Article

This case-series study aimed to determine if there were observable
changes in sensory processing for postural control in individuals with multiple
sclerosis (MS) following physical therapy using hippotherapy (HPOT), or changes
in balance and functional gait. DESIGN: This pre-test non-randomized design
study, with follow-up assessment at 6 weeks, included two females and one male
(age range 37-60 years) with diagnoses of relapse-remitting or progressive MS.
The intervention consisted of twelve 40-min physical therapy sessions which
included HPOT twice a week for 6 weeks. Sensory organization and balance were
assessed by the Sensory Organization Test (SOT) and Berg Balance Scale (BBS).
Gait was assessed using the Functional Gait Assessment (FGA). RESULTS: Following
the intervention period, all three participants showed improvements in SOT (range
1-8 points), BBS (range 2-6 points), and FGA (average 4 points) scores. These
improvements were maintained or continued to improve at follow-up assessment. Two
of the three participants no longer over-relied on vision and/or somatosensory
information as the primary sensory input for postural control, suggesting
improved use of sensory information for balance. CONCLUSION: The results indicate
that HPOT may be a beneficial physical therapy treatment strategy to improve
balance, functional gait, and enhance how some individuals with MS process
sensory cues for postural control. Randomized clinical trials will be necessary
to validate results of this study.

Langue : ANGLAIS