Hippotherapy's effects on children with cerebral palsy

Effects of Hippotherapy on Upper Extremity Functionality and Trunk Control in Children With Cerebral Palsy

NA · Uskudar University · NCT06550258

This study is testing if hippotherapy can help improve movement and control in children with cerebral palsy better than regular physical therapy.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment40 (estimated)
Ages4 Years to 16 Years
SexAll
SponsorUskudar University (other)
Locations1 site (Istanbul, Ümraniye)
Trial IDNCT06550258 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the impact of hippotherapy on improving upper limb functionality in children diagnosed with cerebral palsy. Participants aged 4-16 will be divided into two groups, one receiving hippotherapy and the other receiving traditional physiotherapy, over a period of two months. Evaluations will be conducted before and after the intervention to assess changes in gross motor function and trunk control. The study aims to determine if hippotherapy offers significant advantages over conventional physiotherapy in enhancing motor skills and postural control.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are children aged 4-16 with a diagnosis of cerebral palsy at GMFCS levels 1, 2, or 3 and MACS levels 1, 2, 3, or 4.

Not a fit: Patients with active seizures, developmental hip dysplasia, or those who have had recent surgical interventions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a novel therapeutic option that enhances upper limb functionality and overall quality of life for children with cerebral palsy.

How similar studies have performed: While hippotherapy has been explored in various contexts, this specific approach focusing on upper limb functionality in children with cerebral palsy is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Having been diagnosed with SP
* Being between the ages of 4-16
* Being at GMFCS (Gross Motor Function Classification System) level 1,2 or 3
* Being at MACS (The Manual Ability Classification System) level 1,2,3 or 4
* Having a stable clinical condition
* Having the cognitive level to follow the instructions in the test and treatment protocol

Exclusion Criteria:

* Families who do not sign the consent form
* Presence of active seizures
* Presence of developmental hip dysplasia
* Presence of allergy to horses
* Having undergone surgical intervention or Botulinum Toxin A (BTX-A) application in the last 6 months

Where this trial is running

Istanbul, Ümraniye

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Cerebral Palsy, hippotherapy, physiotherapy, cerebral palsy

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.