Interesante

Horseback-Riding, Music Therapies May Help Stroke Survivors

By Amy Orciari Herman

Edited by William E. Chavey, MD, MS

Horse-riding and music-and-rhythm therapies may help improve function and perceived recovery in patients years after they've experienced a stroke, suggests a study in Stroke.

Some 120 adults in Sweden who'd had a stroke 10 months to 5 years earlier were randomized to horse-riding therapy, structured music-and-rhythm-therapy, or standard care. Both active-treatments were delivered during two sessions a week for 12 weeks.

After the intervention period, the proportion of adults who reported a meaningful improvement on a stroke recovery scale was significantly higher with music-and-rhythm therapy (38%) and horse-riding therapy (56%) than with standard care (17%). Differences between active treatment and standard care persisted at 6 months. Secondary outcomes, such as gait and balance, also favored the active treatments.

The researchers conclude, "These results support long-term engagement in multimodal rehabilitation programs for individuals with persistent disabilities after stroke."

Stroke article (Free PDF)

Background: NEJM Journal Watch Neurology coverage of virtual reality rehab after stroke (Your NEJM Journal Watch registration required)

Benjamin Hidalgo-Matlock

Skin Care Physicians of Costa Rica

4000-1054

2208-8206

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