Evaluation postural pre and post-treatment in hippotherapy in individuals with Down syndrome

Abstract

Introduction: Individuals with Down syndrome (DS) have motor alterations that contribute to subsequent dealignment of the lower limbs. Objective: To evaluate the changes in the posture of the lower limbs of practitioners with DS who underwent hippotherapy. Methods: The study included 5 individuals with Down syndrome, mean age of 12.60 years-old (± 3.21). The evaluations were performed before and after 20 sessions of Hippotherapy. Postural assessment was made by photogrammetry using the Postural Assessment Software (SAPO), with marking distance to check for changes in the lower limbs. For quantitative analysis was done the statistical test "t" student (p <0.05), and qualitative analysis made by Cluster. Results: The increase of the distances analyzed in views anterior, posterior and lateral left and right after treatment with hippotherapy resulted in decreased pelvic anteversion, hyperextension of the lower limbs, lower anterior body and better alignment of the knee with the hip. Cluster analysis showed a grouping closest variable indicating that behaved more like therebetween. Conclusion: Hippotherapy promoted postural changes, providing an improved alignment of the lower limbs in individuals with Down syndrome.