The Effect of Hippotherapy on Functional Outcomes for Children with Disabilities: A Pilot Study

In Brief Purpose: The purpose of this study was to measure the effect of hippotherapy on functional outcomes using the Goal Attainment Scale (GAS) for children with physical disabilities. Methods: Participants included 4 children aged 5 to 9 years with physical impairments and/or documented motor delays. Individual measurable objectives were developed using the GAS for each child. Data were collected on each child every other week throughout the baseline and intervention phase over 1 year using a multiple single case experimental A-B design. Results: Three of the 4 children had a significant improvement in functional outcomes based on a standardized T-score formula from the GAS. Two of the 4 children had statistically significant results on the nonparametric binomial test following 6 months of intervention. Conclusion: This study represents an initial attempt to use the GAS in a single-case design with a variety of pediatric diagnoses. This study of 4 children with developmental disabilities successfully used Goal Attainment Scaling to track the achievement of behavioral objectives for children enrolled in a 6 month hippotherapy program.