism of positive effect.

Letter from AOTA
Letter from APTA

Schooling, Training and Handling

Ballou, Jec Aristotle (2005) 101 Dressage Exercises for Horse and Rider, Storey Publishing, LLC.

Baucher, F., (2006) The Principles of Horsemanship and Training Horses, Home Farm Books

British Horse Society (2001), The BHS Manual of Equitation: The Training of the Horse and Rider, Rev. Ed., Kenilworth Press

Burn, Barbara (2006) 101 Dressage Tips: Essentials for Training and Competition, The Lyons Press

de Kunffy, Charles (1992) The Athletic Development of the Dressage Horse, Howell Reference Books

de Kunffy, Charles (2002) Dressage Principles Illuminated, Trafalgar Square Books

de Kunffy, Charles (2003) Training Strategies for the Dressage Rider, Second Edition, Howell Book House

Dietz, Alfons, J. (2005) Training The Horse in Hand: The Classical Iberian Principles, The Lyons Press

German National Equestrian Federation (1987) Advanced Techniques of Riding: The Official Instruction Handbook of the German National Equestrian Federation, Half Halt Press

German National Equestrian Federation & Belton, Gina (1987) Horse Management: The Official Handbook of the German National Equestrian Federation, Half Halt Press

German National Equestrian Federation & Holstein, Gina (1990) Lungeing: German National Equestrian Federation, Half Halt Press

German National Equestrian Federation (1997) Principles of Riding Official Instruction of the German National Equestrian Federation, Half Halt Press

German National Equestrian Federation (2002) Principles of Driving, Half Halt Press

German National Equestrian Federation (2003) Advanced Techniques of Dressage, Kenilworth Press

Harris, Susan (1993) Horse Gaits, Balance and Movement, MacMilllen

Harris, Susan (2002) The USPC Guide to Longeing and Ground Training, Howell Book House

Hill, Cherry (1998) 101 Longeing and Longlining Exercises, Howell Book House

Karl, Phillipe (2003) Long Reining: The Saumer Method, Trafalgar Square Books

Kidd, J. (1990) Practical Dressage, Howell Book House

Klimke, Reiner & Klimke, Ingrid (1985) Cavaletti: Schooling of Horse and Rider Over Ground Poles, The Lyons Press

Klimke, Reiner (2000) Basic Training of the Young Horse, J.A. Allen & Co., Ltd.

Kirklund, K. and Lenkow, J. (1998) Dressage with Kyra: The Kyra Kirklund Training Method, Trafalgar Square Books

Lewis, Charni (2007) Storey’s Guide to Horse Handling and Grooming, Storey Publishing, Inc.

Loch, Sally (2001) Dressage: The Art of Classical Riding, Trafalgar Square Books

Loriston-Clark (2004) Lungeing and Long-Reining, Rev. Ed., Half Halt Press

Lungquist, Bengt (1983) Practical Dressage Manual, Half Halt Press

Podhajsky, Alois (1979) Complete Training of Horse and Rider, Wilshire Book Company

Podhajsky, Alois (1997) My Horses, My Teachers, Trafalgar Square Books

Savoie, Jane and Lynn Pitton-Rossilton (1998) Cross-train Your Horse: Book One: Simple Dressage for Every Horse, Every Sport, Trafalgar Square Books

Seunig, Waldemar (2003) Horsemanship: A Comprehensive Book on Training the Horse and Its Rider, Trafalgar Square Books

Smith-Thomas, Heather & Werth, Melyni (2003) Storey’s Guide to Training Horses: Ground Work, Driving, Riding, Storey Publishing, LLC

Starlier, Sylvia (1993) The Art of Long Reining, J.A .Allen & Co., Ltd.

Swift, Sally (1985) Centered Riding, Trafalgar Farm Books, St. Martin’s/Marek Press

Swift, Sally (2002) Centered Riding 2, Trafalgar Farm Books, St. Martin’s/Marek Press

Tellington-Jones, Linda & Taylor, S. (1993) The Tellington Touch: A Breakthrough Technique to Train and Care for Our Favorite Animal, Penquin Books

Tellington-Jones, L. & Burns, U. (1988) An Introduction to the Tellinton-Jones Equine Awareness Method, Breakthrough Publications

Van Schlaik and Van, H.L. (1990) Misconceptions & Simple Truths in Dressage, Hyperion Books

Von Ziegner, K.A. (2002) The Elements of Dressage: A Guide to Training the Young Horse, The Lyons Press

Equine Behavior & Veterinary Care

Ashdown, Raymond R. & Done Stanley H. (1996) Color Atlas Veterinary Anatomy: Volume 2, The Horse, Mosby

Bennett, D. PhD. (1992). Principles of Conformation Analysis, (Vols 1-3). Gaithersburg, MD: Fleet Street Publishing Corporation.

British Horse Society (2001) The BHS Veterinary Manual, Kenilworth Press

Budiansky, S. (1997). The Nature of Horses: Exploring Equine Evolution, Intelligence and Behavior. The Free Press.

Clayton, Hillary M., Flood, Peter F. & Rosenstein, Diana S. (2005) Clinical Anatomy of the Horse, Mosby

Colles, Chris (2000) Functional Anatomy, Threshold, Publishing Group

Evans JW. (1989). Horses: A Guide to Selection, Care, and Enjoyment. W H Freeman and Company.

Equine Research (2005) Lameness: Recognizing and Treating the Horse’s Most Common Ailment, The Lyons Press

Griffon, James M and Gore, Tom (1997) Horse Owner’s Veterinary Handbook, Howell Book House

Harris, Susan (1997) The USPC Guide To Bandaging Your Horse, Howell Book House

Harris, Susan (1997) The USPC Guide to Conformation, Movement and Soundness, Howell Book House

Harris SB. (1993). Horse’s Gaits: The Natural Mechanics of Balance and Movement. New York, New York: Macmillan Publishing Co.

Hayes, Karen E.N. DVM & Copeland, Sue M. (2001) Senior Horse Care, PRIMEDIA Enthusiast Publications, Inc.

Kellon, Eleanor (2005) Dr. Kellon’s Guide to First Aid for Horses, Breakthrough Publications

Miller, Robert DVM (1998) Understanding the Horse’s Mind: The Use of Equine Psychology in Training Horses. NZ Equine Research Foundation

Rooney, James (1998) The Lame Horse, The Russelet Meerdink Company, Ltd.

Schusdziarra H & Schusdziarra V. (1985). An Anatomy of Riding. Briarcliff, NY: Breakthrough Publications, Inc.

Smythe, R.H. & Goddy, P.C. (1979) The Horse: Structure and Movement, London: Lewis Reprints Ltd.

Storey’s Barn Guide to Horse Health Care & First Aid (2006) Storey Publishing, LLC

Tellington-Jones, Linda (1999) Improve Your Horse’s Well-Being (A Step-by-Step Guide to TTouch and TTeam Training),Trafalgar Square Books

Watson, Mary, (1989) First Aid, Threshold Publishing Guide

Tack

Holderness-Roddam (1987) Fitting Tack, Threshold Publishing Guide

Webber, Toni (1990) Mouths & Bits, Threshold Publishing Guide

Videos/DVDs

Drummond, Bettina (2001) Work in Hand I – Basics of Lateral Progression, www.bettinadrummond.com

Drummond, Bettina (2001) Work in Hand II – Creating Vertical Impulsion, www.bettinadrummond.com

Harris, Susan E. & Brown, Peggy (2000) The Visible Horse, Trafalgar Square Publishing

Klimke, Reiner, The Dressage Training, Film 3: The Training of the Horse in the L Category, Reiten St. Georg Video, Waldhausen

Klimke, Reiner, Cavaletti, Reiten, St. Georg Video, Waldhausen

Ofstad, Ellen & Bakker, Piet (2007) Long Reining, www.ellenofstad.com

Tellington-Jones, Linda (1994) A TTouch of Magic for Horses, Thane Marketing International, Inc.

Videos available from The National Center for Equine Facilitated Therapy NCEFT; 880 Runnymede Road, Woodside, CA 94062

1. The Hippotherapy Horse
2. The Therapy Horse-Moods, Behaviors & Instinctive Responses

Video available from American Hippotherapy Association, Inc., 9919 Towne Road, Carmel, Indiana 46032

1. Selecting and Leading the Hippotherapy Horse

Periodicals

Eclectic Horseman, Eclectic Horseman Communications, P.O. Box 174, Ebert, CO. 80106, (303) 449-3537

EQUUS. Primedia, (800) 829-5900, email: Equus@palmcoastd.com

Dressage Today, (800) 877-5396, P.O. Box 420235, Palm Coast, FL. 32124, email: dressage@palmcoastd.com

The Chronicle of the Horse, phone (540) 687- 6341, fax (540) 687-3937, PO Box 39 Middleburg VA 20117 email: editorial@chronofhorse.com

Practical Horseman, (877) 817-8929, P.O. 420235, Palm Coast, FL., 32142, email: practical@palmcoastd.com

Other

NARHA (North American Riding for the Handicapped Association) is a resource for books and conference proceedings about therapeutic horseback riding for persons with disabilities. www.narha.org or 1-800-369-7433.

Disclaimer

AHA provides a bibliography and resource guide only as a reference tool. The listed resources are not intended as a recommendation, referral, or endorsement of any resource or tool for verifying the credentials, qualifications, or abilities of any organization, product or professional. The listed resources do not replace the practical experience required through time and hands-on learning with the strategy of hippotherapy.

Peer-Reviewed Research

Barolin G.S., Samborski R. (1991) The horse as an aid in therapy.
Wien Med Wochenschr. 141(20): 476-81. German.

Benda, W., McGibbon, N.H., Grant, K.L. (2003). Improvements in muscle symmetry in children with cerebal palsy after equine-assisted therapy (hippotherapy). The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine,9(6), :817-825.

Casady, R.L., Nichols-Larsen, D.S. (2004). The effect of hippotherapy on ten children with cerebral palsy. Pediatric Physical Therapy, 16(3): 165-172.

DeBuse D, Gibb C, Chandler C. Effects of hippotherapy on people with cerebral palsy from a users’ perspective: a qualitative study. Physiotherapy Theory and Practice, 2009;25(30):174-192

Debuse, D., Chandler, C., Gibb, C. (2005). An exploration of German and British physiotherapists views on the effects of hippotherapy and their measurement. Physiotherapy Theory and Practice, 21(4): 219-242.

Dirienzo LN, Dirienzo LT, Baceski DA. (2007). Heart Rate Response to Therapeutic Riding in Children with CP: An exploration study. Pediatric Phys Therapy, 19:160-165.

Exner G., Engelmann A., Lange K., Wenck B. (1994). Basic principles and effects of hippotherapy within the comprehensive treatment of paraplegic patients
Rehabilitation (Stuttg). Feb;33(1): 39-43. German.

Gottwald A, Biewald N. (1981) New aspects in the treatment of Scheuermann’s disease with hippotherapy. Z Orthop Ihre Grenzgeb. Aug;119(4): 351-5. German.

Haehl, V., Giuliani, C., Lewis, C. (1999). The influence of hippotherapy on the kinematics and functional performance of two children with cerebral palsy. Pediatric Physical Therapy, 11, 89-101.

Hammer, A., Nilsagard, Y., Forsberg, A., Pepa, H., Skargren, E., Oberg, B. (2005). Evaluation of therapeutic riding (Sweden) / hippotherapy ( USA ). A single-subject experimental design study replicated in eleven patients with multiple sclerosis. Physiotherapy Theory and Practice, 21(1): 51-77.

Hamill D, Washington K, White OR. (2207) The Effect of Hippotherapy on Postural Control in Sitting for Children with Cerebral Palsy. Physical & Occupational Therapy in Pediatrics. 27(4): 23-42.

McGee MC, Reese NM. Immediate effects of a hippotherapy session on gait parameters in children with spastic cerebral palsy. Pediatr Phys Ther. 2009;21:212-218

McGibbon NH, Benda W, Duncan BR, Silkwood-Sherer D. Immediate and long-term effects of hippotherapy on symmetry of adductor muscle activity and functional ability in children with spastic cerebral palsy. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2009;90:966-974.

McGibbon, N.H., Andrade, C.K., Widener, G., Cintas, H.L. (1998). Effect of an equine movement therapy program on gait, energy expenditure, and motor function in children with spastic cerebral palsy: a pilot study. Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology, 40(1), 754-762.

Rothhaupt D., Ziegler H., Laser T. (1997). Orthopedic hippotherapy–new methods in treatment of segmental instabilities of the lumbar spine. Wien Med Wochenschr. 147(22): 504-8. German.

Silkwood-Sherer D & Warmbier H. (2007) Effects of Hippotherapy on Postural Stability In persons with Multiple Sclerosis. Journal of Neurologic Physical Therapy. 31(2):77-84.

Shurtleff, T. L., & Engsberg, J. R. (2010). Changes in Trunk and Head Stability after Hippotherapy, a Pilot Study. Physical and Occupational Therapy in Pediatrics, 30(2), 150-163.

Shurtleff TL, Standeven JW, Engsberg JR. Changes in dynamic trunk/head stability and functional reach after hippotherapy. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2009;90:1185-1195.

Snider L, Korner-Bitenshy N, Kammann C, Warner S, Saleh M. (2007) Horseback Riding as Therapy for Children with Cerebral Palsy: Is There Evidence of Its Effectiveness? Physical & Occupational Therapy in Pediatrics. 27(2): 5-23.

Case Studies / Reports

Baker E. A comparison of change in flexible kyphosis pre- and post-hippotherapy-a research approach. In: Engel B. Therapeutic Riding II Strategies for Rehabilitation. Durango CO: Barbara Engel Therapy Services;1997:283-286.

Dismuke-Blakely, R. (1984). Rehabilitative horseback riding for children with language disorders. The Pet Connection. 131-140.

Fox J, Peterson B. Enduring effect of hippotherapy on passive hip abduction in children with spastic cerebral palsy. In: Engel, B. Rehabilitation with the Aid of a Horse: A Collection of Studies. Durango, CO: Engel Therapy Services;1997:277-296.

Gaskill A, Look J, Mueller C, Silkwood-Sherer D. The Effects of Hippotherapy on Vertical Load Force Distribution in Sitting as a Factor of Postural Control for Children with Cerebral Palsy [plan B paper]. Mount Pleasant, MI.: Central Michigan University; 2002.

Gewartz R. The use of sensory integration in EAT: an OT perspective. Occup Ther Now (Ottawa) Jan/Feb 2003:5(1):8-10.

Haehl, V. 2002. Modeling a motor skill in children with and without cerebral palsy: a mathematical model to look at the underlying mechanisms of the relationship between the patient and horse. Doctoral dissertation, University of Michigan http://www.lib.umich.edu/ill/diss.html

Hansen K. A group case study: hippotherapy as a means of improving gross motor function in children with cerebral palsy. In: Engel, B. Rehabilitation with the Aid of a Horse: A Collection of Studies. Durango, CO: Engel Therapy Services;1997:233-240.

Knueven L, Collins, Jamieson J, Hakim RM, Sensbach K. Case report: Effects of hippotherapy on balance and functional performance in a child with a neurological disorder. Poster presentation at APTA Combined Sections Meeting; February 26, 2005; New Orleans, LA.

Macauley B, Gurierrez K. The effectiveness of hippotherapy for children with language-learning disabilities. Communications Disorders Quarterly 2004; 25(4):205-217.

Martin K, Stormont-Smith J. T.H.E. C.H.A.P.S. hippotherapy pilot project: a case study. In: Engel, B. Rehabilitation with the Aid of a Horse: A Collection of Studies. Durango, CO: Engel Therapy Services; *1997:227-232.

O’Neil, M.E., Fragala-Pinkham, M.A., Westcott, S.L., Martin, K., Chiarello, L.A., Valvano, J., Rose, R.U. (2006). Physical Therapy Clinical Physical Therapy Clinical Management Recommendations for Children with Cerebral Palsy – Spastic Diplegia: Achieving Functional Mobility Outcomes. Pediatric Physical Therapy. 18(1):49-72

Osborne, M.B.A. (1998). Hippotherapy as an intervention modality for a patient with cerebellar dysfunction. Physical Therapy Case Reports, 1(1): 58-60.

Rollandelli, PS and Dunst CJ (2003) Influences of Hippotherapy on the Motor and Social-Emotional Behavior of Young Children with Disabilities. Bridges. Practice-Based Research Syntheses. Research and Training Center on Early Childhood Development. Puckett Institute. Vol 2, (1); pp1-14.

Silkwood-Sherer D, Szeidel S, Braun J. The Effects of Hippotherapy Sessions on Functional Balance of Persons with Multiple Sclerosis [plan B paper]. Mount Pleasant, MI: Central Michigan University; 2001.

Wheeler, A. A case study of a boy diagnosed with spina bifida. In: Engel, B. Rehabilitation with the Aid of a Horse: A Collection of Studies. Durango, CO: Engel Therapy Services;1997:221-226.

Wasserman R, Keeney A. Hippotherapy for a child with cerebral palsy. In: Engel, B. Rehabilitation with the Aid of a Horse: A Collection of Studies. Durango, CO: Engel Therapy Services;1997:241-248.

Articles

Byam, E., & Simmons, D. (2005). Environment and occupation in hippotherapy. OT Practice,10(7),:13-8.

Cantu, C.O. (2005). Hippotherapy: facilitating occupational performance. Exceptional Parent, 35(3),:51-3.

Cohen, B. (1992). Therapy is the key word in equine treatment. Adv for Phys Ther 8(8):48.

DeGutis, D.L. (2003). Hippotherapy aids children with sensory and motor issues. Exceptional Parent, 33(11):55-7.

Ellis, J. (1995). Texas physical therapist volunteers at Circle-T Therapeutic Riding Center: Hippotherapy provides children with physical, psychological benefits. PT Bulletin,12:6-7.

Gui-Lin Chen, et.al. Biofeedback control of horseback riding simulator. Proceedings of the first international conference on machine learning and cybernetics, Bejing Nov 4-5, 2002. pages 1905-1908. ( China )

Heine, B. (1997). Hippotherapy: A multi-system approach to the treatment of neuromuscular disorders. Aust J Physiother, 43(2):145-149.

Heine, B. (1997). Introduction to Hippotherapy. Strides, 3(2):10-13.

Heine, B & Benjamin, J. (2000). Introduction to Hippotherapy. Advance for Phys Therapists, 11(13):11-13.

Ionatamishvili NI, et.al. Riding Therapy as a Method of Rehabilitation of Children with CP. 2004. Human Physiology. Vol 30. No. 5. pg 561-565. ( Georgia, Russia )

Kitagawa T, et.al. Cause of active motor function by passive movement. Journal of Physical Therapy Science 2001, 13:167-172. ( Japan )

Kuczinsky M & Slonka K. Influence of artificial saddle riding on postural stability in children with CP. Gait and Posture 1999, 10:154-160. ( Poland )

Liptak, G.S. (2005). Complementary and alternative therapies for cerebral palsy. Ment Retard Dev Disabil Res Rev, 11(2):156-63.

McNulty, B.R. (2003). Hippotherapy: exceptional treatment with multiple benefits. Exceptional Parent, 33(11): 58-9.

Meregillano, G. (2004). Hippotherapy. Phys Med Rehabil Clin N Am, 15(4): 843-54,vii.

Murphy, J. (1994). Hippotherapy continues progress in research and accreditation. Advance for Phys Therapists, 5(41): 8-9.

Pauw J. Therapeutic horseback riding studies: Problems experienced by researchers. Physiotherapy, Oct 2000 86(10):523-527. ( South Africa )

Quint C. & Toomey M. Powered saddle and pelvic mobility: an investigation into the effects on pelvic mobility of children with CP of a powered saddle which imitates the movements of a walking horse. Physiotherapy 1998, vol 84. no 8. p.376-384 ( G.Britain )

Ries, E. ( 2001 ). Passions for the Profession. PT Mag of Physical Therapy. June:35-42.

Ruddock, L. (1992). Hippotherapy. Advance for Phys Ther, 5(3):12-13.

Books

Engel BT and MacKinnon JR, (editors). Enhancing Human Occupation Through Hippotherapy: A Guide for Occupational Therapy. Durango, CO: Engel Therapy Services. 2007 ISBN: 1569002320.

Reide, D. (1988). Physiotherapy on the Horse. (A. Dusenbury, PT, Trans.) J M. Tebay, MS (Ed.) Out of print. Contact: Delta Society Library, Renton, WA.

Spink J.  Developmental Riding Therapy: A Team Approach to Assessment and Treatment. San Antonio, TX. 1993. Therapy Skill Builders, Division of The Psychological Corporation. ISBN: 0761647406. (Out of Print, but copies can occasionally be found on Amazon.)

Strauss, I. (1995). Hippotherapy: Neurophysiological therapy on the horse. Ontario Therapeutic Riding Association (ONTRA).

Contact Helen Brcko phone: 905-731-7037 or brcko@sympaticao.ca

Videos/DVDs

Activate Your Horse’s Core. DVD available for purchase at Sport Horse Publications.

Analysis of Horse and Human Movement. Hodges, Pippa. 1993. Available from CanTra, Box 1055, Guelph, Ontario, N1H6J6, Canada. Telephone 519-767-0700.

Videos available from The National Center for Equine Facilitated Therapy
NCEFT; 880 Runnymede Road, Woodside, CA 94062

1. Program Safety and Emergency Procedures
2. Treatment Options for Patients with Severe Functional Limitations
3. The Discovery Video Hippotherapy

Other

AHA, Inc. welcomes the addition of quality papers to this list.
Please send new references to:
AHA Research Chair – Tim L. Shurtleff, MA, OTD, OTR/L, tshurtleff@wustl.edu

Disclaimer

AHA provides a bibliography and resource guide only as a reference tool. The listed resources are not intended as a recommendation, referral, or endorsement of any resource or tool for verifying the credentials, qualifications, or abilities of any organization, product or professional. The listed resources do not replace the practical experience required through time and hands-on learning with the strategy of hippotherapy.