Equine-Assisted Interventions and Physical Health in Older Adults: A Meta-Analysis

Objective:While equine-assisted interventions (EAI) have proved their efficacy in a young population, they represent a new therapeutic field to promote the physical health of older adults. Through a meta-analysis, this study aimed to highlight the effects of EAI on the physical health of an older population. Methods: An exhaustive search of the PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO and Cochrane Library databases was carried out. Studies focusing on EAI and the physical domain in older adults over 60 years of age were included. Study quality was assessed using RoB2 and ROBINS-I. Measures were calculated with 95% CIs; heterogeneity was also explored. Results: Six articles involving 150 (women n = 107) healthy older adults were included. Sixty-four of them benefited from a program of multiple EAI sessions (20.67 ± 12.18). The meta-analysis indicates that performing an EAI program significantly enhances gait (SMD = 0.93, 95% CI [0.41, 1.44], p = .0004) and muscular activity (SMD = 0.90, 95% CI [0.11, 1.70], p = .03). Regarding balance, a slight improvement was observed (SMD = 0.44, 95% CI [-0.02, 0.90], p = .06). Conclusion: This meta-analysis reveals promising results regarding the benefits of EAI on the physical health of older adults. However, additional research is needed to strengthen these conclusions and promote these interventions among this population.