Hippotherapy and Cerebral Palsy

Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology published a meta analysis research study on hippotherapy and children with cerebral palsy. Out of 77 studies, 8 were included in the analysis. The results indicated the following:

"Therapy was found to be effective in 76 out of 84 children with CP included in the intervention groups. The comparison groups comprised 89 children: 50 non-disabled and 39 with CP. A positive effect was shown in 21 of the children with CP in the comparison group regardless of the activity undertaken (i.e. physiotherapy, occupational therapy, sitting on a barrel or in an artificial saddle)"

Overall, hippotherapy and therapeutic horseback riding was shown to improve balance and postural control in children with cerebral palsy.

Reference: Zadnikar M, Kastrin A. Effects of hippotherapy and therapeutic horseback riding on postural control or balance in children with cerebral palsy: a meta-analysis. Dev Med Child Neurol. 2011 Aug;53(8):684-91. doi: 10.1111/j.1469-8749.2011.03951.x. Epub 2011 Mar 24.