Article

Equine-assisted therapies, such as therapeutic riding and
hippotherapy, are believed to have positive physical and emotional effects in
individuals with neuromotor, developmental, and physical disabilities. The
purpose of this review was to determine whether therapeutic riding and
hippotherapy improve balance, motor function, gait, muscle symmetry, pelvic
movement, psychosocial parameters, and the patients' overall quality of life.
DESIGN: In this study, a literature search was conducted on MEDLINE, CINAHL,
MBASE, SportDiscus, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Controlled
Trials Register, PEDro, DARE, Google Scholar, and Dissertation Abstracts. Only
studies with a control/comparison group or self-controlled studies performing
preintervention and postintervention assessment were included. Excluded were (1)
studies not providing data on baseline score or end-point outcome, (2)
single-subject studies, (3) studies providing only qualitative data, and (4)
studies that used a mechanical horse. Sixteen trials were included. The
methodologic quality of each study was evaluated using Downs and Black quality
assessment tool. RESULTS: Most of the studies showed a trend toward a beneficial
effect of therapeutic riding and hippotherapy on balance and gross motor
function. The meta-analysis showed improvement in both the Berg Balance Scale and
the Gross Motor Function Measure in therapeutic riding and hippotherapy programs.
CONCLUSION: Programs such as therapeutic riding and hippotherapy are a viable
intervention option for patients with balance, gait, and psychomotor disorders.
- Equithérapie - hippothérapie

Langue : ANGLAIS