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Physical medicine and rehabilitation clinics of North America2004; 15(4); 843-vii; doi: 10.1016/j.pmr.2004.02.002

Hippotherapy.

Abstract: Hippotherapy refers to the use of the movement of the horse asa treatment tool by physical therapists, occupational therapists,and speech-language therapists to address impairments, functional limitations, and disabilities in clients with neuromusculoskeletal dysfunction, such as cerebral palsy. Hippotherapy is used as part of an integrated treatment program to achieve functional outcomes. Hippotherapy engages the client in activities on the horse that are enjoyable and challenging. In the controlled hippotherapyenvironment, the therapist modifies the horse's movement and carefully grades sensory input, establishing a foundation for improved neurologic function and sensory processing. This foundation can be generalized to a wide range of daily activities,making the horse a valuable therapeutic tool for rehabilitation.
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Publication Date: 2004-10-02 PubMed ID: 15458756DOI: 10.1016/j.pmr.2004.02.002Google Scholar: Lookup
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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.

This research article discusses the use of hippotherapy – a treatment methodology involving horse movement – as used by physical, occupational and speech-language therapists, for treating clients with neuromusculoskeletal issues, like cerebral palsy. The study elucidates how hippotherapy can be incorporated into overall treatment programs to achieve functional outcomes, and how it positively impacts neurological function and sensory processing.

Understanding Hippotherapy

Hippotherapy is typically incorporated and utilized by health professionals such as physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech-language therapists. There are numerous elements to consider in this treatment process:

  • The activity is specifically designed to target impairments, functional limitations, and disabilities in clients.
  • It predominantly helps clients battling neuromusculoskeletal dysfunctions. A prominent example given in the article is cerebral palsy.
  • Engaging clients in activities on the horse that are both enjoyable and challenging is a crucial component of this therapy.

Implementation of Hippotherapy

The use of hippotherapy is determined by its implementation into the overall treatment process of the particular neuromusculoskeletal dysfunction:

  • It is used as a part of an integrated treatment program, designed to accomplish functional outcomes for the client.
  • This process is administered in a controlled environment, where the therapist modifies and adjusts the horse’s movement to carefully control the level of sensory input the patient is subjected to.

Benefits of Hippotherapy

The therapeutic utilization of horse movement in hippotherapy has wide-ranging benefits:

  • The treatment sets a solid foundation for improved neurologic function and enhanced sensory processing through controlled and targeted sensory input.
  • Crucially, the benefits and improvements noted through the use of hippotherapy can be generalized to numerous daily activities.
  • As evident, the horse becomes a valuable tool in rehabilitation processes for patients with neuromusculoskeletal dysfunctions.

Cite This Article

APA
Meregillano G. (2004). Hippotherapy. Phys Med Rehabil Clin N Am, 15(4), 843-vii. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pmr.2004.02.002

Publication

Physical medicine and rehabilitation clinics of North America
ISSN: 1047-9651
NlmUniqueID: 9102787
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 15
Issue: 4
Pages: 843-vii

Researcher Affiliations

Meregillano, Gary
  • Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Livermore Division Building 62, M/S 117 4951, Arroyo Road, Livermore, CA 94550, USA. gnmotr@aol.com

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Cerebral Palsy / rehabilitation
  • Combined Modality Therapy / methods
  • Complementary Therapies / methods
  • Evidence-Based Medicine
  • Exercise Therapy / methods
  • Horses
  • Human-Animal Bond
  • Humans
  • Treatment Outcome

Citations

This article has been cited 21 times.
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  19. Stergiou AN, Ploumis A, Kamtsios S, Markozannes G, Christodoulou P, Varvarousis DN. Effects of Equine-Assisted Therapy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Clin Med 2025 May 26;14(11).
    doi: 10.3390/jcm14113731pubmed: 40507494google scholar: lookup
  20. Plotas P, Papadopoulos A, Apostolelli EM, Vlachou E, Gazou F, Zogopoulou I, Katsaidoni I, Panagiotopoulou I, Paparouna SP, Silavou N, Fragkiadaki K, Tsiamaki E, Fouzas S, Sinopidis X, Trimmis N. Effects of hippotherapy on motor function of children with cerebral palsy: a systematic review study. Ital J Pediatr 2024 Sep 19;50(1):188.
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