Effects of Hippotherapy in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder
ConditionAutism Spectrum Disorder
Trial statusNot yet recruiting
Trial phaseNot applicable
Trial typeInterventional
Biological sexAll
Age7-15
SponsorFenerbahce University
About this trial
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 criteria
This trial does not accept healthy volunteersQualifiers
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
Disqualifiers
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
Trial design
Design model
Parallel
Treatments tested in this trial
Hippotherapy Program
Other interventionParticipants 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
Other interventionParticipants 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.
Treatment groups
30 Participants
are divided into 2 treatment groupsGroup A: Hippotherapy GroupExperimental treatment 1 intervention
Group B: Control GroupActive comparator 1 intervention
Trial outcomes
Primary outcomes
1
Balance
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.
Time frame
Baseline and at the end of the 8-week intervention2
Trunk Control
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.
Time frame
Baseline and at the end of the 8-week intervention3
Posture
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.
Time frame
Baseline and at the end of the 8-week intervention4
Handgrip Strength
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.
Time frame
Baseline and at the end of the 8-week interventionSponsors and contacts
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Source ClinicalTrials.gov
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