Effect of a hippotherapy intervention program on static balance and strength in adolescents with intellectual disabilities

Giagazoglou, Paraskevi; Arabatzi, Fotini; Δίπλα, Κωνσταντίνα; Liga, Maria; Kellis, Eleftherios

doi:10.1016/j.ridd.2012.07.004

Cited by 93 publications

(77 citation statements)

References 33 publications

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“…The sense of balance in individuals with ID may be improved in many different ways [7,[15][16][17][18], but enhancement of their independence should always be of overriding importance. Most of the ADLs, which require body control and spatial orientation, are based on doing two or more things at the same time [19].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Dual-task functional exercises as an effective way to improve dynamic balance in persons with intellectual disability – continuation of the project

Mikołajczyk¹,

Jankowicz-Szymańska²

2017

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Introduction: Balance disorders are common in people with intellectual disability (ID). Aim of the research:The continuation of the project is aimed at finding out whether extension of the unstable surface dualtask functional exercises programme by another 12 weeks affects the level of dynamic balance in adolescents with ID and what those changes are like after the 8-week summer holidays. Material and methods: A total of 17 adolescents with ID aged 14-16 years (E) performed functional exercises for another 12 weeks on unstable surfaces, and a group of 17 individuals with ID were the controls. Dynamic balance was assessed three times: after the first stage of the programme (test 2), after another 12 weeks (test 3), after the 8-week holiday (test 4). ALFA AC An International East stabilometric platform was used for measurements. Results: No statistical differences were discovered in group E, in dynamic balance assessment between test 2 and 3; however, the mean scores in group E, in test 3, were slightly better than in test 2, and notably better than in group C. No significant differences between test 3 and 4 were found in group E either. Conclusions: Extension of the intervention program helped to maintain improved dynamic balance. Discontinuation of the program for the period of 8 weeks resulted in decreased level of balance; however, it was still higher than at the beginning of the project. Dual-task functional exercises based on activities of daily living (ADLs) and stimulation of righting reactions may enhance dynamic balance in individuals with ID, but it should be constantly stimulated.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Dual-task functional exercises as an effective way to improve dynamic balance in persons with intellectual disability – continuation of the project

Mikołajczyk¹,

Jankowicz-Szymańska²

2017

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“…For example, a recent research examining equine-assisted therapy for children with ASD, had an inclusion criteria of IQ performance above 70 and verbal abilities, due to the demands of attention and focus required for sessions [74]. The exclusion of this group would be unfortunate in light of findings indicating improvements in motor abilities, self-concept, autonomy and social integration and well-being in this group of clients [70,[75][76][77].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Systematic Review of Hippotherapy (horseback riding) for Individuals with Autism is the Cognitive Level Considered?

Atun-Einy¹,

Lotan²

2017

Autism Open Access

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Background: Hippotherapy (HT) or horseback riding is a therapeutic modality that is suggested to improve function in children with cerebral palsy (CP), autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and Intellectual and Developmental Disability (IDD) Aim: The aim of this review was to evaluate HT in children with ASD and to assess the feasibility to conclude on this effect, considering the cognitive level of participants. Method:Articles describing HT intervention with individuals with ASD were methodically collected and evaluated. Strength of evidence was graded according to the American Academy for Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine.Results: Most of the 17 articles found supported evidence of positive outcome across a broad range of ASD challenges. Only 5 studies reported participants' IQ level so that the effect of cognitive ability on outcome could not be fully ascertained. Only one study was rated at evidence level I (highest level), two studies were rated at evidence level II, and the remainder were rated at evidence levels III-V. Conclusion:The findings suggest that HT benefits children with ASD. Nevertheless, the evidence supporting HT for individuals with ASD and IDD is limited due to methodological limitations of past research, highlighting the need for further study.

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“…There are a number of reports documenting improvement in static balance among the intellectually disabled following implementation of different intervention programmes. Participation of intellectually disabled youngsters in a 10-week hippotherapy programme, [14]. Children with ID also scored better in the speed, agility and static balance tests after a special programme of swimming [15].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The effect of unstable-surface functional exercises on static balance in adolescents with intellectual disability – a preliminary report

Mikołajczyk¹,

Jankowicz-Szymańska²

2014

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Introduction: Independent and safe mobility considerably affects social functioning and performing activities of daily living (ADL). People with intellectual disabilities commonly have a reduced sense of balanced posture. Aim of the research study: Examination static balance in adolescents with moderate intellectual disabilities under the influence of a 12-week programme of functional exercises on unstable surfaces. Material and methods: Static balance was assessed on an Alfa stabilometric platform. A total of 34 adolescents, aged 14-16 years, were involved in the tests. They were divided into two groups: group one took part in a 12-week exercise programme, and group two constituted a control group. Results: A statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) between the scores of the experimental and control group was revealed after the termination of the exercise programme, and it related to the Centre of Pressure (COP) surface area in the balance assessment test with eyes closed. The suggested battery of exercises considerably (p < 0.05) affected the shortening of the path length in the balance assessment test with eyes open. Those differences were not observed in the control group. The experimental group boasted a statistically significant (p < 0.05) shortening of the path length and a smaller surface area covered by the COP in exercises with eyes closed. Conclusions: The suggested training programme improved static balance in intellectually disabled adolescents who took part in regular exercise sessions.

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Effect of a hippotherapy intervention program on static balance and strength in adolescents with intellectual disabilities

Cited by 93 publications

References 33 publications

Dual-task functional exercises as an effective way to improve dynamic balance in persons with intellectual disability – continuation of the project

Dual-task functional exercises as an effective way to improve dynamic balance in persons with intellectual disability – continuation of the project

A Systematic Review of Hippotherapy (horseback riding) for Individuals with Autism is the Cognitive Level Considered?

The effect of unstable-surface functional exercises on static balance in adolescents with intellectual disability – a preliminary report

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