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Journal of neurologic physical therapy : JNPT2007; 31(2); 77-84; doi: 10.1097/NPT.0b013e31806769f7

Effects of hippotherapy on postural stability, in persons with multiple sclerosis: a pilot study.

Abstract: The purpose of this pilot study was to examine the effectiveness of hippotherapy as an intervention for the treatment of postural instability in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS). Methods: A sample of convenience of 15 individuals with MS (24-72 years) were recruited from support groups and assessed for balance deficits. Methods: This study was a nonequivalent pretest-posttest comparison group design. Nine individuals (4 males, 5 females) received weekly hippotherapy intervention for 14 weeks. The other 6 individuals (2 males, 4 females) served as a comparison group. All participants were assessed with the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and Tinetti Performance Oriented Mobility Assessment (POMA) at 0, 7, and 14 weeks. Results: The group receiving hippotherapy showed statistically significant improvement from pretest (0 week) to posttest (14 week) on the BBS (mean increase 9.15 points (x (2) = 8.82, p = 0.012)) and POMA scores (mean increase 5.13 (x (2) = 10.38, p = 0.006)). The comparison group had no significant changes on the BBS (mean increase 0.73 (x (2) = 0.40, p = 0.819)) or POMA (mean decrease 0.13 (x (2) = 1.41, p = 0.494)). A statistically significant difference was also found between the groups' final BBS scores (treatment group median = 55.0, comparison group median 41.0), U = 7, r = -0.49. Conclusions: Hippotherapy shows promise for the treatment of balance disorders in persons with MS. Further research is needed to refine protocols and selection criteria.
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Publication Date: 2007-06-15 PubMed ID: 17558361DOI: 10.1097/NPT.0b013e31806769f7Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Controlled Clinical Trial
  • Journal Article

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.

This research study conducted a preliminary investigation into the effectiveness of hippotherapy, a therapeutic method involving horse-riding, in improving balance and postural control in individuals suffering from multiple sclerosis.

Objective of the Study

The study’s primary aim was to assess the impact of hippotherapy as a potential intervention for addressing postural instability issues commonly experienced by individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS). This inquiry follows earlier suggestions that hippotherapy can help enhance motor and sensory performance given the horse’s rhythmic movement and its effect on the rider’s balance.

Research Design and Methodology

  • The study adopted a pretest-posttest comparison group design, which was non-equivalent.
  • Among the 15 participants they recruited from support groups, nine became part of the intervention group and received hippotherapy sessions over 14 weeks. This group comprised of four male and five female participants, aged between 24-72.
  • The remaining six participants, two males and four females, formed the comparison group.
  • Two assessment tools were utilized: the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and the Tinetti Performance Oriented Mobility Assessment (POMA). The researchers performed these assessments at the start (0 weeks), mid-way (7 weeks), and end of the study (14 weeks).

Research Findings

  • The group undertaking hippotherapy demonstrated a significant boost in their posttest scores on both the BBS (an average rise of 9.15 points) and POMA scores (an average increase of 5.13).
  • Conversely, the comparison group displayed no remarkable change in both their BBS and POMA scores.
  • The study also observed a significant variation between the final BBS scores of both groups, with the median score of the treatment group (55.0) being higher than the comparison group (41.0).

Conclusions and Recommendations

The findings of the pilot study suggest that hippotherapy could be an effective treatment for balance disorders among individuals diagnosed with MS. It, however, underlines that comprehensive research is essential to enhance the treatment protocols and specify the selection criteria.

Cite This Article

APA
Silkwood-Sherer D, Warmbier H. (2007). Effects of hippotherapy on postural stability, in persons with multiple sclerosis: a pilot study. J Neurol Phys Ther, 31(2), 77-84. https://doi.org/10.1097/NPT.0b013e31806769f7

Publication

Journal of neurologic physical therapy : JNPT
ISSN: 1557-0576
NlmUniqueID: 101193365
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 31
Issue: 2
Pages: 77-84

Researcher Affiliations

Silkwood-Sherer, Debbie
  • Graduate Program in Physical Therapy, Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, USA. silkw1d@cmich.edu
Warmbier, Heather

    MeSH Terms

    • Adult
    • Aged
    • Animals
    • Cohort Studies
    • Exercise Therapy / methods
    • Female
    • Horses
    • Humans
    • Male
    • Middle Aged
    • Multiple Sclerosis / physiopathology
    • Multiple Sclerosis / rehabilitation
    • Pilot Projects
    • Postural Balance / physiology
    • Recovery of Function / physiology
    • Treatment Outcome

    Citations

    This article has been cited 21 times.
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