Stergiou Alexandra N, Ploumis Avraam, Kamtsios Spyridon, Markozannes Georgios, Christodoulou Pineio, Varvarousis Dimitrios N
Department of Primary Education, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece.
Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, School of Medicine, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece.
J Clin Med. 2025 May 26;14(11):3731. doi: 10.3390/jcm14113731.
Different types of exercises that aim in the development of balance, motor function, and gait are necessary for patients with motor disorders. Equine-assisted therapy could play an important role in the rehabilitation of these participants. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects that equine-assisted therapy can exert on balance, motor function, spasticity, posture and gait, as well as quality of life on individuals with motor disorders. Clinical trials, published up to 20 April 2022, comparing equine-assisted therapy with conventional rehabilitation were systematically searched. Two independent reviewers performed data extraction and assessed the quality of studies using the Downs and Black quality assessment tool. Out of 27 studies that satisfied the inclusion criteria for systematic review, 15 included appropriate data for further comparative meta-analysis. Statistically significant differences were found in Dimension E (walking, running, jumping) of Gross Motor Function Measure in children with CP (0.009) and in Time Up and Go in Elderly and post-stroke participants ( = 0.006). Specifically, children with CP improved in walking, running, and jumping, as well as improved mobility in the elderly. The systematic review showed that the intervention had positive results, as well as in other domains, even though these were not statistically significant. Equine-assisted therapy is beneficial for individuals with impairments in balance, gross motor function, gait, spasticity, and coordination.
针对运动障碍患者，开展旨在提升平衡能力、运动功能和步态的不同类型锻炼很有必要。马术辅助疗法在这些参与者的康复过程中可能发挥重要作用。本研究的目的是探讨马术辅助疗法对运动障碍患者的平衡能力、运动功能、痉挛状态、姿势和步态以及生活质量的影响。我们系统检索了截至2022年4月20日发表的比较马术辅助疗法与传统康复疗法的临床试验。两名独立评审员进行了数据提取，并使用唐斯和布莱克质量评估工具评估了研究质量。在满足系统评价纳入标准的27项研究中，有15项包含适合进一步进行比较荟萃分析的数据。在脑瘫儿童的粗大运动功能测量的E维度（行走、跑步、跳跃）（P = 0.009）以及老年和中风后参与者的起立行走测试中（P = 0.006）发现了统计学上的显著差异。具体而言，脑瘫儿童在行走、跑步和跳跃方面有所改善，老年人的活动能力也有所提高。系统评价表明，尽管在其他领域的结果无统计学意义，但该干预措施仍产生了积极效果。马术辅助疗法对平衡能力、粗大运动功能、步态、痉挛状态和协调能力受损的个体有益。
