Effect of hippotherapy in the global motor coordination in individuals with Down Syndrome

Abstract

Introduction: Down syndrome (DS) of all genetic syndromes is the most common. In Hippotherapy, three-dimensional movements, provided by horse walking, awaken in the body of children with DS a large amount of sensory and neuromuscular stimuli, which directly interfere with overall development and the acquisition of motor skills. Objective: To analyze the effects of an Hippotherapy program on global motor coordination variables in individuals with DS of both genders and to compare individuals with the same syndrome who do not practice Hippotherapy. Methods: 41 individuals participated in the study, 20 of them practicing Hippotherapy (EG) and 21 who did not practice Hippotherapy (CG). The Körperkoordinations test für Kinder (KTK) test was used, consisting of four tasks: Balance on beams, Single-lever jump, Side-jump and Transfer on platform for analysis of motor coordination for individuals. Results: Comparing the groups, a significant difference (p < 0.01) was observed for the Lateral Leap Motor Quotient, the EG presented a better score (114.10) than the CG (88.47), and also in the Total Motor Ratio (EG = 115.10, GC = 102.47). The individuals that practice Hippotherapy presented better results in the global motor coordination, with significant difference (p < 0.05). In EG, 5% had high global motor coordination, 40% good and 55% normal, whereas in CG only 10% had good global motor coordination and 90% normal global motor coordination. Conclusion: It can be emphasized that equine therapy presents benefits of improvement in global motor coordination. Specifically in tasks such as the balance beam, single jump and side jump, besides global motor coordination.

Physiotherapy in Down Syndrome: A Literature Review

“…A multisensory exercise protocol for acquiring motor skills in children with DS through hippotherapy compared to children who underwent conventional physical therapy as a means of treatment [12,13].…”

“…Every minute, 18 babies are born with a disability, which represents 9.8 million babies with disabilities per year, with DS having the highest incidence, with 91% of cases. And, among so many characteristics, postural control dysfunctions are constantly described in children with DS, as well as difficulties in motor coordination, problems with sensorimotor integration, and, also, the fact that patients take time to adapt to the environments [3]. However, mental retardation, as one of the characteristics, influences the ability to assimilate new motor skills, since there is a lack of motivation to be explored.…”

Effects of Kayaking on Motor Skills in Children and Adolescents With Down Syndrome

“…25 The effects found in the study are consistent with the literature, which indicates that physical activity intervention programs have positive effects on the motor development of children and adolescents with DS. 26,27 In another study, 28 when analyzing the effects of an equine therapy intervention on the gross motor coordination of 41 children with DS, divided into a control group and an experimental group, the scores of subjects who participated in the intervention showed a higher numerical value of the motor quotient when compared to subjects who did not participate in the intervention.…”

Adaptações Estruturais De Coluna Vertebral, Cinturas E Gradil Costal Em Indivíduos Praticantes De Balé Clássico

“…Um estudo sobre o uso do BT na ansiedade realizado por Silva et al, (2017) mostra que o uso do brinquedo terapêutico nas crianças hospitalizadas apresentou o mesmo grau de ansiedade que as do grupo controle, mas ele sugere que novos estudos sejam realizados com maior número de crianças em variados cenários da hospitalização. Para Silva et al, (2018) quando a criança brinca ela acaba esquecendo sua dor e o estado de doença, diminui o estresse e a tensão gerada durante a hospitalização.…”

“…Entre os recursos utilizados no tratamento conservador, a Equoterapia é um método de reabilitação que engloba as esferas física, cognitiva, social e educacional do praticante (GODZICKI et al, 2010). O cavalo faz com que o praticante realize movimentos tridimensionais verticais e horizontais, mesmo que involuntariamente em cima do dorso do cavalo, e esses movimentos são únicos, sendo que nenhum outro equipamento ou aparelho consegue simulá-los (COSTA et al, 2017). As atividades sobre o cavalo aumentam os períodos de atenção, possibilitando maior concentração e melhor disciplina, facilitando o aprendizado a despeito das limitações intelectuais, psicológicas e físicas dos diversos tipos de comprometimentos neurológicos e motores (COSTA et al, 2017).…”