Effects of equine-assisted interventions on older adults' health: A systematic review.

Most included studies were low quality, especially for external validity and statistical power, and the authors state none of the findings could be generalized to an older population. The studies used very different interventions, session numbers, durations, and control groups, so the review cannot say which type of equine activity helped. Balance, gait, and strength were measured with different tests that do not all mean the same thing. Participants were mostly healthy older adults, with only a few studies in dementia or balance deficits, so it says little about frail or medically complex patients. Only 13 studies and small group sizes, with sample sizes ranging from 9 to 38 participants, were included. Equine access, cultural factors, fear of horses, and cost limit whether patients can use this intervention.

The authors declared no conflict of interest.

Do not conclude that equine-assisted therapy is proven or better than conventional exercise for older adults. The review included 13 small, low-quality studies, and one comparison favored horse exercise for gait speed while the traditional exercise group had greater handgrip improvement.