Hippotherapy Improves Gross Motor Function in Children with Cerebral Palsy: Evidence from a Systematic Review

Abstract

Background

Hippotherapy uses horse movement to promote physical and psychosocial rehabilitation and may benefit children with cerebral palsy (CP). Standardised instruments such as the Activity Scale for Kids-Performance (ASK^©), the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) and the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) are needed to quantify effects on motor function.

Objectives

To systematically review the effects of hippotherapy on gross motor skills in children with CP. Although autism spectrum disorder (ASD) was included in the search strategy, no eligible ASD studies were identified.

Methods

Following PRISMA guidelines, six databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, SCOPUS, Cochrane and SciELO) were searched for English, Portuguese or Spanish studies employing ASK^©, GMFCS or GMFM. Two reviewers independently screened records, extracted data and assessed risk of bias.

Results

Twenty-five studies (602 participants, mean age 7.1 years, 3–14) met inclusion criteria; all involved CP, none ASD. Interventions lasted 8–24 weeks (1–3 sessions/week). Two ASK^© studies showed significant motor gains (Hedges g = 0.48–0.62). GMFM was used in 22 studies; 20 reported clinically relevant improvements, particularly in dimensions D (standing) and E (walking, running, jumping). The sole GMFCS study reported no change in classification. Methodological quality was moderate, limited by small samples and lack of blinding.

Conclusion

Hippotherapy improves gross motor function in CP, best demonstrated with GMFM. Evidence for ASD is absent, highlighting a research gap. Broader application of ASK^© and GMFCS is still needed to better define benefits across neurodevelopmental disorders.