Effects of Hippotherapy in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder
For patients and families
In plain language
An automatic summary of structured registry data. It is an orientation aid, not a substitute for the official protocol or a physician assessment.
- What is being studied
- The protocol lists: Hippotherapy Program, Special Education Program.
- Who it may be relevant to
- Registry conditions: Autism Spectrum Disorder. Basic parameters: 7 years — 15 years · All.
- What needs checking
- Age, condition and sex are only basic indicators. Prior treatment, laboratory values and other mandatory requirements appear in the eligibility criteria below.
- Where it takes place
- Turkey (Türkiye)
- Next step
- Save the trial, show it to the treating physician, and confirm current recruitment with the study center. Costs, documents and travel →
Unsure about the terms? Read our patient guide →
Official title
The Effects of Hippotherapy on Physical Function, Bladder and Bowel Symptoms, and Social Communication in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder
Overview
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.
Detailed description
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impairments in social communication and interaction, along with restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior.
During hippotherapy, the child must continuously make postural adjustments to adapt to the rhythmic movements of the horse. The literature has demonstrated that hippotherapy has positive effects on balance, postural control, functional independence, and motor performance, particularly in children with cerebral palsy and Down syndrome.
However, evidence regarding the effects of hippotherapy in children with ASD remains limited, particularly in relation to physical function, bladder and bowel symptoms, and social communication. Therefore, the present study aims to investigate the effects of hippotherapy on physical function-including balance, trunk control, posture, and handgrip strength-as well as bladder and bowel symptoms and social communication in children with ASD. By addressing this gap in the literature, the findings of the study may contribute to the existing evidence and provide guidance for rehabilitation practices.
Interventions
- Other 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. - Other 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.
Primary outcome measures
- Balance [Time frame: Baseline and at the end of the 8-week intervention]
- Trunk Control [Time frame: Baseline and at the end of the 8-week intervention]
- Posture [Time frame: Baseline and at the end of the 8-week intervention]
- Handgrip Strength [Time frame: Baseline and at the end of the 8-week intervention]
- Bladder and Bowel Symptoms [Time frame: Baseline and at the end of the 8-week intervention]
- Social Communication [Time frame: Baseline and at the end of the 8-week intervention]
Eligibility criteria
Inclusion criteria
- Diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) criteria
- Ability to understand and follow basic verbal instructions
- Ability to stand independently for at least 30 seconds
- Voluntary participation in the study and written informed consent provided by a parent or legal guardian
Exclusion criteria
- Presence of an active infection
- Bladder or bowel symptoms attributable to an organic condition, such as anorectal malformation or Hirschsprung disease
- Presence of another neurological or orthopedic condition that may affect participation or study outcomes, such as cerebral palsy or hip dislocation
- Inability to attend the treatment program regularly
- Receipt of hippotherapy within the previous 12 months
- History of epilepsy or seizures
- Surgery involving the spine or abdominopelvic region within the previous 12 months
Criteria are shown verbatim from the registry (in English). Final eligibility is always assessed by the study center.
Healthy volunteers: No
Study design
- Allocation
- Randomized
- Model
- Parallel assignment
- Masking
- Open label
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
Study locations
Turkey (Türkiye) · 1 center
- Ankara Yildirim Beyazit University — Ankara
Identifiers
NCT: NCT07739693 · 62.2026fbu