Effects of Hippotherapy in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder

Condition(s) studied

Investigational drug(s) / intervention(s)

Hippotherapy Program: Participants will receive 30-minute hippotherapy sessions once weekly for 8 weeks in addition to their ongoing special education program. The program will include exercises targeting balance, postural control, trunk stabilization, coordination, muscle strength, upper extremity function, and sensory processing.

Special Education Program: Participants will continue their ongoing special education program throughout the 8-week study period. The program includes educational activities, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, proprioceptive activities, and sensory-based interventions according to the individual needs of the child.

Study summary

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by difficulties in social communication and interaction, as well as impairments in physical function domains such as postural control, balance, coordination, and motor planning. This study is designed as a randomized controlled trial to determine the effects of hippotherapy, applied in addition to a special education program, on physical function, bladder-bowel symptoms, and social communication level in children with ASD.

Eligibility

Primary outcome measure(s)

• Balance — Baseline and at the end of the 8-week intervention
  Balance will be assessed using the Pediatric Balance Scale, a 14-item scale evaluating sitting balance, standing balance, transfers, reaching, turning, and stepping activities. The total score ranges from 0 to 56, with higher scores indicating better balance performance. The scale will be administered by a physiotherapist.
• Trunk Control — Baseline and at the end of the 8-week intervention
  Trunk control will be assessed using the Trunk Control Measurement Scale. The total score ranges from 0 to 58, with higher scores indicating better trunk control. The assessment will be administered by a physiotherapist.
• Posture — Baseline and at the end of the 8-week intervention
  Postural alignment will be assessed using the New York Posture Rating Chart. The total score ranges from 13 to 65, with higher scores indicating better postural alignment. The assessment will be performed by a physiotherapist.
• Handgrip Strength — Baseline and at the end of the 8-week intervention
  Handgrip strength will be measured in kilograms using a hand dynamometer. Three measurements will be obtained for each hand, with a 1-minute rest period between measurements. The mean value of the three measurements will be used in the analysis. Higher values indicate greater handgrip strength.
• Bladder and Bowel Symptoms — Baseline and at the end of the 8-week intervention
  Bladder and bowel symptoms will be assessed using the Bladder and Bowel Dysfunction Questionnaire. The total score ranges from 0 to 52, with higher scores indicating greater symptom severity. The questionnaire will be completed by the child with parental assistance.
• Social Communication — Baseline and at the end of the 8-week intervention
  Social communication will be assessed using the Autism Social Skills Profile-Turkish Form. The scale consists of 45 items and includes three subscales: social reciprocity, social participation/avoidance, and detrimental social behaviors. Items are rated on a 4-point Likert scale. Higher total scores indicate better social skills. The questionnaire will be completed by the participant's parent.

Trial sites (1)

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