A randomized controlled trial of the impact of therapeutic horse riding on the quality of life, health, and function of children with cerebral palsy

In Davis et al., no significant differences emerged between groups except for an improvement in family cohesion in the therapeutic riding condition.

“No significant differences emerged between the two groups except for an improvement in family cohesion in the therapeutic riding condition (p < 0.007).”

The psychological measures in Davis et al. were broad quality-of-life measures that may not detect the more specific changes expected from an equine-assisted therapy program.

“the psychological measures administered were broad measures of quality of life which may not detect the more specific changes one might expect from an equine-assisted therapy program.”

The two equine studies had substantially different sample sizes, one with n = 34 and the other with n = 99.

“Sample sizes in the two studies differed substantially, with one study examining the efficacy of the intervention in a relatively small sample (n = 34; Bass, Duchowny and llabre 2009), and the other using a large sample (n = 99; Davis et al. 2009).”

The relatively large sample size of Davis et al. provided adequate statistical power to detect an effect if one was present.

“the relatively large sample size is a significant strength of this study, as it provided adequate statistical power to detect an effect if one was present.”

Davis et al. found that AAI was effective in improving family cohesion.

“this study found that the aaI was effective in improving family cohesion.”

The studies in the review were conducted using relatively small sample sizes, ranging from 21 to 99.

“the studies in this review were conducted using relatively small sample sizes, ranging from 21 (Villalta-Gil et al. 2009) to 99 (Davis et al. 2009).”

There was little evidence for the use of equine-assisted therapy for children with cerebral palsy, other than on family cohesion.

“and little evidence for the use of equine-assisted therapy for children with cerebral palsy, other than on family cohesion (Davis et al. 2009).”

Only one study, Davis et al. 2009, reported a statistical power analysis that confirmed a sufficient sample size to detect an effect if present.

“Only one study (Davis et al. 2009) reported a statistical power analysis that confirmed that a sufficient sample size (to detect an effect if it was present) was used.”

Two studies found beneficial effects of AAIs with horses.

“two found beneficial effects of aaIs with horses (Bass, Duchowny and llabre 2009;Davis et al. 2009).”

A brief AAI may not be expected to enhance overall quality of life, particularly when life circumstances are challenging.

“a brief aaI may not be expected to enhance overall quality of life, particularly when life circumstances are challenging (e.g., Davis et al. 2009).”