Patients in pilot study see promise in equine-assisted therapy
Texas A&M researchers hope to prove effectiveness of approach
Parkinson’s disease patients in a pilot study testing the effects of equine-associated therapy report that they enjoy working with horses, while researchers say they hope results from the program will provide evidence of its benefits.
“We hope to show there is effectiveness in this type of treatment to apply for larger-scale grants, with our goal being a six-week program to see just how effective equine-assisted therapy is at aiding people with Parkinson’s,” Deanna Kennedy, PhD, an assistant professor of health and kinesiology Texas A&M University, which is testing the therapy, said in a university news story.
The team has not yet published results.
Difficulties with balance and walking are common motor symptoms of Parkinson’s, a progressive, neurodegenerative disorder. Parkinson’s is caused by damage to neurons that produce the signaling molecule dopamine, which is important for coordinating voluntary movement.
Working with horses may help counteract Parkinson’s symptoms, according to Kennedy. “Equine-assisted therapy has shown remarkable benefits for individuals with cerebral palsy, improving gait, balance and coordination largely due to the unique, rhythmic movement of the horse and the emotional bond formed between horse and rider,” she said.
‘Powerful’ therapeutic effects
A meta-analysis found that children with cerebral palsy who participated in equine-assisted therapy showed motor improvements.
“If these therapeutic effects are so powerful in [the cerebral palsy] population, we’re asking, what could they mean for those living with Parkinson’s disease?” Kennedy said. “This study is our first step in answering that question.”
The therapy may involve collaboration between physical therapists and trained horse handlers to guide participants and their horses.
Riding a horse requires activation in several muscle groups. Horses and riders may also experience synchronization of muscle movements, which may help establish a more normal, rhythmic gait pattern in people who have difficulty walking.
Kennedy’s team partnered with Courtney Cares, a Texas A&M program that provides equine-assisted therapy to children and adults with physical or cognitive conditions.
Devices on both the horse and the rider monitored muscle activation during training. The team is interested in how the human and horse respond to each other, and the researchers plan to analyze if the horse and rider experience synchronicity in their movements. Ultimately, the team hopes to introduce the equine-assisted therapy technique to a larger group of participants.
“To think that Texas A&M is on the cutting edge of introducing a new form of therapy that’s going to benefit the larger Parkinson’s community in our nation … to me, it’s a great thing, an exciting thing,” said Cindy Conte, leader of the board of directors at the Robert Conte Foundation for Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders, a nonprofit organization. Conte has partnered with Kennedy and her students on previous studies involving Parkinson’s disease.
One trial participant, Suzanne Gallagher, reported that the experience was positive for her. She grew up riding horses, but hadn’t ridden in a while before the study.
“I didn’t think I could even do [horseback riding] anymore because my balance has really become worse over the years, but they thought I could do it just fine and it was a great time, a lot of fun,” Gallagher said.
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