METHODS: A quasi-experimental design embedded within our existing cohort was utilized. A total of 29 children with CP (range 4-12 years) and their caregivers participated in either a weekly hippotherapy or recreation (usual care) program for 1 year. In addition to gait-related measurements (Gross Motor Function Measure [GMFM]-E) of children, CP QOL-evidenced determinants of the caregivers\' health-related QOL and well-being were compared before and after the intervention.
RESULTS: In addition to improvements in children\'s GMFM-E scores, hippotherapy improved CP QOL domains related to participation and physical health, children\'s emotional well-being, and parents\' overall health (p < 0.05). Linear regression analysis showed a positive relationship between the children\'s GMFM-E scores and their caregivers\' health domains in participants who received hippotherapy (r2 = 0.404; p = 0.011).
CONCLUSIONS: Hippotherapy has a beneficial effect on the physical and mental well-being and satisfaction of Japanese parents caring for children with CP.
方法:使用了嵌入我们现有队列的准实验设计。共有29名CP儿童(4-12岁)及其看护人参加了为期1年的每周海马疗法或娱乐(常规护理)计划。除了儿童的步态相关测量(粗大运动功能测量[GMFM]-E),在干预前后比较了护理者与健康相关的QOL和幸福感的CPQOL证据决定因素。
结果:除了改善儿童的GMFM-E成绩外,海马疗法改善了与参与和身体健康相关的CPQOL域,儿童的情感幸福,和父母的整体健康状况(p<0.05)。线性回归分析显示,接受海马治疗的参与者的儿童GMFM-E评分与其照顾者的健康领域之间存在正相关关系(r2=0.404;p=0.011)。
结论:海马疗法对照顾CP儿童的日本父母的身心健康和满意度具有有益作用。