Effective of Hippotherapy and Balance-Based Torso-Weighting to Improve Standing Stability and Postural Balance in Children with Down Syndrome

Abstract

Down syndrome is a genetic disorder caused by an extra abnormal presence of the 21st chromosome. Some abilities related to motor function are extensive, for example, lack of postural control, gait abnormality, and lack of balance and coordination. In addition, postural changes in Down syndrome may occur due to the difficulty of perception of responses, which impairs the feeling of the limb position and limb movements. Hippotherapy (HT) is a physical treatment, and it is defined as equine-assisted treatment in which horse movement promotes physical and physiological improvements. Strategic placement of lightweight on the torso using the balance-based torso-weighting (BBTW) method has improved stability and reduced falls in people with cerebellar ataxia but has not been tested in Down syndrome. Therefore, we examined whether torso-weighting increased standing stability and or functional movement in children with DS. A total of 30 subjects with Down syndrome were taken and grouped into two groups, with group A- 15 subjects treated with hippotherapy and group B-15 subjects treated with balanced-based torso-weighting. The baseline measurement was taken using Berg's balance scale and the time up and test (TUG test). Statistical package for social science (SPSS) version 24. The paired t-test was to find the statistical difference within the groups & Independent t-test (Student t- Test) was adopted to see the statistical difference between the groups. The procedure is done by performing hippotherapy for 4 times a week for 12 weeks for group A, and balanced-based torso weighting is performed for 4 times a week for 12 weeks for group B. Children medically diagnosed with DS and with IQ less than 50 were excluded from the study. In this study, hippo therapy with conventional treadmill training gives a better improvement in a patient with down syndrome when compared with balance-based torso weighting with conventional treadmill training. Hence, hippo therapy with conventional treadmill training would be the better treatment for down syndrome.