The effect of horse riding simulator on upper extremity skills, trunk control and functionality in cerebral palsy: a randomized controlled trial

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of horse riding simulator on upper extremity skills, trunk control and functionality in cerebral palsy (CP). Materials and methods: This randomized controlled trial included total 32 CP, 16 in horse riding simulator group (HRSG) and 16 in control group (CG). ABILHAND-Kids, Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function Test (JTHFT), Gross Motor Function Measurement-sitting dimension (GMFM-B), Trunk Control Measurement Scale (TCMS), Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI) were evaluated before and after procedure. Results:It was observed that there were improvements in both groups for ABILHAND-Kids scores after intervention, but the change in HRSG was significantly higher (p < 0.001). For all parameters of JTHFT (except writing dominant, non-dominant, turning cards-dominant), there was a significant difference between groups in favor of HRSG (p < 0.001-0.002). There was no change in GMFM-B values with intervention for both groups (p > 0.05). There were significant changes in favor of HRSG group in terms TCMS-Total (p = 0.003). There were significant changes in HRSG compared to CG for PEDI (p(PEDI-Self-care)<0.001, p(PEDI-Mobility)<0.001, p(PEDI-Social function)=0.016, respectively). Conclusions: It has been found that HRS in addition to conventional physiotherapy have positive effects on upper extremity skills, trunk control and functional abilities in daily life in the rehabilitation process of CP.