Hippotherapy is a treatment that involves using the movements of horse to provide a dynamic base of support as an intervention strategy.12,13 Through the use of the horse’s gait, which provides a three dimensional reciprocal movement, improvements in trunk strength and control, balance, postural endurance, weight shifting and motor planning can be seen in children with CP.2,4,12–16 The horse’s movements simulate normal pelvic rhythm that most closely resembles human ambulation.12,14 Hippotherapy has been used in previous studies to examine its effects on: gross motor function, adductor symmetry, energy expenditure with walking, gait parameters, balance, and trunk and head stability in children with CP.2,4,12,13,16 By varying the horse’s …show more content…
In a study conducted by Herrero and colleagues, the authors utilized a hippotherapy simulator to try and achieve the same results as traditional hippotherapy.24 They found that a greater effect was seen in children with more severe cases of CP (GMFCS level V) when utilizing the hippotherapy simulator.24 Although their methods need refining, there is potential benefit in using a hippotherapy simulator that lacks validated research.24 The use of the simulator can also help to reduce the potential limitation of the high cost of traditional hippotherapy, as was noted by several …show more content…
Several meta-analyses have looked at the overall effectiveness of hippotherapy and therapeutic riding studies in children with CP.10,14,25 A 2007 meta-analysis by Sterba stated that research suggests that therapists and physicians can recommend hippotherapy as a medically indicated therapy for gross motor rehabilitation in children with CP.14 Sterba also states, however, that further studies with blind assessment, control groups, and larger sample sizes are needed.14 In 2011, Zadnikar and Kastrin concluded that the results of their meta-analysis, “…clearly demonstrate that riding therapy is indicated to improve postural control and balance in children with CP.”10 They also commented about sample sizes being too small and that CP management in all therapy, not just hippotherapy, is complex due to the diversity within the population itself.10 Lastly, a 2013 meta-analysis by Tseng and colleagues found insufficient evidence that long-term hippotherapy provided significant benefit to children with CP.25 Based on these meta-analyses, it is clear that more research must be done with larger samples sizes over longer treatment durations with randomization and application of control
Hippotherapy, a specialized form of equine therapy, “is a physical, occupational or speech and language therapy treatment strategy that utilizes equine movement. Hippotherapy literally means ‘treatment with the help of the horse’ from the Greek word, "hippos" meaning horse” (“Hippotherapy.”). Equine therapy is an all-encompassing type of therapy that includes riding horses, learning about the horse as a creature, the physical activity involved in horseback riding, and much more. Hippotherapy also requires a licensed, specially-trained therapist to teach and oversee lessons because of the hands-on nature of this method while therapeutic riding only requires a professional horseback-riding instructor, typically with some background in physical or occupational therapy Hippotherapy riders usually have more severe deficits and, therefore, hippotherapy is a little bit more intense than physical therapy. Both hippotherapy and therapeutic riding can utilize the unique movement of a horse to “assist in meeting therapy goals.” The horse’s gait mimics that of a human, and for that reason, horses can aid in the treatment of patients with physical disabilities such as cerebral palsy and the rehabilitation of injured people such as
Salgado, S., Williams, N., Kotian, R., & Salgado, M. (2013). An Evidence-Based Exercise Regimen for Patients with Mild to Moderate Parkinson's Disease. Brain Sciences (2076-3425), 3(1), 87-100.
Tilikete, C., Rode, G., Rossetti, Y., Pichon, J., Ling, L., & Boisson, D. (2001). Prism adaptation to rightward optical deviation improves postural imbalance in left-hemiparetic patients. Current Biology, 524-528.
I began to wonder where and how therapeutic riding originated. In my research I found that therapeutic riding was not taken seriously until Liz Hartel, a Danish rider who had paralysis from poliomyelitis, advanced to competitive riding. Despite the fact that Liz suffered from poliomyelitis, she “went on to win a silver medal in the Grand Prix Dressage competition at the 1952 Helsinki Olympic Games” (Young). After she won this great achievement, an interest around the world in the therapeutic effects of riding emerged; as a result, therapeutic riding programs were established and studies were initiated (Young). I think it is ironic how a person with a disability is so influential in helping other people with disabilities.
During testing, most patients are found to need correction in all 14 balance tests, depending on the ailment the patient complains of and how well they react to the muscle correction will tell whether or not further treatment is needed. The physical aspect of the therapy, despite the name and basic principles, is not the only aspect required for optimal results. One must also report lifestyle and diet changes ranging from daily stress levels to pat...
Cerebral Palsy is a condition that involves the brain and nervous system which results in disorders in movement, learning, hearing, seeing and thinking. There has been a rise on the number of children who are diagnosed with CP since the 1960’s (Mattern-Baxter, 2010). After a child has been diagnosed with CP, it is important to help them regain their ability to walk. Cerebral palsy is a permanent but not unchanging condition that requires the help of medical professionals, the children and their families (Mattern-Baxter, 2010). Since the recent increase of the number of children diagnosed with CP, researchers has emphasized the importance of intensive intervention at an early stage (Prosser, Lee, VanSant, Barbe, & Lauer, 2010). Ways to help improve the gait kinematics of children with CP are through locomotor treadmill training (LTT) or strength training. There are advantages and disadvantages with both methods. There are also different cases of CP so the effects of these methods vary between the children. A disadvantage for locomotor treadmill training is that it is less effective on children with CP less than 4 years old (Mattern-Baxter, 2010). Strength training may improve walking function to some patients but may cause no change or undesired outcomes to others (Damiano, Arnold, Steele & Delp, 2010). It is important to look at the best method that can help improve ambulation in children with CP since the number of children diagnosed with this condition is becoming more frequent. The purpose of this paper is to compare the different studies and determine which strategy is more effective for children with cerebral palsy, treadmill training, or strength training.
Many people have heard the term cerebral palsy and may have a personal perception about the appearance and effects of this
...ed to be provided. Every child’s impairment is different and unique so therefore no treatment for cerebral palsy exists worldwide. (A comprehensive treatment plan is required to coordinate care of all conditions – primary, secondary, associative and co-mitigating conditions. Because of variety of conditions that need to be addressed, a treatment plan usually involves a multidisciplinary team of medical specialists working closely with the child’s pediatrician to establish and accomplish care goals.) Parents or legal guardians need to work closely with the multi-disciplinary team. (The comprehensive treatment plan takes the child’s abilities into consideration, as well as his or her socio-economic situation and home care dynamics. Health
Total Hip Replacement (THR) is a surgical procedure that relieves pain from most kinds of hip arthritis, thus helping to improve the quality of life for the majority of the patients that undergo the operation. Arthritis simply means "inflammation of a joint." Arthritis can occur in any joint in the body. The main symptom of arthritis is pain which usually worsens with activity and weight bearing. This pain may be relieved most of the time through rest. There are over 100 types of arthritis but less than a handful account for over than 95 percent of the hip replacements that are performed. Some of these include Osteoarthritis (causes deterioration of the cartilage and the growth of bone spurs), Rheumatoid arthritis and Osteonecrosis of the femoral head. Doctors suggest that before considering hip replacement surgery for arthritis that the patient tries a number of non-operative interventions. Your doctor may have you consider little things such as weight loss (most arthritis is caused due to the weight bearing on a joint), activity modification or even the use of a cane. Patients should consider THR when daily living activities become harder to accomplish due to the pain. These activities would include walking, climbing stairs or other moderate pastimes. Anti-inflammatory medications which will help reduce the inflammation from the arthritis and reduce your pain may also be prescribed by the patient's doctor.
People have created a hectic and busy world, that includes careers and daily activities that require physical activity. While attempting to attain the required physical conditioning, people often take chances with their personal health as they try to stretch their physical limits. Sometimes, people can surpass their current limits and form new boundaries; however, other times people are not so fortunate. These unfortunate times often lead to injury, including workplace accidents, sporting incidents, disease afflictions, as well as others; any or all of which could bring about the need of rehabilitation services. Many of these require physical therapy, which includes assisting injured or otherwise impaired patients as they recover to their pre-injury status or to recover as much as is physically possible. The field of physical therapy is a choice career for those who enjoy helping people recover from injury, and the following text will provide reason for choosing this profession.
Vasconcelos, O., Rodrigues, P., Barreiros, J. & Jacobsohn, L. (2009). Laterality, developmental coordination disorders and posture. In L. P. Rodrigues, L. Saraiva, J. Barreiros & O. Vasconcelos (Eds.) Estudos em desenvolvimento motor da criança II (pp.19-26). Escola Superior de Educação, Instituto Politécnico de Viana do Castelo.
Long ago, when humans believed in Zeus and were polytheistic, diseases and ailments were said to be a punishment from the gods. This time period, time of the ancient Greeks, had one man step out and go beyond belief and reached above a pinnacle in the works of a physician. This man created the start of a new belief, one where illnesses and diseases were not caused by some supernatural phenomenon, yet it be caused by the works of bad choices of humans instead.
Neurodevelopmental theory (NDT) informs clinical reasoning through the concepts of motor control, brain plasticity, motor learning and an understanding of functional human movement (Meadows & Williams, 2013). By identifying atypical movement patterns the therapist is able to select interventions, which will facilitate Sue in developing greater symmetry in her body and correct movement patterns. (Barthel, 2009; Feaver & Ezekiel, 2011). This influences the practice of interventions in NDT by applying moment-to-moment observations of Sue throughout treatment, in order to gage her reactions and adjusting interventions accordingly (Barthel, 2009). Barthel (2009) and Case-smith, Law, Missiuna, Pollock and Stewart (2010), defines NDT as a hand’s on approach to intervention, focusing on physically assisting Sue in the development of active and passive movement using key points of control during activities. This is used to facilitate Sue to engage in more normal movement patterns
Physical therapy has five sub-specialty practices: orthopedic, geriatric, neurological, cardiopulmonary and pediatric (“Welcome”). A geriatric physical therapist studies and focuses on the unique movement needs of older adults. These therapists usually give out treatments for conditions such as arthritis, cancer, osteoporosis, Alzheimer’s disease, joint replacement and balance disorders (“Welcome”). Geriatric physical therapy is used to help restore mobility, help with physical limitations and reduce pain for older adults. The second sub-specialty practice is neurological physical therapy, which obviously focuses on neurological conditions and impairments. Alzheimer’s disease, brain injury, cerebral palsy, Parkinson’s disease and strokes are just a couple of the neurological conditions that licensed neurological physical therapists work with. There are not many ways to physically improve nerves, but these therapists try their best for their patients. They concentrate on teaching their patients to adapt to visual, balance, mobility, and muscle loss impairments for daily living (“Welcome”). The third sub-specialty practice is cardiopulmonary therapy. This physical therapy practice focuses on helping people who have suffered from cardiovascular and pulmonary conditions; it is also used to help increase endurance and improve functional independence. Pediatric physical therapy is
Hemiplegia, a condition in which one-half of a patient's body is paralyzed usually results from stroke or cerebrovascular accident. Individuals affected by hemiplegia have difficulty dealing with frustration, swallowing, walking, forming words, dressing, feeding self and bowel/urine incontinence. Quality of life from the individual’s own perspective is paramount because hemiplegia leads to self denial, self care deficit and need for minimal to total dependence. Therefore the goal of treatment is to help the individual reach his or her fullest potential for independence, functioning and accepting who they are as individuals.