Physical therapy using horses for children with neuromotor impairments
Physical Therapy for Montana Children With Neuromotor Disorders Using Hippotherapy and the Equine Environment
This study is testing if physical therapy that uses horses can help children aged 6-17 with neuromotor disorders improve their motor skills better than regular play-based therapy.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 24 (estimated) |
| Ages | 6 Years to 17 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Montana Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Missoula, Montana) |
| Trial ID | NCT06887647 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This pilot clinical trial aims to assess the effectiveness of physical therapy that incorporates hippotherapy for improving motor skills in children aged 6-17 with neuromotor disorders, such as cerebral palsy and spina bifida. The study will compare this innovative approach to standard play-based physical therapy to evaluate feasibility, participant outcomes, and physiological responses. Researchers will track recruitment, retention, and treatment fidelity to inform future larger-scale trials. The primary focus is on enhancing upper extremity function and participation in daily activities.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are children aged 6-17 with diagnosed neuromotor disorders and upper extremity impairments who can tolerate sitting on a horse.
Not a fit: Patients who have a fear of horses or weigh over 200lbs may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a novel and effective therapy option for improving motor function in children with neuromotor disorders.
How similar studies have performed: While this approach is innovative, previous studies have shown promising results with hippotherapy in similar populations, indicating potential for success.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * 1\) 6-17 years old; 2) Diagnosed NMD with upper extremity impairment; 3) Able to follow simple verbal instructions in English; 4) Able to tolerate sitting on a horse continuously for 30 minutes; and 5) Meet Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.) standards for participating in mounted activities. Exclusion Criteria: * 1\) Fear of or aversion to horses; 2) Weight over 200lbs (to protect safety and wellbeing of therapists and equines) 3) Participation in a horseback-riding program in the past 3 months; 4) Lacking independent head control; and 5) Caregivers unable to speak and read English.
Where this trial is running
Missoula, Montana
- University of Montana — Missoula, Montana, United States (Recruiting)
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.