A Review of Efficacy of Hippotherapy for the Treatment of Musculoskeletal Disorders

Abstract

Objective: Hippotherapy or Equine Assisted Therapy (EAT) is an alternative therapeutic treatment which is based on the special benefits of horse riding. The purpose of the herein review is to investigate the efficacy of this method for the treatment of several dysfunctions affecting the musculoskeletal system. Materials and Methods: International literature was thoroughly studied, with special focus on indications and therapeutic effectiveness of this method in injuries and diseases of musculoskeletal interest. Results: EAT seems to contribute positively to spasticity reduction, following spinal cord injuries (SCIs) and affects the overall patients’ quality life. It also acts positively on the prevention of falls in the elderly. Less evidence exists on the usefulness of this method in scoliotic curvature reduction in children with cerebral palsy (CP) and in treatment of Low back Pain (LBP). Conclusion: Hippotherapy improves muscle strength, balance and coordination of movement and it also contributes to relaxation and control of posture. Thus, it seems that as a supplementary method, accompanying other individualized therapeutic approaches, it can address a number of problems of the musculoskeletal system. More and well-designed studies are needed to draw firm conclusions about the benefits and the indications of the method.