Can equine-assisted therapy benefit people with Parkinson’s disease?

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Author: Simge Eva DoganPublished: 31 December 2020

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Researchers from Texas Woman’s University, US, are investigating how equine-assisted therapy – which involves working with horses to promote wellbeing – can benefit people with Parkinson’s disease.

As part of the five-month study, funded by the non-profit Human Animal Bond Research Institute, 30 men with Parkinson’s disease will be randomly assigned to participate in equine-assisted therapy or simulated horseback riding. The participants’ motor performance, balance, gait and symptoms related to Parkinson’s disease will be assessed before, during and after the therapy.

Rhett Rigby, principal investigator of the study, said: “There is currently no known study that utilises equine-assisted therapy as an intervention treatment for those with Parkinson’s disease. Our research could have a significant impact on an understudied population and help contribute to the existing literature on human-animal interaction.”

For more information on the latest Parkinson’s research, please visit Parkinson’s Europe website.

Find out more about the study on equine therapy as a treatment option for Parkinson’s disease.

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Can equine-assisted therapy benefit people with Parkinson’s disease?

News

Author: Simge Eva DoganPublished: 31 December 2020

Prep: Cook: Serves:

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Interviews

“Many people in Kenya are not aware that Parkinson’s disease exists”

Global update

Parkinson’s in the news: August

Advances

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Could frailty be a potential risk factor for Parkinson’s disease?

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Can equine-assisted therapy benefit people with Parkinson’s disease?

News

Author: Simge Eva DoganPublished: 31 December 2020

Last Month

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Share this story

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“Many people in Kenya are not aware that Parkinson’s disease exists”

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