Efficacy of simulated equestrian therapy in improving gait parameters among children with Down syndrome: a randomized controlled trial

Main Article Content

Maha Siddiqui
Sumaira Farooqui
Jaza Rizvi
Bashir Ahmed Soomro

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness of Simulated Equestrian Therapy (SET) and Standard Physical Therapy (SPT) in improving gait parameters among children with Down syndrome (DS).


METHODS: This single-blinded, randomized controlled trial was conducted at Dar-ul-Sukun Institute and Dr. Zaiuddin Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan, from April to August 2023. Sixty individuals, meeting the selection criteria were randomly assigned to either the treatment group (n=30) receiving SET or the control group (n=30) undergoing SPT. Nevertheless, two participants from each group either discontinued the treatment or failed to comply with the therapy and 56 participants (n=28 in each group) were included for analysis. Safety measures included recording blood pressure and heart rate before and after each session. Temporal gait parameters were assessed using the 10-Meter Walk Test at baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks. Data was analyzed using Medcalc software.


RESULTS:  Temporal gait parameters were analyzed for 56 (33 males and 23 females) children with DS in both groups. Mean age of patients in SET & SPT groups was 7.89±1.7 and 8.07±0.76 years respectively. Baseline showed similar scores in both groups. At 6 weeks, SET demonstrated significant improvement in cadence (1.78 SPM to 1.35) and gait velocity (2.11 MPS to 2.79), paralleled by SPT (cadence: 2.01 to 1.32 SPM, gait velocity: 2.12 to 2.83 MPS). Between-group analysis revealed no significant differences.


CONCLUSION: Both SET & SPT effectively improve gait parameters in children with Down syndrome. The comparable outcomes highlight SET as a viable alternative, providing clinicians and caregivers additional options for personalized therapeutic approaches.

Article Details

How to Cite
Siddiqui, Maha, et al. “Efficacy of Simulated Equestrian Therapy in Improving Gait Parameters Among Children With Down Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial”. KHYBER MEDICAL UNIVERSITY JOURNAL, vol. 16, no. 1, Mar. 2024, pp. 38-44, doi:10.35845/kmuj.2024.23508.
Section
Original Articles

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