Effects of hippotherapy in multiple sclerosis: pilot study on quality of life, spasticity, gait, pelvic floor, depression and fatigue

Abstract

Introduction and objective: Hippotherapy is being used as a promising method in the physical treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS).

Material and method: Comparative open clinical pre-post study into hippotherapy intervention during a 6-month period in patients with MS (n=6). Not randomised and with control group (n=4). The study was performed by MHG Foundation.

Results: A statistically significant improvement was observed in the therapy group in: spasticity pre-post measured by the modified Ashworth scale (P=.01). Statistically significant improvement in fatigue impact (P<.0001) measured with FIS; in general, perception of heath outcome in urinary quality of life scale KHQ (P=.033), and in subscales 2, 3 and 4 of MSQOL-54 (P=.011). Control group showed no improvement in any scale.

Conclusions: This study reinforces current literature that supports hippotherapy as an adequate intervention for MS patients. Further studies with more participants, control groups and blinded research would be logical steps for future research in this field.

Keywords: Calidad de vida; Esclerosis múltiple; Espasticidad; Fatiga; Fatigue; Hipoterapia; Hippotherapy; Multiple sclerosis; Pelvic floor; Quality of life; Spasticity; Suelo pélvico.