Results indicate that hippotherapy might improve balance, mobility, gait ability, and muscle strength, as well as could induce hormonal and cerebral activity changes in healthy older adults. Interventions using a horse simulator spanned 8 weeks and were conducted for 20 minutes 5 times per week. Sessions lasted between 15 and 60 minutes and were performed 2-5 times per week. Duration of hippotherapy programs ranged from 8-12 weeks.
The studies were all randomized controlled trials, but not double-blind, so they were classified as level of evidence B. PRISMA guidelines were followed for the data extraction process. Eight articles were selected, 5 of them focused on hippotherapy, 2 on horse riding simulation, and a single article that used the 2 types of therapy.
TYPE: Systematic review.Ī comprehensive search of studies was performed in 4 electronic databases (Cochrane, PubMed, PEDro, and Web of Science) regarding the effects of equine-assisted therapies and horse riding simulation exercise in older adults. To provide an up-to-date research analysis on equine-assisted therapies and horse riding simulation exercise in older adults, and to suggest future directions in clinical practice and research.
