Spina Bifida: Advancements in Treatment and Indications for Hippotherapy

Session Description:
This presentation aims to provide a comprehensive and clinically relevant overview of Spina Bifida, with an emphasis on enhancing interdisciplinary understanding. Topics will include epidemiological data, etiological factors, and classification systems, along with a discussion of common complications associated with the condition. Anatomical and functional implications across various spinal cord levels will be reviewed, including corresponding myotomal and dermatomal involvement. Surgical management options will be outlined.

A review of current assessment tools and measures will be provided. Treatment incorporating hippotherapy will be discussed, including a review of contraindications and safety precautions. Real-life case examples will be illustrated through photos and videos to support clinical application and engagement.

Intended Audience:
This is an intermediate level session for therapists (PT, PTA, OT, COTA, SLP, and SLPA). 

Learning Outcomes: 

1) Name the Classifications/Types of Spina Bifida

2) List the common complications related to Spina Bifida

3) Identify Common Tests and Measures appropriate for clients with Spina Bifida

4) Identify and provide descriptions of findings at various lesion levels.

5) Summarize pre and post-natal treatment interventions 6) Identify hippotherapy related precautions and contraindications

Presenters Biography:

Carol Huegel, PT, HPCS is a physical therapy graduate of the University of Florida with extensive clinical experience and specialized training in Neuro-Developmental Treatment (NDT) and vestibular rehabilitation. Throughout her career, she has incorporated hippotherapy into treatment for patients across the lifespan—from toddlers to individuals in their 80s—with a wide range of diagnoses. Carol attended her first PATH Intl. workshop in 1982 and has been deeply involved in the field ever since. She co-founded two nonprofit organizations dedicated to providing therapy services, including hippotherapy, and has served as a clinical instructor for physical therapy students from programs nationwide. She is an AHA, Inc. Coordinating Faculty Member, a PATH Intl. Registered Therapist, a PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor, and a Hippotherapy Clinical Specialist. Carol is a former member of the AHA, Inc. Board of Directors and currently serves as Co-Chair of the American Hippotherapy Certification Board. Carol also leads the monthly AHA, Inc. Interdisciplinary Therapist Case Study Group Meetings. Her interest in spina bifida, a recurring focus of these meetings, served as the inspiration for this presentation.

Jane Liddiard is an occupational therapist of over 20 years, with almost 30 years assisting people who have disabilities in horse-related activities; currently combining these two passions to offer Hippotherapy and Equine Assisted OT as part of her private practice in Perth, Western Australia. Jane’s client base includes adults and children with diagnoses including Spina Bifida, Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Spinal cord injury, amputations, ADHD, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, neurological impairments, genetic disorders and intellectual and learning disabilities. “Horses are such a powerful inclusion into OT, with so many opportunities to engage clients in meaningful occupations - for us occupation as a means to developing skills, roles, habits and capacities; for the client, the horse is the meaningful occupation.”

Presenter Disclosure:

Financial: Carol Huegel and Jane Liddiard are independent contractor for AHA, Inc. and does not receive a fee from AHA, Inc. for instructional services.

Non-Financial: Carol Huegel and Jane LIddiard are members of the AHA, Inc.