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Innovations in clinical neuroscience2020; 17(1-3); 20-21;

Donkey Therapy and Hippotherapy: Two Faces of the Same Coin?

Abstract: Animal-assisted interventions are considered an innovative rehabilitation approach to improve social, emotional, and physical domains in several diseases. Among such treatments, the equine-assisted activities and therapies have been developed to support the conventional approaches. There is growing evidence on the beneficial effects of hippotherapy, whereas few data are available regarding donkey therapy. Herein, we compare such treatments, hypothesizing their best application field to reach the proper therapeutic outcomes.
Copyright © 2020. Matrix Medical Communications. All rights reserved.
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Publication Date: 2020-06-18 PubMed ID: 32547842PubMed Central: PMC7239561
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research article centers around animal-assisted therapies, particularly focusing on two types – donkey therapy and hippotherapy – to understand if they’re essentially the same intervention serving similar benefits or if they have unique characteristics that make them suitable for different therapeutic purposes.

Background

  • Animal-assisted interventions are therapeutic approaches where animals are used to improve the physical, emotional, and social well-being of individuals with various health conditions. They’re seen as a novel adjunct to traditional rehabilitation methods.
  • The paper especially emphasizes equine-assisted therapies, specific types of animal-assisted interventions using horses.
  • Hippotherapy – therapeutic horseback riding – is an established subgroup of equine-assisted therapies. Current research shows it has proven beneficial effects.
  • On the other hand, donkey therapy is a less studied but emerging form of equine-assisted therapy. It’s presently under-researched, leading to the lack of available data supporting its efficiency.

Research Objectives

  • The primary objective of this study is to compare and contrast hippotherapy and donkey therapy.
  • Through this comparison, the researchers are hoping to understand whether these two therapies are essentially similar practices under the umbrella of equine-assisted therapies, or they have distinct mechanisms and uses.
  • The analysis intends to deduce the ideal applications of both methods to make the most of their therapeutic outcomes.

Significance of the Study

  • This comparison helps to understand the role of different animals in therapeutic interventions.
  • The analysis can clear confusion regarding the unique benefits and suitable patient groups for both therapies.
  • This study may guide practitioners in choosing between donkey therapy and hippotherapy, or even integrating both into treatment plans, as per each patient’s specific needs and response to therapy.

Cite This Article

APA
(2020). Donkey Therapy and Hippotherapy: Two Faces of the Same Coin? Innov Clin Neurosci, 17(1-3), 20-21.

Publication

Innovations in clinical neuroscience
ISSN: 2158-8333
NlmUniqueID: 101549695
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 17
Issue: 1-3
Pages: 20-21

Researcher Affiliations

Conflict of Interest Statement

FUNDING:No funding was provided. DISCLOSURES:The authors have no conflicts of interest relevant to the content of this article.

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Citations

This article has been cited 4 times.
  1. Corallo F, Bonanno L, Cardile D, Luvarà F, Giliberto S, Di Cara M, Leonardi S, Quartarone A, Rao G, Pidalà A. Improvement of Self-Esteem in Children with Specific Learning Disorders after Donkey-Assisted Therapy. Children (Basel) 2023 Feb 22;10(3).
    doi: 10.3390/children10030425pubmed: 36979983google scholar: lookup
  2. Fulgenzi A, Raffa A, De Domenico C, Di Cara M, Leonardi S, Piccolo A, Giambò FM, Marafioti G, Alito A, Leonardi G, Turriziani L, Panzera M, Quartarone A, Cucinotta F. Donkey-assisted therapy in mental health conditions: a systematic review. Front Psychiatry 2025;16:1680983.
    doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2025.1680983pubmed: 41179815google scholar: lookup
  3. Sobrero L, Dalla Costa E, Minero M. Management of Donkeys in Assisted Interventions: A Snapshot. Animals (Basel) 2024 Feb 21;14(5).
    doi: 10.3390/ani14050670pubmed: 38473055google scholar: lookup
  4. Alito A, Tisano A, Calabrò RS, Aliberti B, Gemelli G, Portaro S. What About the Hippotherapy Benefit-cost Ratio in Everyday Clinical Practice? The Physician Point of View. Innov Clin Neurosci 2023 Spring;20(4-6):8.
    pubmed: 37387702
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