Table 3 Main results of the study and results of our quality assessment
First author/year | Targeted disease | AAI intervention type | Results | Newcastle–Ottawa score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Beinotti et al. 2010 [12] | Stroke | Equine-assisted therapy | ↑ improvement in symptoms of motor impairment in the lower limbs*,↑ improvement on balance subscale*, ↑ improvement in the total study subjects *, ↑ improvement in Functional Ambulation Scale values, ↑ improvement in average cadence, ↑ improvement in average speed | 3–1-2 (good) |
Beinotti et al. 2013 [13] | Stroke | Equine-assisted therapy | ↑ general health, ↑ functional capacity*, ↑ physical aspect*, ↑ mental health*, ↑ vitality, ↓ pain, ↑ emotional aspects | 3–1-3 (good) |
Berardi et al. 2022 [14] | Parkinson’s disease | Equine-asssited therapy | ↑ mood*, ↑ mobility*, ↑ emotional well-being*, ↑ cognitive abilities*, ↑ social support, ↑ communication, ↓ physical discomfort, ↑ balance*, ↑ motor activity* | 1–0-2 (poor) |
Bunketorp-Kall et al. 2020 [15] | Stroke | Equine-assisted therapy | ↑ all motor functions*; ↑gait speed*; ↑ balance, ↑ perceived stroke recovery | 3–1-2 (good) |
Bunketorp-Kall et al. 2019 [16] | stroke | Equine-assisted therapy | 10 mWT ↑ self-selected*, ↑ fast speed* | 3–1-3 (good) |
Bunketorp-Kall et al. 2017 [17] | stroke | Equine-assisted therapy | ↑ stroke recovery*, ↑ balance*, ↑ basic functional mobility* | 3–1-3 (good) |
Lee et al., 2014 [18] | Stroke | Equine-assisted therapy | ↑ balance*, ↑ gait velocity*, ↓ step length asymmetry ratio* | 3–1-2 (good) |
Macauley, 2006 [19] | Stroke | Dog-assisted therapy | ↑ communication, ↑ enjoyment, ↑ motivation | 3–0-3 (poor) |
Machová et al. 2019 [20] | Stroke | Dog-assisted therapy | – heart rate, ↑ diastolic blood pressure,—no significant change in systolic blood pressure, ↑ self sufficiency*, ↑ mood, ↑ well-being* | 3–1-2 (good) |
Peppe et al. 2017 [21] | Parkinson’s disease | Equine-assisted therapy | ↑ motor skills; ↑gait variables; ↓apathy levels; ↓anxiety levels; ↓depression | 2–0-3 (poor) |
Rondeau et al. 2010 [22] | Stroke | Dog-assisted therapy | ↑ walkig speed*; ↑ gait pattern | 2–0-3 (poor) |
Sunwoo et al. 2012 [23] | Stroke, traumatic brain disorder, cerebral palsy | Equine-assisted therapy | ↑ balance*; ↑ gait funcion*; ↑emotion, ↑ activity of dailiy living | 2–0-3 (poor) |
Pálsdóttir et al. 2020 [24] | Multiple sclerosis, stroke, muscular disease, polyneuropathy, fibromyalgia, cerebral palsy | Equine-assisted therapy + activities in the care of the horse | ↑ developing previous skills/learning new ones*, ↑ self esteem*, ↑ desire, will, zeal and motivation; ↓ perceived stress, emotional and physical exhaustion, tension, stress; ↑self estimated health*, ↑perceived health status*: ↑ balance, strength, energy, quality of sleep, well-being, confidence, self-confidence, mood, ↑ interacting with others in a group, ↑ empowerment, ↑ awareness | 3–1-3 (good) |