Summary of the Systematic Review

The effect of hippotherapy on spasticity and on mental well-being of persons with spinal cord injury.

Lechner HE, Kakebeeke TH, Hegermann D, Baumberger M

Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (2007) 

Description

To determine the effect of hippotherapy on spasticity and on mental well-being of persons with spinal cord injury (SCI), and to compare it with the effects of other interventions. 

Profession 

Physiotherapist

Location 

Switzerland 

Intervention Terminology

HPOT 

Study Design 

Crossover Trial with 4 Conditions

Sample

12 Adults 

Age/Population

27-68 Years 

Assessment/ Outcome measure tools

Spasticity measured through the Ashworth Scale and a client-reported visual analog scale; Wellbeing measured through Bf-S

Result Category 

Spasticity & Mental well-being

Dosage/Description of Intervention

25 min, 2x/week, for 4 weeks = 8 sessions total; Participants rode horse at a walk for 25 minutes with a physiotherapist for balance if needed; bareback pad only