A scoping review of equine musculoskeletal therapy interventions to inform evidence-based decision making
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Published on: February 25, 2021
F Wilson1, J Creak1, S L Freeman1
1School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, College Road, Sutton Bonington, Loughborough, Leicestershire. LE12 5RD.
Background:
Equine musculoskeletal therapy interventions are increasingly used in management and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal disorders. Consolidation of the evidence base would facilitate collaboration between veterinarians and veterinary physiotherapists.
Aims/Objectives:
This scoping review aimed to identify, categorise, and summarise the current evidence on equine musculoskeletal therapy interventions.
Methods:
The study followed the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for a scoping review. CAB Abstracts, Web of Science, and PubMed databases were searched and reviewed against inclusion criteria. Publications evaluating hydrotherapy, massage, stretching, myofascial release, osteopathy, chiropractic interventions, TENS, therapeutic ultrasound, kinesiotherapy, trigger point release, reflex inhibition, and thermotherapy for equids were included and reviewed. Data were extracted and charted according to study aim, study design, musculoskeletal therapy intervention, population, assessment methods, and outcome.
Results:
2,340 publications were identified; following duplicate removal, 1,874 were screened and 74 met inclusion criteria. Thirteen intervention categories were identified. Massage, chiropractic interventions, dynamic mobilisation and hydrotherapy were the most frequently studied, with 11-14 publications each. There were between 1-6 studies for each of the other interventions. There were considerable variations in intervention delivery, study design, and outcome assessment which limited ability to consolidate evidence. The greatest body and consistency of evidence was for dynamic mobilisation and massage.
Conclusion:
This is the largest published evidence review of equine musculoskeletal therapy interventions to date, encompassing 13 categories. Variation in study design and outcomes limited comparison and the ability to generate evidence-based recommendations. Standardised terminology, consistent study design and reporting will strengthen the evidence base and aid clinical integration.