Impact of Hippotherapy on Dynamic Postural Control Based on Centre of Pressure Analysis and Functional Performance in Children with Cerebral Palsy

Natiéle de Moraes Meincke; Andrea Gomes de Moraes; Fernando Copetti; Ana Cristina de David

doi:10.6063/motricidade.42246

Impact of Hippotherapy on Dynamic Postural Control Based on Centre of Pressure Analysis and Functional Performance in Children with Cerebral Palsy

Authors

Natiéle de Moraes Meincke Universidade de Brasília https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2969-3360
Andrea Gomes de Moraes Universidade de Brasília
Fernando Copetti Universidade Federal de Santa Maria https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8439-2686
Ana Cristina de David Universidade de Brasília https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3825-1003

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.6063/motricidade.42246

Keywords:

Cerebral Palsy, Equine-assisted therapy, Dynamic Balance, Functional Performance, Hippotherapy

Abstract

The long-term impact of hippotherapy on dynamic postural balance and functional performance in children with cerebral palsy (CP) remains insufficiently understood. This study aimed to assess the effects of a 40-session hippotherapy program on dynamic postural balance and functional performance in children with CP, compared to typically developing (TD) children. This pre-experimental longitudinal, observational-comparative study included 18 children (4–14 years) with spastic CP who underwent a 40-session hippotherapy program, with assessments at baseline and after 20 and 40 sessions. Outcomes were compared to an age-matched neurotypical control group. Participants were assessed for dynamic postural balance across four randomised tasks- riding in a straight line and on a zigzag path, both with eyes open (EO) and closed (EC)- as well as in two functional performance tests. Improvements in dynamic postural balance and functional performance were observed after both 20 and 40 sessions. The centre of pressure displacement (LengthCoP) during straight-line riding with EO and EC showed a reduction from baseline. Initially, children with CP showed greater postural sway than their TD peers, but by the end of the intervention, both groups had similar LengthCoP and mediolateral centre of pressure amplitude values. Findings suggest that long-term hippotherapy can improve motor function in this population.

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Published

2026-09-20

How to Cite

Meincke, N. de M., de Moraes, A. G., Copetti, F., & de David, A. C. (2026). Impact of Hippotherapy on Dynamic Postural Control Based on Centre of Pressure Analysis and Functional Performance in Children with Cerebral Palsy. Motricidade, 22, e42246. https://doi.org/10.6063/motricidade.42246

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Issue

Vol. 22 (2026): Motricidade

Section

Original Article

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