Can hippotherapy improve mobility, gait, balance, and quality of life in people with Parkinson's disease?

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This pilot randomized controlled trial compares hippotherapy plus a three-week multidisciplinary rehabilitation program to the program alone in adults with Parkinson's disease. The primary goal is to see if hippotherapy improves mobility, walking speed, and the ability to perform daily movements. Secondary goals include effects on balance, self-perceived physical and mental health, and gait parameters. The study aims to inform the design of a larger future trial by assessing feasibility and preliminary efficacy in a real-world setting.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Confirmed diagnosis of Parkinson's diagnosis
* Age \> 18 Years;
* Hoehn \& Yahr stage ≤ 4;
* Category 3 in the Functional Ambulation Categories
* Climbing stairs is possible (with support).

Exclusion Criteria:

* Severe cognitive impairment, defined by a score below 26 on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCa)
* Body weight \> 90kg;
* Horse hair allergy;
* Other acute and subacute cardiovascular, respiratory, musculoskeletal or neurological disorders that constitute a contraindication to hippotherapy (i.e. a recent fracture);
* Pregnancy.

Where it's running

• Rehabilitation Centre Valens
  Valens, Canton of St. Gallen, Switzerland Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Jens Bansi, PhD
• Email: jens.bansi@kliniken-valens.ch
• Phone: +41 58 511 13 02

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.