"Horseback riding in children with cerebral palsy: effect on gross motor function" / Sterba, Rogers, France, and Vokes.
Abstract: The effects of recreational horseback riding therapy (HBRT) on gross motor function in children with cerebral palsy (CP: spastic diplegia, spastic quadriplegia, and spastic hemiplegia) were determined in a blinded study using the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM). Seventeen participants (nine females, eight males; mean age 9 years 10 months, SE 10 months) served as their own control. Their mean Gross Motor Function Classification System score was 2.7 (SD 0.4; range 1 to 5). HBRT was 1 hour per week for three riding sessions of 6 weeks per session (18 weeks). GMFM was determined every 6 weeks: pre-riding control period, onset of HBRT, every 6 weeks during HBRT for 18 weeks, and 6 weeks following HBRT. GMFM did not change during pre-riding control period. GMFM Total Score (Dimensions A–E) increased 7.6% (p<0.04) after 18 weeks, returning to control level 6 weeks following HBRT. GMFM Dimension E (Walking, Running, and Jumping) increased 8.7% after 12 weeks (p<0.02), 8.5% after 18 weeks (p<0.03), and remained elevated at 1.8% 6 weeks following HBRT (p<0.03). This suggests that HBRT may improve gross motor function in children with CP, which may reduce the degree of motor disability. Larger studies are needed to investigate this further, especially in children with more severe disabilities. Horseback riding should be considered for sports therapy in children with CP.
- Horseback riding is one of several sports in which children with cerebral palsy participate; examples of others include swimming, wheelchair basketball, wheeling, rowing and exercises such as aerobics and tai chi. However, when does a sport become a therapy? Dr. John A. Sterba and his colleagues explore horseback riding as a therapy hippotherapy.
- A study on the effects of recreational horseback riding therapy on gross motor function in children with cerebral palsy (CP: spastic diplegia, spastic quadriplegia, and spastic hemiplegia).
- Research was conducted using the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) which was determined every 6 weeks and measured dimensions such as walking, running and jumping (vastly gross motor functions).
- The GMFM total score increased 7.6% after 18 weeks and remained elevated 6 weeks following the end of the recreational horseback riding therapy program.
- Results indicate that motor control and gross motor function in children with cerebral palsy is greatly effected (beneficially) by this type of hippotherapy.
"Motor coordination and kinaesthesias in boys with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder" / Piek, Pitcher, and Hay.
- This study looked to examine the potential (and real) motor control issues that boys with attention deficit-hyperactivity (ADHD) face. They were compared with a group of control children with similar age and IQ.
- Findings demonstrated that the children with ADHD had significantly poorer movement ability than the control group.
- The type and degree of motor and movement difficulties appeared consistent with developmental coordination disorder.
- The severity of the child's inattentive behavior was also found to be a significant predictor of motor control difficulties.
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