Effects of Horseback Riding Therapy on Quality of Life in Patients Post Stroke

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Background: Persons with stroke commonly have serious sequelae requiring long-term medical treatment. They often experience distress, and thus improving quality of life (QOL) has been considered a therapeutic objective in addition to prolonging the patient's life. Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of horseback riding therapy (HBRT) on the QOL of individuals with hemiparesis after stroke. Methods: In this single-blind, randomized, controlled trial, 24 poststroke patients were assigned to the experimental (n=12) and control (n=12) groups. The control group participated in a conventional physiotherapy program, whereas the experimental group participated in physiotherapy plus HBRT sessions for 16 weeks. The patients were evaluated by means of the Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short-Form health survey (SF-36). Data analysis was applied through the use of descriptive and inferential statistics, with a 5% level of significance. Results: Significant improvement was observed in the total score of the SF-36 in the experimental group when compared with the control group. The combination of conventional physiotherapy and HBRT was associated with improvements in functional capacity (P=.02), physical aspects (P=.001), and mental health (P=.04) of the stroke patients. Conclusions: Supplementation of conventional physiotherapy with HBRT, applied in different contexts, may yield positive QOL outcomes for people with stroke. We recommend that further studies be carried out to clarify the benefits of HBRT applied singly.203226232Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP

Effects Of A Cognitive-motor Intervention On Depressive Symptoms In Patients With Parkinson's Disease [efeito De Uma Intervenção Cognitivomotora Sobre Os Sintomas Depressivos De Pacientes Com Doença De Parkinson]

Objective: To verify the effectiveness of a cognitive-motor intervention on depressive symptoms in idiopathic PD patients. Methods: This longitudinal design study assessed 26 patients, divided into experimental and control groups. The subjects were evaluated by means of the Geriatric Depression Scale, being, the experimental group, submitted to a six-month protocol of physiotherapeutic exercises on motor and cognitive functions. With respect to the data analysis, were applied the Repeated Measure Analysis of Variance, the contrast statistic and the Student-t test for independent samples, with a significant level of 5%. Results: The results showed homogeneity of the groups at baseline and the experimental group achieved a trend of significance in the interaction "moment of intervention versus group", as evidenced by the alpha error of 6% with a linear contrast data curve. Conclusion: The proposed protocol has been well accepted by patients diagnosed with idiopathic PD. 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The effects of a rhythm and music-based therapy program and therapeutic riding in late recovery phase following stroke: a study protocol for a three-armed randomized controlled trial

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Stroke represents one of the most costly and long-term disabling conditions in adulthood worldwide and there is a need to determine the effectiveness of rehabilitation programs in the late phase after stroke. Limited scientific support exists for training incorporating rhythm and music as well as therapeutic riding and well-designed trials to determine the effectiveness of these treatment modalities are warranted.</p> <p>Methods/Design</p> <p>A single blinded three-armed randomized controlled trial is described with the aim to evaluate whether it is possible to improve the overall health status and functioning of individuals in the late phase of stroke (1-5 years after stroke) through a rhythm and music-based therapy program or therapeutic riding. About 120 individuals will be consecutively and randomly allocated to one of three groups: (T1) rhythm and music-based therapy program; (T2) therapeutic riding; or (T3) control group receiving the T1 training program a year later. Evaluation is conducted prior to and after the 12-week long intervention as well as three and six months later. The evaluation comprises a comprehensive functional and cognitive assessment (both qualitative and quantitative), and questionnaires. Based on the International classification of functioning, disability, and health (ICF), the outcome measures are classified into six comprehensive domains, with participation as the primary outcome measure assessed by the Stroke Impact Scale (SIS, version 2.0.). The secondary outcome measures are grouped within the following domains: body function, activity, environmental factors and personal factors. Life satisfaction and health related quality of life constitute an additional domain.</p> <p>Current status</p> <p>A total of 84 participants were randomised and have completed the intervention. Recruitment proceeds and follow-up is on-going, trial results are expected in early 2014.</p> <p>Discussion</p> <p>This study will ascertain whether any of the two intervention programs can improve overall health status and functioning in the late phase of stroke. A positive outcome would increase the scientific basis for the use of such interventions in the late phase after stroke.</p> <p>Trial registration</p> <p>Clinical Trials.gov Identifier: NCT01372059</p