Introduction: The Hippotherapy means the use of horses in the therapy process. In fact, Hippotherapy could be considered as a part of an intervention program in which the horse body movements are used to increase the Patient’s function. This paper discusses the effect of 14 weeks of Hippotherapy on Static Balance, Dynamic Balance and Reaction Time of the individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Methodology: The participants consisted of the 24 males with Autism Spectrum Disorder between 7-18 year-old who were selected randomly in experimental and control groups (N=12). The exercise group participates in regular one-session Hippotherapy exercises for 14 weeks. The control group did no specific practice and physical activity during the research.
Results: The statistical analysis results show a considerable progress in the scores of the Static and Dynamic Balance of the experimental group versus the control group as compared with the time before the exercises(p=0.0001), (p=0.019). In contrast, no significant change was seen in the reaction time scores of the participants as compared with the time before Hippotherapy intervention (p=0.123).
Discussion: The result has shown 14 sessions of Hippotherapy improve the Static and Dynamic Balance of people who suffering from Autism Spectrum Disorder. The results are probably related to the new and unbalanced surface. In addition to this, Man’s muscles contract unconsciously to keep the balance and the position of his upper body, at this point, Balance system (visual, Vestibular, Proprioceptive) stimulate to keep the man s balance. Moreover, the improvement in Balance systems, Physical statue especially Flexibility and Strength. In stark contrast, there were not any specific changes in the score of reaction time and it is probable that the number of sessions were not enough.