Effects of Hippotherapy in Children With Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy is a group of permanent disorders affecting movement and posture due to non-progressive disturbances in the developing brain. The aim of this study is 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 family quality of life in children with cerebral palsy.

Inclusion Criteria: * Aged between 7 and 15 years * Diagnosis of cerebral palsy confirmed by a specialist physician * Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level I-III * Ability to understand and follow basic verbal commands * Ability to stand independently for at least 30 seconds * No medical contraindications to participation in hippotherapy * Voluntary participation in the study and written informed consent provided by a parent or legal representative Exclusion Criteria: * Presence of an active infection * Bladder or bowel symptoms caused by an organic condition, such as -Hirschsprung disease or anorectal malformation * Receipt of hippotherapy within the previous 12 months * Uncontrolled epilepsy or a seizure within the previous 6 months * Inability to comply with the assessment or treatment program because of severe behavioral problems * Inability to attend the treatment program regularly * Surgery affecting the spine, pelvis, or lower extremities within the previous 12 months * Severe hip dislocation, atlantoaxial instability, uncontrolled scoliosis, or another orthopedic condition constituting a contraindication to hippotherapy