EFFECTS OF HIPPOTHERAPY IN CHILDREN WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER

NCT07739693 | Not Yet Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: 62.2026fbu
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 30
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by difficulties in social communication and interaction, as well as impairments in physical function domains such as postural control, balance, coordination, and motor planning. This study is designed as a randomized controlled trial to determine the effects of hippotherapy, applied in addition to a special education program, on physical function, bladder-bowel symptoms, and social communication level in children with ASD.

Conditions

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Keywords

Autism spectrum disorder; Hippotherapy; Physical function; Postural balance; Bladder and bowel dysfunction; Social communication; Children; Hand grip strength; Trunk control

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (6)

• Balance

  Balance will be assessed using the Pediatric Balance Scale, a 14-item scale evaluating sitting balance, standing balance, transfers, reaching, turning, and stepping activities. The total score ranges from 0 to 56, with higher scores indicating better balance performance. The scale will be administered by a physiotherapist.

  Baseline and at the end of the 8-week intervention

• Trunk Control

  Trunk control will be assessed using the Trunk Control Measurement Scale. The total score ranges from 0 to 58, with higher scores indicating better trunk control. The assessment will be administered by a physiotherapist.

  Baseline and at the end of the 8-week intervention

• Posture

  Postural alignment will be assessed using the New York Posture Rating Chart. The total score ranges from 13 to 65, with higher scores indicating better postural alignment. The assessment will be performed by a physiotherapist.

  Baseline and at the end of the 8-week intervention

• Handgrip Strength

  Handgrip strength will be measured in kilograms using a hand dynamometer. Three measurements will be obtained for each hand, with a 1-minute rest period between measurements. The mean value of the three measurements will be used in the analysis. Higher values indicate greater handgrip strength.

  Baseline and at the end of the 8-week intervention

• Bladder and Bowel Symptoms

  Bladder and bowel symptoms will be assessed using the Bladder and Bowel Dysfunction Questionnaire. The total score ranges from 0 to 52, with higher scores indicating greater symptom severity. The questionnaire will be completed by the child with parental assistance.

  Baseline and at the end of the 8-week intervention

• Social Communication

  Social communication will be assessed using the Autism Social Skills Profile-Turkish Form. The scale consists of 45 items and includes three subscales: social reciprocity, social participation/avoidance, and detrimental social behaviors. Items are rated on a 4-point Likert scale. Higher total scores indicate better social skills. The questionnaire will be completed by the participant's parent.

  Baseline and at the end of the 8-week intervention

Study Arms (2)

Hippotherapy Group

EXPERIMENTAL

Other: Hippotherapy Program

Control Group

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

Other: Special Education Program

Interventions

Hippotherapy Program OTHER

Participants will receive 30-minute hippotherapy sessions once weekly for 8 weeks in addition to their ongoing special education program. The program will include exercises targeting balance, postural control, trunk stabilization, coordination, muscle strength, upper extremity function, and sensory processing.

Hippotherapy Group

Special Education Program OTHER

Participants will continue their ongoing special education program throughout the 8-week study period. The program includes educational activities, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, proprioceptive activities, and sensory-based interventions according to the individual needs of the child.

Control Group

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 7 Years - 15 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Child (0-17)

You may qualify if:

• Diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) criteria.
• Able to understand and follow basic verbal instructions. Able to stand independently for at least 30 seconds. Voluntary participation in the study and written informed consent obtained from a parent or legal guardian.

You may not qualify if:

• Presence of an active infection. Bladder or bowel symptoms attributable to an organic condition, such as anorectal malformation or Hirschsprung disease.
• Presence of another neurological or orthopedic condition that may affect participation or outcomes, such as cerebral palsy or hip dislocation.
• Inability to attend the treatment program regularly. Receipt of hippotherapy within the previous 12 months. History of epilepsy or seizures. History of surgery involving the spine and/or abdominopelvic region within the previous 12 months.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Fenerbahce University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Ankara Yildirim Beyazit University

Ankara, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Autism Spectrum Disorder; Intestinal Diseases; Communication

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Child Development Disorders, Pervasive; Neurodevelopmental Disorders; Mental Disorders; Gastrointestinal Diseases; Digestive System Diseases; Behavior

Central Study Contacts

Seyda Toprak Celenay, PhD

CONTACT

+90 312 906 2000; sydtoprak@hotmail.com

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: NONE
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Assistant Professor

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: July 28, 2026
• First Posted: July 31, 2026
• Study Start: August 1, 2026
• Primary Completion (Estimated): March 1, 2027
• Study Completion (Estimated): May 1, 2027
• Last Updated: July 31, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-07

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

TU (1)