The effects of mechanical hippotherapy riding on postural control, balance, and quality of life (QoL) in patients with stroke

Abstract

PurposeD

This study aimed to investigate the effects of exercises by mechanical hippotherapy devices on postural control, balance, mobility, and Quality of Life in patients with stroke.

Material and methods

This was a randomized controlled clinical trial with a total of 30 which were randomly divided into two groups. The participants in the mechanical hippotherapy group (MHG) (n = 15) were given exercises with a mechanical hippotherapy device for 15 min in addition to intensive conventional treatments (45 min), while the control group (CG) (n = 15) received additional 15 min of postural control and balance exercises for five days per week for four consecutive weeks. The primary outcome was The Berg Balance Scale (BBS). Secondary outcomes were the Fugl–Meyer (FM) Rating Scale, Biodex Balance Measurement (BBM), Trunk Impairment Scale (TIS), the Timed Up and Go Test (TUG) and quality of Life Short Form (SF-36).

Results

In the MHG, FM-Lower extremity score (−6.4, p = 0.024), FM-Upper extremity score (−12.87, p = 0.013), TIS (−5.87, p = 0.04) and TUG (5.73, p = 0.027) improved statistically significant compared to CG.

Conclusion

Exercises using mechanical hippotherapy devices could improve postural control, functional mobility and balance in patients with stroke. It may also improve the quality of life.

Clinical Trial Registration Number

NCT03528993

IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION

• NCT03528993

• It was concluded from our results that mechanical hippotherapy could be included in the treatment programs of stroke patients.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER:

• NCT03528993

Keywords:

• Stroke
• balance
• postural control
• hippotherapy simulation
• rehabilitation

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Istanbul medipol university scientific research fund.