Date of Award
2018
Degree Type
Selective Evidence-Based Medicine Review
Degree Name
Master of Science in Health Sciences - Physician Assistant
Department
Physician Assistant Studies
Department Chair
John Cavenagh, MBA, PhD, PA-C
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not hippotherapy is effective in reducing fall risk in patients diagnosed with a stroke.
STUDY DESIGN: Review of three English language randomized controlled trials (RCTs) between 2006-recent.
DATA SOURCES: Three non-blind RCTs published and obtained from PubMed.
OUTCOMES MEASURED: Each RCT measured balance by either using the Berg Balance Scale or the Bio Rescue (an analysis system with biofeedback).
RESULTS: All three articles found that hippotherapy significantly improved the balance of patients diagnosed with a stroke, when compared to the traditional physical therapy treatments of treadmill walking, performing trunk exercises with a swiss ball, and utilizing neurodevelopmental techniques.
CONCLUSION: Based on the articles included in this EBM, hippotherapy is an effective treatment in reducing the fall risk in patients diagnosed with a stroke.
Recommended Citation
Diaz, Danny, "Is Hippotherapy Effective in Reducing the Fall Risk in Patients Diagnosed with a Stroke?" (2018). PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship. 350.
https://digitalcommons.pcom.edu/pa_systematic_reviews/350