Physical Therapy Intervention With Hippotherapy (HPOT) Affects Balance Control in the Elderly: a Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Aging is characterized by a decline in functional abilities, strength, balance, flexibility, agility, and coordination due to neurological and muscular changes. Hippotherapy (HPOT) has been recognized for its physical and psychological benefits for older adults. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the effects of hippotherapy on balance in elderly individuals. The novelty lies in using the Biodex Balance System SD for dynamic balance assessment in healthy elderly without neurological disorders. METHODS: We recruited elderly men aged 60 to 70 who had independent mobility and medical clearance for hippotherapy, ensuring they met criteria such as consistent participation and the absence of pertinent diseases, orthopedic issues, recent surgeries, or medications that could influence outcomes. The dependent variables measured with the Biodex Balance System SD included (I) fall risk, (II) stability index, (III) balance index, (IV) anterior‐posterior deviation, and (V) mediolateral deviation. The intervention consisted of 16 sessions of hippotherapy over 8 weeks, with two 30‐min sessions each week, during which participants rode a horse. RESULT: The main findings derived from this study indicate that the intervention significantly reduced Fall Risk in the training group compared to the control (p = 0.000, η = 0.77). Hippotherapy also significantly improved Stability index (p = 0.041, η = 0.15), Anterior‐Posterior Sway (p = 0.013, η = 0.39), mediolateral sway (p = 0.002, η = 0.54), and Balance index (p = 0.008, η = 0.43). This suggests a noteworthy distinction across all measured variables. CONCLUSIONS: The findings demonstrate that hippotherapy significantly enhances balance in physically active elderly individuals, potentially improving their quality of life. These results will inform professionals working with this population.