Neurorehabilitation using hippotherapy for stroke recovery
Neurorehabilitation Through Hippotherapy on Neurofunctional Sequels of Brain Stroke: (i) Effect on Patient's Functional Independence, Sensorimotor and Cognitive Capacities and Quality of Life (ii) Effect on Caregivers' Quality of Life
This study tests if a horseback riding therapy program can help people with moderate to severe disabilities recover better after a stroke.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 52 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Alliance Equiphoria Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (La Canourgue) |
| Trial ID | NCT04759326 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the effects of a hippotherapy program on the functional recovery of post-stroke patients over a 22-week period. Hippotherapy, which involves therapeutic horseback riding conducted by trained professionals, aims to enhance neuroplasticity and improve overall rehabilitation outcomes for individuals with significant disabilities following a cerebrovascular accident. The study focuses on patients with a modified Rankin Scale score of 3 or higher, indicating moderate to severe disability, and evaluates their progress during outpatient rehabilitation. The research seeks to provide a novel approach to neurorehabilitation that may address long-term recovery challenges faced by stroke survivors.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 and older who have experienced an ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke and have a modified Rankin score of 3 to 4 at least three months post-stroke.
Not a fit: Patients with major cognitive impairments, severe neurological or psychiatric conditions, or contraindications to physical activity may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve functional recovery and quality of life for stroke survivors.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results for hippotherapy in various neurological conditions, suggesting potential success for this novel application in stroke rehabilitation.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age ≥ 18 years old * Ischemic or haemorrhagic stroke according to ICD 10 I61-I69 (30) * Inclusion \> 3 months post-stroke * Deficit still existing (Rankin score ≥ 3 and ≤ 4 at inclusion) * Existing declaration of informed consent * Affiliation of the patient to a social security scheme * Minimal abduction of the hip of 25 degrees bilateral with no history of hip dislocation and/or dysplasia * Certificate of non-contraindication issued by the referring physician Exclusion Criteria: * Major cognitive impairment affecting comprehension (Mini Mental State Examination test \< 24 points) * Global or sensory aphasia * Neurological or psychiatric co-morbidity (other than mild-to-moderate post-stroke depression) * Evidence of an uncontrolled seizure disorder * Substance abuse * History of uncontrolled pain * History of allergic reactions to dust and/or horsehair, or severe asthma * Overweight (≥ 110 kg) * Contraindications to physical activity * Inability or medical contraindication to travel to the Equiphoria Institute by personal car or taxi * History of horse riding or hippotherapy care during the last 6 months * Pregnant or lactating women * Patients participating in other biomedical research or in a period of exclusion
Where this trial is running
La Canourgue
- Institut Equiphoria — La Canourgue, France (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Manuel Gaviria, MD, PhD
- Email: manuel.gaviria@equiphoria.com
- Phone: +33466321046
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.