Long-Term Effects of Hippotherapy on One Child with Cerebral Palsy: A Research Case Study

Abstract

Introduction: This case study followed a 6-year-old child with cerebral palsy for an additional 24 weeks after a 12-week pilot study of hippotherapy (HPOT). Method: Pre-post measures were performed using a video motion capture system before and after 12 weeks, showing head/trunk control improvements. Results: The third measure after 24 more weekly treatments showed no further improvement on the original variables. However, an unanticipated improvement in postural sway was found at the end of 9 months. Conclusion: This suggests that additional investigations are needed with more children with cerebral palsy over longer periods to identify outcomes from extended interventions beyond the 6–12 weeks of most published HPOT studies. Such further work could support better treatment planning and inform discharge criteria considering diminishing returns. The information would provide better evidence-based criteria for referrals and funding. This may make HPOT more accessible for those with disabilities who can benefit in specific and predictable ways.