1Nevsehir Haci Bektas Veli University, Faculty of Education, Department of Physical Education and Sport, Nevsehir, Turkey
2Canakkale Onsekiz Mart University, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Canakkale, Turkiye
Effects of Adaptive Riding on Children with Cerebral Palsy
Sport Mont 2026, 24(1), Ahead of Print | DOI: 10.26773/smj.260208
Abstract
This study investigated the effects of adaptive riding exercise on specific physical parameters in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Twenty children with CP (ages 8–12 years) were randomly assigned to an experimental group (n=10) or a control group (n=10). The intervention involved a 12-week adaptive riding program, consisting of 30–45 minute ses sions, three times per week, led by a certified instructor and supported by specially trained horses and volunteer univer sity students. Data collection, executed via pre- and post-intervention assessments, focused on parameters including leg-back strength, unilateral-bilateral flexibility, accuracy, linearity, maximal grip force, and the rate of grip force develop ment. Data were analyzed using a mixed-model ANOVA. The experimental group demonstrated statistically significant improvements over the control group in several measures, including hand-eye coordination, maximal grip strength, flex ibility, and muscle strength. The findings suggest that adaptive riding exercise provides a supportive therapeutic effect for children with CP, specifically those classified as GMFCS Levels II and III. Therefore, it is recommended that children with CP who are GMFCS levels 2 and 3 participate in adaptive riding programs.
Keywords
adaptive horseback riding, cerebral palsy, equine-assisted exercise, equine-assisted services, motor performance, disabled sport
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