Pilotstudie pferdegestützte Therapie bei Morbus Parkinson

Background
In German guidelines for Idiopathic Parkinson Syndrome (IPS), exercise therapy is recommended as an important part of therapy. Single case reports tell us, that there is a special effect of Equine-Assisted Therapy (EAT), but there are no trials proving this with adequate evidence.

Study design
In a controlled, prospective and randomized multicenter-study, 20 patients suffering from IPS were included in 2 groups each with 10 subjects. In the intervention group, 12 units of EAT were applied over 6 weeks; other treatment in both groups was continued as previous to the study. Patients of both groups were tested before onset of therapy and 6 weeks later after the last session.

Results
In spite of low patient numbers, we found up to high-significant improvements in MDS-UPDRS part 3, global spontaneity and movement scores, and of postural stability. Further tests showed strong positive trends, no deterioration could be registered.

Conclusion
In this pilot study we could demonstrate a high benefit for patients with IPS receiving EAT. Fundamental findings were achieved for setting of the intended main trial including 100 subjects.