Skip to main content
OpenTrials
Completed

NCT Number: NCT05297149

Effect of Hippotherapy in Children With Down Syndrome

Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of hippotherapy on balance, functional mobility, and functional independence in children with Down syndrome (DS).

Methods: Thirty-four children with DS were randomly assigned to the experimental (hippotherapy) and control groups after initial assessment. Both groups received physiotherapy including balance exercises, and the experimental group also received hippotherapy. Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS), Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), and Functional Independence Measure for Children (WeeFIM) were used before and after the intervention.

Completed

Looking for future studies?

Notify Me

Key information

Conditions

Down Syndrome Abnormalities, Multiple Chromosome Disorders Congenital Abnormalities Congenital, Hereditary, and Neonatal Diseases and Abnormalities Genetic Diseases, Inborn Intellectual Disability Nervous System Diseases Neurobehavioral Manifestations Neurologic Manifestations

Age range

4 year–14 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Haliç University

Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye)

About this study

Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of hippotherapy on balance, functional mobility, and functional independence in children with Down syndrome (DS).

Methods: Thirty-four children with DS were randomly assigned to the experimental (hippotherapy) and control groups after initial assessment. Both groups received physiotherapy including balance exercises, and the experimental group also received hippotherapy. Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS), Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), and Functional Independence Measure for Children (WeeFIM) were used before and after the intervention.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • diagnosed with down syndrome
  • being aged 4 to 14 years
  • being voluntary

Exclusion criteria

  • having a history of previous hippotherapy intervention,
  • having a phobia related to horse riding, epileptic seizures, atlantoaxial instability, and
  • having any orthopedic, neurological, or cardiovascular disease that prevents physical activity.

Treatment and study plan

hippotherapy

Behavioral

The hippotherapy program consisted of 6 weekly sessions that varied in duration between 20 and 30 minutes depending on the weekly program and the participant's condition. Each session started with brief greetings and contact with the horse.

Home exrecises

Behavioral

The home exercise program consisted of the following balance training exercises: one leg standing on foam with eyes open and closed, double leg standing on foam with eyes open and closed, walking in tandem with eyes open and closed, balance exercises on an inclined surface, balance exercises in squat, and jumping over an obstacle on the ground. All participants performed the exercises under parental supervision, 3 times per week for 6 weeks. The physiotherapist made video calls to the children and parents to ensure their adherence to the home exercise program.

Primary outcomes

  1. Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS)

    Time frame: Change from baseline PBS at 6th week

    The PBS is a modified version of the Berg Balance Scale that is used to assess functional balance skills in children with mild to moderate motor impairment. The scale consists of 14 items that are scored from 0 (lowest function) to 4 (highest function) with a maximum score of 56 points. Lower scores indicate poorer balance. The PBS has been validated for use in children with neuromotor dysfunction.

  2. Timed Up and Go Test (TUG)

    Time frame: Change from baseline TUG at 6th week

    The TUG assesses balance and functional mobility. The time required for the person to stand up from a chair, walk 3 meters forward, return to the chair, and sit down again was recorded. Times of 14 seconds or more are interpreted as high risk of falling. The TUG was reported to be reliable for assessing functional mobility in people with DS.

  3. Pediatric Functional Independence Measure for Children (WeeFIM)

    Time frame: Change from baseline WeeFIM at 6th week

    The WeeFIM is a pediatric version of the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) that was developed to measures a child's consistent functional performance in essential daily functional skills (independence in self-care, sphincter control, transfers, locomotion, communication, and social cognition). It is an 18-item, 7-level ordinal scale instrument (score range: 18-126) and can be used for children with developmental disabilities aged 6 months to 21 years.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Halic University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Effect of Hippotherapy on Balance, Functional Mobility, and Functional Independence in Children With Down Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Important dates

Study start
2020
Primary completion
2021
Study completion
2021
First posted
Mar 28, 2022
Registry last updated
Mar 28, 2022

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

Related clinical trials

Published trials that share one or more normalized conditions with this study.