| The word hippotherapy is derived from the | | | | as cerebral palsy (CP), developmental delays, |
| Greek word "hippo," which means "horse." It | | | | traumatic brain injury, stroke, and autism. |
| describes physical, occupational, or speech therapy | | | | Hippotherapy has been used in the U.S. since the |
| that uses the multidimensional movement of a | | | | 1970's. However, it is still considered an |
| walking horse to stimulate the rider and help | | | | experimental and investigational treatment |
| enhance balance, good posture, mobility, | | | | because there is insufficient scientific evidence for |
| coordination, and strength. Often, hippotherapy | | | | its effectiveness in the treatment of CP, autism, |
| aids mental functioning, improves mood and | | | | and other conditions characterized by motor |
| self-confidence as well. | | | | dysfunction. |
| The rhythmic and multidimensional movement of | | | | A recent study by Bass, Duchowny, and Llabre |
| the horse provides variable yet repetitive sensory | | | | (2009) examined the effects of a 12-week-long |
| stimulation to patients. That stimulation can be | | | | therapeutic horseback intervention on social |
| varied and manipulated by a trained therapist to | | | | functioning in children with autistic spectrum |
| fit a patient's needs and stimulate improved | | | | disorder. The results showed improved social |
| functioning of daily living. For example, physical | | | | interaction and less inattention and distractibility in |
| therapists can use a variety of horse movements | | | | autistic children. These findings indicate that |
| to improve gross motor abilities, such as sitting, | | | | hippotherapy may have a place in the treatment |
| standing, and walking. | | | | of children with autism. However, more studies |
| According to the American Hippotherapy | | | | need to demonstrate its therapeutic effectiveness |
| Association, hippotherapy is indicated for children | | | | before hippotherapy is widely recommended as a |
| and adults with mild to severe neuromuscular | | | | treatment for autism. |
| dysfunction. It aids impairments such as abnormal | | | | Reference: |
| muscle tone; impaired balance, coordination, and | | | | Bass, M., Duchowny, C., & Llabre, M. (2009). |
| sensory function; postural asymmetry; poor | | | | Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, |
| postural control; and decreased mobility. | | | | 39(9), 1261-7. |
| Hippotherapy has been used for conditions such | | | | |