Impairment is defined as?

• A. Functional limitation
• B. Disability
• C. Impairment
• D. Disorder

Answer: (C)

Impairment refers to a loss or abnormality of body function or structure. It describes the actual physiological or anatomical issue inside the person, not what they can or cannot do in daily life. For example, a reduced ankle dorsiflexion range of motion or weak trunk muscles are impairments—they’re the underlying problems with function or structure. This is different from a functional limitation, which would be difficulty performing tasks such as standing from a chair, and from a disability, which concerns restrictions in participating in life activities. A disorder is a medical condition or disease that can cause these impairments, such as a neurological condition that leads to movement abnormalities. In hippotherapy, you focus on identifying impairments to guide treatment goals aimed at improving body function or structure, which can then reduce activity limitations and enhance participation.