Abstract
Purpose: The study purpose was to investigate the effects of hippotherapy on balance, sensory organization for postural stability, and performance in age appropriate activities in three boys with autism. Methods: In this single series A-B-A designed study; 2 baseline, 2 intervention, and 2 post intervention assessments were completed using the Sensory Organization Test (SOT) and Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS) to assess sensory organization and balance. Activity performance was measured using the Activity Scale for Kids-Performance. Intervention consisted of 16 weekly hippotherapy sessions of 40 minutes. Data was analyzed using the two standard deviation band method. Results: Results showed statistically significant improvements in balance and postural stability as measured by the PBS and SOT for all three children. Two of the 3 boys had statistically significant improvement in activity performance. Conclusion: Hippotherapy as a treatment may help boys with autism better organize environmental cues for postural stability, balance and activity performance.
| Original language | English |
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| State | Published - Mar 2011 |
| Event | 2011American Hippotherapy Association International Meeting - St. Louis, MO Duration: Mar 1 2011 → Mar 31 2011 |
Conference
| Conference | 2011American Hippotherapy Association International Meeting |
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| Period | 03/1/11 → 03/31/11 |