Physical Therapy Using Horses for Children with Neuromotor Impairments
This study is looking at whether physical therapy that uses horses (hippotherapy) can help children aged 6 to 17 with neuromotor impairments (conditions affecting movement, like cerebral palsy) improve their arm and hand skills. It compares this special therapy to standard play-based physical therapy. Researchers want to see if the horse-based therapy is practical and acceptable for families, and if it helps children reach their goals for arm use and participation in daily activities. You might be able to join if you are 6-17 years old, have a neuromotor impairment affecting your arms, can follow simple instructions, and can sit on a horse for 30 minutes. The study is currently unclear on its recruitment status.
- Study design
- This is an interventional study planning to enroll 24 participants. It compares two types of physical therapy: one using horses and one that is play-based.
- What's involved
- You would receive either physical therapy using hippotherapy and the equine environment or standard play-based physical therapy. Your arm and hand skills, goals, and participation will be measured at the beginning and after 9 weeks of treatment.
- Compensation
- Not stated in the trial record.
- Follow-up
- Your progress will be measured at week 0 (before treatment) and week 9 (after treatment).
AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.
Physical Therapy for Montana Children With NMD Using Hippotherapy and the Equine Environment
At a glance
Conditions
Where it's being run
1 sites across 1 statesWho to contact
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Do you actually qualify for this trial?
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Inclusion
Exclusion
What this trial measures
- ABILHAND-KIDSweek 0 and week 9 (pre- and post-treatment)
The ABILHAND-KIDS is a parent-report measure of a child's bimanual abilities, meaning the use of both hands, in daily activities. It asks the parent to rate their child's ability to perform 21 different bimanual daily living activities on a 3-point scale (0=impossible, 1=difficult, 2=easy).
- Goal Attainment Scale (GAS)week 0 and week 9 (pre- and post-treatment)
The GAS is on a 5-point scale: -2, current level of performance at the time the goal is created; -1, less than expected level of performance after the 8-week intervention; 0, expected level of performance after intervention; +1, more than expected; and +2, much more than expected. Goals are determined through initial assessment and semi-structured interview with the caregiver. Goals are peer-reviewed to ensure each individual scale meets quality criteria. At the post-intervention assessment, the evaluating therapist will use direct observation and caregiver report to determine goal attainment.
- Participation and Environment Measure for Children and Youth (PEM-CY)week 0 and week 9 (pre- and post-treatment)
A parent-report measure of child participation in activities in the home, school, and community environments, and supports or hindrances to their participation. It includes several items rated on an ordinal scale for the child's level of participation and involvement in a variety of activities. There are also short-answer questions for caregivers to elaborate on supports and barriers to their child's participation in the 3 environments, and strategies the caregivers employ to encourage/facilitate participation and involvement.
- Bruininks-Oseretski Test of Motor Proficiency - Third Editionweek 0 and week 9 (pre- and post-treatment)
The Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency - 3rd Edition is a comprehensive norm-referenced clinical measure for children and youth ages 4-21 years that covers 4 motor areas: (1) fine manual control, (2) manual coordination, (3) body coordination, and (4) strength and agility. The BOT has shown excellent test-retest reliability and good responsiveness in children with typical development and intellectual disability. Scaled scores can range from 0-20 and Standard scores can range from 0-200. Higher scores indicate better performance.
- Feasibility of study protocol12-month study period
We will track recruitment, screening, enrollment, retention, attendance, and outcome measure completion. We will record reasons for withdrawal, missed treatments, and incomplete outcome measures.