Hippotherapy uses the horse’s movement to enhance motor coordination, sensory integration, communication, and emotional stability in people with different disabilities. There is a need for evidence that proves increased efficiency in language use. In this study, we analyze the effect of hippotherapy on the communicative abilities of children with Down syndrome. Nine children between 4 and 7 years of age participated in two types of therapies: traditional language therapy and hippotherapy. Results showed effects of hippotherapy on language production and utterance length. Comprehension was enhanced by all therapy techniques. This preliminary study based on systematic evidence illustrates the effects of hippotherapy on communicative abilities.

中文翻译：

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河马疗法与唐氏综合症儿童的沟通能力：一项初步研究

河马疗法利用马的运动来增强不同残疾人士的运动协调性、感觉统合、交流和情绪稳定性。需要证据证明语言使用效率的提高。在这项研究中，我们分析了河​​马疗法对唐氏综合症儿童交流能力的影响。9 名 4 至 7 岁的儿童参加了两种疗法：传统语言疗法和河马疗法。结果表明，河马疗法对语言产生和话语长度有影响。所有治疗技术都增强了理解能力。这项基于系统证据的初步研究说明了河马疗法对交流能力的影响。