Impact of serial gait analyses on long-term outcome of hippotherapy in children and adolescents with cerebral palsy. (February 2018) - Mutoh, Tomoko
Abstract: The aim of this study was to obtain data of gait parameters on predicting long-term outcome of hippotherapy. In 20 participants (4–19 years; GMFCS levels I to III) with cerebral palsy (CP), gait and balance abilities were examined after 10-m walking test using a portable motion recorder. Hippotherapy was associated with increased Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM)-66 at 1 year from the baseline ( P < 0.001). Hippotherapy increased stride length, walking speed, and mean acceleration and decreased horizontal/vertical displacement ratio over time ( P < 0.05). Stride length and mean acceleration at 6 weeks predicted the elevation of GMFM-66 score. These data suggest that 1-year outcome of hippotherapy on motor and balance functions can be assessed from the early phase by serial monitoring of the gait parameters. Highlights: Impact of serial gait analyses on long-term efficacy of hippotherapy was determined in children and adolescents with CP. Gait and balance functions were assessed serially using a portable motion recorder via a 10-m walking test. Stride length and mean acceleration at 6 weeks were the predictors for 1-year GMFM-66 improvement. The data enhance the therapeutic benefit of hippotherapy as an important rehabilitation method.