Clinical Research Directory
Browse clinical research sites, groups, and studies.
DOES HIPPOTHERAPY HAVE AN EFFECT ON MOBILITY, GAIT, BALANCE AND PERCEIVED HEALTH-RELATED QUALITY OF LIFE IN PERSONS WITH PARKINSON'S DISEASE?
Sponsor: Klinik Valens
Summary
The goal of this pilot randomized controlled trial is to investigate the effects of hippotherapy (horse assisted therapy) (intervention group) compared to usual care (control group) on mobility, gait, balance and perceived health-related quality of life in persons with Parkinson's disease. The main objectives of this study are: * The primary objective is to investigate the effects of hippotherapy on mobility of pwPD, walking speed and the ability to perform daily movements. * The secondary objective is to investigate the effects of hippotherapy on (a) balance, (b) self-perceived physical and mental health and (c) specific gait parameters. * Furthermore this study, aims to gather critical information that will inform about the design and implementation of a larger, more definitive randomized controlled trial. In addition to the three-week, multidisciplinary rehabilitation program the intervention group will receive hippotherapy (20 minutes) three times a week (7 sessions in total) and the control group will receive additional physiotherapy sessions (30 minutes) two times a week.
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - Any
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
30
Start Date
2025-01-01
Completion Date
2027-01-01
Last Updated
2026-09-03
Healthy Volunteers
No
Conditions
Interventions
Hippotherapy
Hippotherapy is a form of physical therapy that utilizes the natural gait and movement of a horse to provide motor and sensory input. The hippotherapy sessions last 20 minutes each and aim at trunk rotation (in the transverse and frontal plane), rhythm and trunk stability.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy sessions take 30 minutes and focus on core stability and exercises with large motor tasks
Locations (1)
Rehabilitation Centre Valens
Valens, Canton of St. Gallen, Switzerland