The role of hippotherapy in improving the balance and gait parameters of patients with multiple sclerosis: A narrative review

Abstract

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurological disease characterized by the onset of movement disorders such as spasticity, fatigue, ataxia and pain. Hippotherapy helps to improve balance, endurance, increase orthostatic control, self-confidence and muscle strength. The aim of this review is to describe recent research data on the effects of hippotherapy in patients with MS. The PubMed and Google Scholar databases were searched with the following keywords: multiple sclerosis, hippotherapy, rehabilitation. This review included both clinical trials and systematic reviews. In conclusion, it seems that the application of hippotherapy both as an individual treatment and in combination with other physiotherapy methods can contribute to the improvement of motor disorders, mental health, quality of life and functioning in the performance of daily activities in people with MS.