Growth spurts can present unique challenges for adolescents with cerebral palsy, often resulting in functional declines that impact their ability to participate in daily activities. This innovative case report examined a 13-year-old boy with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy (GMFCS Level II) who experienced functional impairments during a period of accelerated growth that limited his participation in school, sports, and social activities. Over a 10-week period, the patient participated in a biweekly intervention program combining home-based physical therapy with hippotherapy (therapeutic horseback riding) while using a weighted compressor belt—a unique approach that addressed multiple body systems simultaneously. Using comprehensive outcome measures including the Modified Ashworth Scale, passive range of motion assessments, the 1-Minute Walk Test, Timed Up and Down Stairs, Pediatric Balance Scale, and the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory Computer Adaptive Test, researchers documented improvements at both the 5-week and 10-week marks. Results revealed positive changes across multiple domains: passive range of motion increased, balance improved, strength gains were documented, functional activities became easier, and notably, the patient’s motivation to participate in therapy and daily activities increased significantly. By the 10-week assessment, additional improvements in endurance and speed were observed, demonstrating that this combined therapeutic approach successfully enhanced body functions and structures while improving the patient’s ability to participate meaningfully in his daily life during this critical developmental period.
