Journals Information
International Journal of Human Movement and Sports Sciences Vol. 13(4), pp. 889 - 900
DOI: 10.13189/saj.2025.130425
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Hippotherapy and Exercise in Multiple Sclerosis: Effects on Gait, Fatigue, and Quality of Life
Christina Koutra 1,*, Vasiliki J. Malliou 2, Maria Liga 3, Katerina Daskalaki 1, Manos Stefanakis 4
1 Department of Physical Education and Sports Science, Democritus University of Thrace, Greece
2 Department of Physical Education and Sport Science, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece
3 Hellenic Therapeutic Riding Center of Serres, Greece
4 Department of Health Sciences, School of Life and Health Sciences, University of Nicosia, Cyprus
ABSTRACT
This study examined the effects of a combined hippotherapy and ground exercise program on gait performance, fatigue, energy expenditure, and quality of life (QoL) in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS), with a focus on both immediate and sustained outcomes. Twenty participants with MS were divided into an intervention group (IG; n = 11) and a control group (CG; n = 9). The IG underwent a two-month program comprising 13鈥�16 sessions of hippotherapy and ground exercises. Assessments were conducted at baseline, post-intervention, and six weeks later (follow-up). Outcomes included the Modified 6-Minute Walk Test, Physiological Cost Index (PCI), Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), Visual Analogue Scale for Fatigue (VAS-F), and the MSQoL-54 questionnaire. The IG showed a significant improvement in walking distance (p < .001), without a concomitant increase in state fatigue (VAS-F), which was maintained at follow-up. Trait fatigue significantly decreased (FSS score reduction of 11.36 points, p = .014). PCI remained unchanged. QoL improved significantly in both physical and mental domains (p < .01). No significant changes were observed in the CG. Satisfaction with sexual life did not change in either group. In conclusion, a combined hippotherapy and ground exercise intervention improved walking performance, reduced trait fatigue, and enhanced QoL in people with MS. These benefits were sustained post-intervention, suggesting that such programs can be an effective and lasting non-pharmacological strategy in MS rehabilitation.
KEYWORDS
Multiple Sclerosis, Hippotherapy, Gait, Fatigue, Quality of Life, Rehabilitation
Cite This Paper in IEEE or APA Citation Styles
(a). IEEE Format:
[1] Christina Koutra , Vasiliki J. Malliou , Maria Liga , Katerina Daskalaki , Manos Stefanakis , "Hippotherapy and Exercise in Multiple Sclerosis: Effects on Gait, Fatigue, and Quality of Life," International Journal of Human Movement and Sports Sciences, Vol. 13, No. 4, pp. 889 - 900, 2025. DOI: 10.13189/saj.2025.130425.
(b). APA Format:
Christina Koutra , Vasiliki J. Malliou , Maria Liga , Katerina Daskalaki , Manos Stefanakis (2025). Hippotherapy and Exercise in Multiple Sclerosis: Effects on Gait, Fatigue, and Quality of Life. International Journal of Human Movement and Sports Sciences, 13(4), 889 - 900. DOI: 10.13189/saj.2025.130425.