# Effects of Horseback Riding on the Postural Control of Autistic Children: A Multiple Baseline Across-subjects Design

## TL;DR

Horseback riding improved postural control in autistic children over nine months of regular sessions.

## Contribution

This study demonstrates the effectiveness of horseback riding in enhancing postural control in children with autism.

## Key findings

- Horseback riding sessions improved postural control in autistic children.
- The intervention was conducted over nine months with 45-minute sessions twice a week.
- Postural control was measured using a posturographic platform.

## Abstract

The aim of this research was to study the effect of a horseback-riding programme on postural control in a group of autistic children (ASD). Nine children aged 9 to 12 years participated in this study through a multiple baseline across subjects design. The whole programme took place over nine months. Participants followed a previously developed specific horseback-riding programme, consisting of 45-minute sessions held twice a week for at least three months. To evaluate postural control, the average velocity of the centre of pressure displacement was measured by means of a posturographic platform. Results indicated that this intervention with horses had a positive effect on the postural control in children with ASDs.