Saddle Up for Stability: Can Hippotherapy Help with Multiple Sclerosis?
"Discover how equine-assisted therapy might improve postural control for those living with MS, offering a path towards better balance and enhanced well-being."
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic condition where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the brain and spinal cord, leading to a range of physical challenges. One of the most common difficulties faced by individuals with MS is impaired postural control, which significantly increases the risk of falls and impacts daily life.
Traditional approaches to managing MS symptoms include physical therapy and medications. However, emerging research suggests that alternative therapies, particularly those that engage sensory strategies, may offer additional benefits. Hippotherapy, or equine-assisted therapy, is one such method gaining attention for its potential to improve balance and stability.
A recent study investigated the effects of hippotherapy on postural control in individuals with MS. This article delves into the findings of this research, exploring how this unique therapeutic approach could help those with MS regain better balance and enhance their overall quality of life.
Balance, Posture, and Evidence
Multiple sclerosis can affect balance through changes in neurological processes, and hippotherapy uses horse movement to provide sensory feedback. A study dated February 1, 2026, examines hippotherapy as an add-on to physical therapy to promote balance and postural control. Its summary notes that sufficiently high-quality randomized trials of hippotherapy’s effectiveness remain limited.
A Review of the Literature
A review describes multiple sclerosis as a chronic inflammatory disease affecting neurons of the central nervous system. Its stated aim was to review hippotherapy’s effects in people with MS. The authors searched PubMed, Science Direct, Pedro, Total, National Institute Hi.K.E.R., and Google Scholar for literature published from 2005 to 2021.
Hippotherapy: A Promising Approach to Postural Stability
The study, conducted at the Federal University of Santa Maria in Brazil, involved 11 participants with MS who were divided into two groups: an intervention group (IG) and a control group (CG). The IG participated in a hippotherapy program consisting of two 50-minute sessions per week for four months. During these sessions, participants engaged in activities designed to improve posture, balance, and coordination while interacting with horses.
- The intervention group (IG) showed a significant reduction in the amplitude of oscillation in the anterior-posterior direction, indicating improved stability.
- The control group (CG) did not experience any significant changes in postural stability.
- Both groups demonstrated reduced postural stability when visual information was suppressed (eyes closed), highlighting the importance of vision in maintaining balance.
Research on Clinical Effects
A May 1, 2025, systematic review set out to examine hippotherapy’s impact on the clinical picture and functioning of people with multiple sclerosis. A Semantic Scholar summary says hippotherapy appears to have positive effects across outcomes including balance, fatigue, spasticity, pain, quality of life, muscle strength, walking difficulty, and endurance. Separately, an August 1, 2025, publication by Christina Koutra and others focuses on gait, fatigue, and quality of life in MS.
What the Summary Does Not Establish
The source describes multiple sclerosis as a disease with severe symptoms that can make everyday life difficult as it progresses. It notes that treatments aim to limit or delay the onset of symptoms and characterizes hippotherapy as an innovative intervention supported by studies reporting positive effects. The available summary does not provide results from failed trials or details about adverse outcomes.
Moving Forward: The Potential of Hippotherapy
This study adds to the growing body of evidence supporting the use of hippotherapy as a complementary intervention for balance disorders in individuals with MS. By engaging multiple sensory systems and promoting functional adaptations, hippotherapy offers a unique approach to improving postural stability and overall well-being.
Further Examination Needed
A March 27, 2025, article, medically reviewed by Dr. Samuel Sarmiento, M.D., on April 10, 2025, says further examination of hippotherapy’s impact on people with MS is needed. It reports that the intervention appeared to have positive effects on balance, fatigue, gait, spasticity, pain, muscle strength, and quality of life. The source presents these findings as a reason for further examination rather than a settled conclusion.
Movement and Sensory Feedback
The source describes MS as creating challenges with balance, coordination, and daily movement. It characterizes hippotherapy as a specialized form of physical therapy that uses horse movement. The article reports measurable improvements in balance, fatigue, spasticity, and quality of life, and says the horse’s rhythmic motion provides sensory feedback.
A Case Study’s Focus
A case study published June 30, 2024, is titled “The Effect of Hippotherapy on Fatigue, Dynamic Balance, Walking Capacity and Energy Expenditure in Multiple Sclerosis.” It appeared in the International Journal of Human Movement and Sports Sciences, volume 12, issue 4. The listed pages are 653–662; the supplied source details do not report the study’s results.
While the findings are promising, further research is needed to confirm these results and explore the long-term effects of hippotherapy on MS symptoms. Future studies should also investigate the optimal dosage and specific activities that maximize the benefits of this therapeutic approach.
For individuals with MS seeking to improve their balance and stability, hippotherapy may be a valuable addition to their treatment plan. Consulting with a healthcare professional and a qualified hippotherapist is essential to determine if this therapy is right for you and to develop a safe and effective program.