[Basic principles and effects of hippotherapy within the comprehensive treatment of paraplegic patients].
Abstract: A total of 67 patients, both paraplegic and quadriplegic, had participated in a hippotherapy programme over a study period of almost 18 months, with positive effects found relative to spasticity, certain pain syndromes, as well as contraction syndromes associated with impaired joint mobility. Frequently the only effective measure at all, and moreover of astonishingly lasting effect, the spasticity-reducing treatment turned out especially beneficial. Along with these statistically supported findings, a number of associated effects were noted in the physiotherapy and, especially, the nursing sectors, with easier catheterization, more rhythmical bowel function, more balanced mood with improved sleep, and a generally increased openness and motivation. Hippotherapy has proven a valid method within a synergistic approach for comprehensive care in paraplegia.
Publication Date: 1994-02-01 PubMed ID: 8165362
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- English Abstract
- Journal Article
Summary
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This research study discusses the benefits of hippotherapy – a type of therapy that involves horse-riding – in the comprehensive treatment of paraplegic and quadriplegic patients, with substantial improvements seen in areas such as spasticity, pain syndromes, and joint mobility issues.
Background
- The aim of this research was to investigate the effects and benefits of hippotherapy in the treatment of patients with paraplegia and quadriplegia.
- Hippotherapy, a therapeutic approach that utilizes horseback riding as a treatment strategy, was the prime focus of this study.
Methodology
- A total of 67 paraplegic and quadriplegic patients participated in this study. The study lasted for nearly 18 months, during which these patients were enrolled in a hippotherapy program.
Findings and Results
- The research findings indicated that the application of hippotherapy yielded promising results, particularly when it comes to reducing spasticity, managing certain pain syndromes, and addressing contraction syndromes linked to impaired joint mobility.
- According to the results, hippotherapy proved to be a notably effective treatment option, often being the only treatment that worked for some patients. The positive effects of hippotherapy were found to be surprisingly long-lasting.
- Additionally, other potential benefits of hippotherapy were observed during the course of the study. These include making catheterization easier, improving bowel function, stabilizing the patient’s mood, enhancing sleep quality, and increasing a patient’s general openness and motivation.
Conclusion
- The study concluded that hippotherapy is a valid therapeutic approach in the comprehensive care and treatment of patients with paraplegia and quadriplegia.
- The researchers suggested that such novel and creative approaches can synergize with conventional treatment modalities to improve the overall quality of life for paraplegic and quadriplegic patients.
Cite This Article
APA
Exner G, Engelmann A, Lange K, Wenck B.
(1994).
[Basic principles and effects of hippotherapy within the comprehensive treatment of paraplegic patients].
Rehabilitation (Stuttg), 33(1), 39-43.
Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Querschnittgelähmten-Zentrum, Unfallkrankenhauses Hamburg.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Combined Modality Therapy
- Horses
- Humans
- Muscle Spasticity / rehabilitation
- Pain Measurement
- Paraplegia / rehabilitation
- Physical Therapy Modalities / methods
- Quadriplegia / rehabilitation
- Range of Motion, Articular
Citations
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