Thais B. Araujo, Nélida A. Silva, Juliana N. Costa, Marcio M. Pereira, Marisete P. Safons
Rev. Bras. Fisioter. (2011)

Description 
To determine whether equine-assisted therapy (hippotherapy) produces alterations in the balance of the elderly. METHODS: The sample included 17 older adults who were divided into experimental (7 subjects) and control (10 subjects) groups. Stabilometry data were acquired with a force platform. The Timed Up and Go test (TUG) was used for clinical analysis of seated balance, transfer from a seated to a standing position, walking stability and changes in gait. Sixteen equine-assisted therapy sessions were carried out. 

Results 
Mann-Witney was used to compare the means between groups and no significant differences were found in the analyzed stabilometric parameters. In intragroup comparison with the Wilcoxon test, a significant increase in the variables COPy and Area (p=0.02) was observed. Equine-assisted therapy significantly affected (p=0.04) TUG test means between the experimental and control groups (Mann-Witney). Intragroup TUG test means were also significantly affected (p=0.04) according to the Wilcoxon test.

Conclusion
Because senescence tends to normalize stabilometric measures, the number of equine-assisted therapy sessions was insufficient to determine any differences. Nevertheless, the significant improvement in TUG test scores demonstrates that this treatment frequency was a predictor of reduced fall risk in the elderly.

Seong Gil Kim, Chae-Woo Lee
Journal of Physical Therapy Science (2014)

Description 
The aim of this study was to examine the effects of hippotherapy on elderly persons’ static balance and gait. [Subjects and Methods] Twenty-two elderly persons residing in the community were randomly divided into a hippotherapy group and a treadmill group and they conducted exercise for eight weeks.

Results 
Step lengths increased significantly, and step time and sway path lengths significantly decreased in both groups. A comparison of sway path lengths after the intervention between the two groups revealed that the hippotherapy group showed larger decreases than the treadmill group.

Conclusion
The results of this study indicate that hippotherapy may improve the static balance and gait of elderly persons residing in the community.

de Araujo, Jaco de Oliveira, Rodrigues Martins, Pereira, Copetti, Safons
Arch Gerontol Geriatr (2013)

Description 
To assess the chronic effects of hippotherapy on functional mobility, muscle strength and balance in elderly. 28 volunteers, between the age of 60 and 84, were randomly recruited and divided in experimental group (EG), with 12 individuals (8 women and 4 men) and control group (CG), with 16 individuals (14 women and 2 men). The EG group participated in an 8-week hippotherapy program. Before and after the study period functional mobility was assessed and measured by Time Up and Go Test (TUG), muscle strength of the lower limbs was measured by 30 s Chair Stand Test (30CST) and performance in balance was measured by the Berg Balance Scale (BBS). A mixed ANOVA model (group × testing time) was applied to establish the effect of the different groups on the functional variables.

Results 
The functional capacity of the EG group was increased if compared to CG group after the intervention of the BBS (p = 0.003) and 30CST (p = 0.032), but not of the TUG (p = 0.063).

Conclusion
The results indicated that hippotherapy improves the lower limb strength and balance in elderly.

Dinaz L, de Mello E, Riberio M, Lage J et al
Journal of Bodywork & Movement Therapies (2020) 

Description 
The decrease in functional ability, strength, balance, flexibility, agility, and coordination owing to neurological and muscular changes is one of the characteristic features of the human aging process. Hippotherapy has been highlighted as a therapeutic approach with physical and psychological benefits for this section of the population. However, the effects of hippotherapy in elderly people need to be further studied by assessing their balance and flexibility.

Results 
The HG demonstrated a significant difference in the TUG test execution time and the FRT scores before and after the hippotherapy sessions (p = 0.036, p = 0.030, respectively), indicating an improvement in functional range. The examination of flexibility with the Wells's box also revealed a significant difference in the rates (cm) before and after 10 sessions of the hippotherapy for the HG (p = 0.033).

Conclusion
Statistically significant improvements in the TUG and FRT scores in the intervention group as compared to the control group. No difference in the BBS in either group; varied equine movement may benefit active and relatively healthy older people.