Therapeutic horseback riding in breast cancer survivors: a pilot study.
Abstract: To evaluate the physiologic and psychological effects of an equine-assisted therapy protocol (EAT) in breast cancer survivors. Methods: Twenty women (mean age, 45.61±2.71 years) whose breast cancer treatment had concluded at least 6 months previously underwent a screening protocol to certify their eligibility to participate in noncompetitive sports. The patients were randomly assigned to an intervention group (n=10) or a control group (n=10). Intervention patients participated in a 16-week EAT protocol consisting of 2 hours of activity per week. All patients were tested before and after the intervention for maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max), fat mass percentage, total body water percentage, strength of principal muscular groups (measured on five weight-lifting machines [leg press, leg extension, leg curl, shoulder press, vertical traction]), and quality of life using the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue questionnaire (FACIT-F). Results: After intervention, the intervention group showed an improvement in VO2max (28.29%; p<.001), a decrease in fat mass percentage (change, -7.73%; p<0.002), an increase in total body water percentage (6.90%; p=0.027), and an increase in strength (leg press, 17.75% [p=0.018]; leg extension, 21.55% [p=0.005]; leg curl, 26.04% [p<0.001]; shoulder press, 49.72% [p=0.003]; vertical traction, 19.27% [p=0.002]). Furthermore, the increase in the three FACIT-F scores (FACIT-F trial outcome: 9.29% [p=0.010]; Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General total score, 14.80% [p=0.022]; FACIT-F total score, 11.48% [p=0.004]) showed an increase in quality of life. No significant changes for any variable were found for the control group. Conclusions: EAT had positive effects on both physiologic and psychological measures, enhancing quality of life of breast cancer survivors. RESULTS suggest a new method for rehabilitation intervention strategies after cancer in a nonmedical environment.
Publication Date: 2014-06-25 PubMed ID: 24963599DOI: 10.1089/acm.2014.0061Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
- Randomized Controlled Trial
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
Summary
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This research study investigates the physiological and psychological benefits of equine-assisted therapy (EAT) on women who have survived breast cancer. It found EAT improved physical fitness and strength, reduced body fat, and increased quality of life reported by participants.
Research Methods
- The study selected twenty women, with an average age of 45.61 years, who had completed their breast cancer treatment at least six months before the study commenced.
- The participants were examined to determine their capacity to undertake noncompetitive physical activities before being divided randomly into two groups. Ten women were assigned to the EAT intervention group and the rest to a control group.
- The intervention group underwent a 16-week EAT protocol that involved two hours of horse-riding activity each week.
- To measure the impact, all participants were tested before and after the intervention for maximal oxygen consumption, body fat mass percentage, total body water percentage, and the strength of principal muscular groups. These parameters were assessed via exercises on weight-lifting machines, including leg press, leg extension, leg curl, shoulder press, and vertical traction.
- Additionally, the quality of life of the participants was measured using the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue questionnaire (FACIT-F).
Research Findings
- Results showed notable improvements in the intervention group. Oxygen consumption increased by 28.29% and body fat mass percentage decreased by 7.73%. Total body water percentage saw an uptick of 6.90%.
- There were significant improvements in muscle strength across all exercises. This comprised a 17.75% enhancement in leg press, 21.55% in leg extension, 26.04% in leg curl, 49.72% in shoulder press, and 19.27% in vertical traction.
- Quality of life, as assessed by FACIT-F scores, also improved. The FACIT-F trial outcome increased by 9.29%, the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General total score by 14.80%, and the FACIT-F total score rose by 11.48%. Notably, there were no significant changes in any variables for the control group.
Research Conclusions
- The study concluded that EAT brought forth significant positive effects on breast cancer survivors, both at the physiological and psychological levels.
- Participants in the experimental group displayed remarkable enhancement in physical fitness and strength, reduction in body fat, and heightened quality of life.
- The findings suggest that EAT may serve as an effective method for post-cancer rehabilitation outside the traditional medical environment, providing both physical and mental benefits.
Cite This Article
APA
Cerulli C, Minganti C, De Santis C, Tranchita E, Quaranta F, Parisi A.
(2014).
Therapeutic horseback riding in breast cancer survivors: a pilot study.
J Altern Complement Med, 20(8), 623-629.
https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2014.0061 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- 1 Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, Division of Health Sciences, University of Rome Foro Italico , Rome, Italy .
MeSH Terms
- Adipose Tissue
- Body Water
- Breast Neoplasms / epidemiology
- Breast Neoplasms / rehabilitation
- Equine-Assisted Therapy
- Female
- Humans
- Middle Aged
- Physical Fitness
- Pilot Projects
- Quality of Life
- Survivors / psychology
- Survivors / statistics & numerical data
Citations
This article has been cited 15 times.- Marchand WR. Potential Mechanisms of Action and Outcomes of Equine-Assisted Services for Veterans with a History of Trauma: A Narrative Review of the Literature. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2023 Jul 16;20(14).
- Viruega H, Galy C, Loriette C, Jacquot S, Houpeau JL, Gaviria M. Breast Cancer: How Hippotherapy Bridges the Gap between Healing and Recovery-A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial. Cancers (Basel) 2023 Feb 19;15(4).
- Haig L, Skinner K. Use of Equine-Assisted Services to Improve Outcomes Among At-Risk and Indigenous Youth: A Scoping Review. Front Public Health 2022;10:730644.
- Urbowicz M, Saulicz M, Saulicz A, Saulicz E. Self-Assessment of the Pelvic Floor by Women Practicing Recreational Horseback Riding. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2022 Feb 13;19(4).
- Marchand WR, Andersen SJ, Smith JE, Hoopes KH, Carlson JK. Equine-Assisted Activities and Therapies for Veterans With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: Current State, Challenges and Future Directions. Chronic Stress (Thousand Oaks) 2021 Jan-Dec;5:2470547021991556.
- Holder TRN, Gruen ME, Roberts DL, Somers T, Bozkurt A. A Systematic Literature Review of Animal-Assisted Interventions in Oncology (Part I): Methods and Results. Integr Cancer Ther 2020 Jan-Dec;19:1534735420943278.
- Holder TRN, Gruen ME, Roberts DL, Somers T, Bozkurt A. A Systematic Literature Review of Animal-Assisted Interventions in Oncology (Part II): Theoretical Mechanisms and Frameworks. Integr Cancer Ther 2020 Jan-Dec;19:1534735420943269.
- Sabiston CM, Fong AJ, O'Loughlin EK, Meterissian S. A mixed-methods evaluation of a community physical activity program for breast cancer survivors. J Transl Med 2019 Jun 19;17(1):206.
- Turner RR, Steed L, Quirk H, Greasley RU, Saxton JM, Taylor SJ, Rosario DJ, Thaha MA, Bourke L. Interventions for promoting habitual exercise in people living with and beyond cancer. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2018 Sep 19;9(9):CD010192.
- Lahart IM, Metsios GS, Nevill AM, Carmichael AR. Physical activity for women with breast cancer after adjuvant therapy. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2018 Jan 29;1(1):CD011292.
- Chubak J, Hawkes R. Animal-Assisted Activities: Results From a Survey of Top-Ranked Pediatric Oncology Hospitals. J Pediatr Oncol Nurs 2016 Jul;33(4):289-96.
- Kowalski H, Van Buiten H, Hopkins P, Baldwin C, Nazarenko E, Marchand WR. A Multi-Site Observational Evaluation of the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association Model of Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy for Veteran Trauma Survivors. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2025 Oct 13;22(10).
- Zhou X, Yang Y, Zhai L, Gan J, Li C, Zhu Y. Comparative Efficacy of Different Exercise Therapies for Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Breast Cancer Survivors: A Systematic Review and Bayesian Network Meta-analysis. Sports Med Open 2025 Jun 8;11(1):67.
- Di Blasio A, Morano T, Di Marco A, Lancia F, Ditali L, Sirtori G, Pesce M, Cugusi L, Bullo V, Marini S, Grossi S, Napolitano G. Non-commonly prescribed physical exercises, disciplines and sports in breast cancer survivors: a narrative review. Transl Breast Cancer Res 2025;6:19.
- Barakou I, Sakalidis KE, Abonie US, Finch T, Hackett KL, Hettinga FJ. Effectiveness of physical activity interventions on reducing perceived fatigue among adults with chronic conditions: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. Sci Rep 2023 Sep 4;13(1):14582.
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