Investigation of the Effect of Hippotherapy Simulator in Children With Spastic Diplegia and Cerebral Palsy

Primary outcomes

1. Pediatric Berg Balance Scale

   Time frame: 10 weeks

   Berg Balance Scale was designed for children to evaluate functions in activities of daily living.

   version. The scale consists of 14 assessments and each section is scored between 0-4; The highest possible score is 56.

2. Trunk Control Measurement Scale

   Time frame: 10 weeks

   For this reason, the scale consists of two parts: Static Sitting Balance (SSB) and Dynamic Sitting Balance (DSB). The DSB section also consists of two sub-parameters as selective motion control and dynamic reach. While the static sitting balance subscale evaluates static trunk control during lower and upper extremity movements, the selective motion control subscale evaluates selective trunk movements in three planes (flexion/extension, rotation, and lateral flexion). The dynamic reach subscale evaluates performance during reaching tasks that require active trunk movement. The scale consists of 15 items in total (subscales 5, 7 and 3 items, respectively). Items are scored on a 2, 3, and 4-point ordinal scale and are administered bilaterally when clinically significant. While the total score of the scale varies between 0-58 points, higher scores indicate a better performance.

3. 1 Minute Walk Test

   Time frame: 10 weeks

   First, the child puts on his own clothes and shoes. He is allowed to use his splints and suitable walking aid. At least 5 minutes before starting the test. He is allowed to rest and then brought to the starting point of the path he will walk. When the command is given, it is said to start walking as fast as possible for 1 minute. It is also reported that he is not allowed to run. The distance is then calculated.

4. Timed get up and go test

   Time frame: 10 weeks

   It is a test used to measure mobility and assesses walking speed, postural control, functional mobility and balance. The Timed Get Up and Go Test measures the time it takes for a person to get up from an arm-supported chair, turn by walking 3 m, and walk back to the chair, then sit down. The time it takes to get up from the chair and sit back on the chair is recorded.

5. Functional independence measurement for children (WEEFIM)

   Time frame: 10 weeks

   It was developed to assess the level of functional independence of children with a physical disability and consists of three main categories and a total of 18 questions. A total of 18 questions under the heading of self-care, mobility and cognitive function categories are scored between 1 and 7. According to this; While performing the function to be evaluated, the child with a physical disability gets 1 point if he/she does it completely with assistance, and 7 points if he/she does it completely independently. The lowest score that the child can get from the scale is 18, and the highest score is 126.