A randomized controlled trial of the impact of therapeutic horse riding on the quality of life, health, and function of children with cerebral palsy

作者：Davis E^*; Davies B; Wolfe R; Raadsveld R; Heine B; Thomason P; Dobson Fiona; Graham H K

来源：Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology, 2009, 51(2): 111-119.

DOI：10.1111/j.1469-8749.2008.03245.x

This randomized controlled trial examined whether therapeutic horse riding has a clinically significant impact on the physical function, health and quality of life (QoL) of children with cerebral palsy (CP). Ninety-nine children aged 4 to 12 years with no prior horse riding experience and various levels of impairment ( Gross Motor Function Classification System Levels I-III) were randomized to intervention (10wks therapeutic programme; 26males, 24 females; mean age 7y 8mo [SD 2y 5mo] or control ( usual activities, 27 males, 22 females; mean age 8y 2mo [ SD 2y 6mo]). Pre- and post-measures were completed by 72 families ( 35 intervention and 37 control). Children's gross motor Gross Motor Function Measure [GMFM]), health status ( Child Health Questionnaire [CHQ]), and QoL ( CP QoL-Child, KIDSCREEN) were assessed by parents and QoL was assessed by children before and after the 10-week study period. On analysis of covariance, there was no statistically significant difference in GMFM, CP QoL-Child ( parent report and child self-report), and CHQ scores ( except family cohesion) between the intervention and control group after the 10-week study period, but there was weak evidence of a difference for KIDSCREEN ( parent report). This study suggests that therapeutic horse riding does not have a clinically significant impact on children with CP. However, a smaller effect cannot be ruled out and the absence of evidence might be explained by a lack of sensitivity of the instruments since the QoL and health measures have not yet been demonstrated to be sensitive to change for children with CP.

• 出版日期2009-2
• 单位迪肯大学