Effect of Hippotherapy Protocol on the Onset Time Activity of Lower Limb Muscles in Sclerosis Multiple Patients

Since gait disorder is the most common complication among patients with multiple sclerosis. This study aims to examine the effect of hippotherapy on the onset activity of selected lower limb muscles in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) during the gait initiation protocol with a perturbation response approach.

A total of 20 MS patients with EDSS score <4.5 were selected by simple convenience sampling method and were randomly divided into two groups of exercise n=10 and control n=10. Ten healthy and matched individuals were selected and placed in the healthy control group. The MS patients in the training group underwent hippotherapy for 4 sessions per week. Before and after the exercises, the electrical activity of the selected muscles of the lower extremities was recorded during the gait initiation protocol.

Data analysis showed a significant difference between groups (P<0.05). Hippotherapy exercises were effective in the onset activity time of the lower limb muscles and reduced the reaction time of the muscles.

According to the results of the present study and the effect of hippotherapy on improving reaction time, hippotherapy can be used as a rehabilitation method in MS patients.