Summary of the Systematic Review

Therapeutic Effects of Horseback Riding Therapy on Gross Motor Function in Children with Cerebral Palsy: A Systematic Review

Whalen & Case-Smith

Physical and Occupational Therapy in Pediatrics (2012) 

Description

This systematic review examined the efficacy of hippotherapy or therapeutic horseback riding (THR) on motor outcomes in children with cerebral palsy (CP).

Databases were searched for clinical trials of hippotherapy or THR for children with CP.

Profession 

PT, OT, and THR instructors

Location 

USA

Intervention Terminology

HPOT or THR

Study Design 

Systematic review

Sample

9 studies

Age/Population

4+ years 

Assessment/ Outcome measure tools

Gross Motor function Measure, PEDI, Functional reach, gait analysis

Result Category 

Gross motor function

Dosage/Description of Intervention

1-2x/week for 8-26 weeks, 30 min to 1 hour sessions