Long-term effects of hippotherapy on one child with cerebral palsy: a research case study

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.