Effect of hippotherapy on functional performance of children and teens with autism.

Abstract

Hippotherapy has been used as rehabilitative treatment, however, its effectiveness has not yet proven in regard to functional performanceof individuals with autism.The aim of this study is to identify the effect of hippotherapy on functional performance in children and adolescents with autism compared practitioners and non-practitioners. Study participants were individuals with autism aged 3 to 15 years, both genders divided between Practitioners and Non-Practitioners, matched by gender and age. It was used a questionnaire to assess socioeconomic variables and to make the assessment of the functional performance Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI) and the Functional Independence Measure (FIM), applied to caregivers, to <8 years and >8 years, respectively. There were interviewed 28 caregivers (14 in each group), there was difference in functional performance of children practicing hippotherapy reviews by area PEDI Self-care (p = 0.041) and mobility (p = 0.001). There was no difference in the functional performance of those assessed by the FIM (p = 0.384). This study suggests that hippotherapy is effective for children with autism, the tasks in the areas of mobility and self-care, being an innovative area for occupational therapy.