The purpose of this research is to evaluate the effect of Hippotherapy intervention on Static Balance, Dynamic Balance, Reaction Time and Gait Cycle on Autism Spectrum Disorder.
In a unicentral clinical trial, 24 male patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder referring to the Mehregan private Occupational therapy clinic,Tehran, Iran, would be involved.
The key inclusion criteria are: to be 7-18 years old and having no physical disability and the key exclusion criteria are: using other activities and physical treatment methods, Cardiovascular and Respiratory diseases and Absence during the Hippotherapy session.
All pre-test variables including: measuring the Static Balance with Stork test, Balance Board for Dynamic Balance evaluation, Nelson's Ruler facilitated test for measuring Reaction Time and Gait Cycle evaluation and walking on a 10-meter line to observe the sole trace and recording the time by chronometer, would be done.
Afterward, they were randomly categorized into 2 groups of examination and control (n=12). The experimental group were participated in one 60-90 minute sessions of Hippotherapy for 14 successive weeks, which were intensified over time. whereas, The control group has done no specific practice during the research.
Gathered data for pre and post treatment measures will be compared to draw a conclusion.