The impact on physical performance, pain and psychological wellbeing of chronic low back pain patients during 12-weeks of equine- facilitated therapy intervention.
Authors: Mattila-Rautiainen Sanna, Venojärvi Mika, Rautiainen Heta, Keski-Valkama Alice
Journal: Frontiers in veterinary science
Summary
Equine-facilitated therapy (EFT) delivered by physical therapists offers a promising intervention for chronic low back pain patients, combining the therapeutic movement qualities of horse walking with the psychological benefits of human-animal interaction. Over 12 weeks, 22 LBP patients participated in EFT sessions within public healthcare services, with outcomes measured through validated questionnaires (Canadian Occupational Performance Measure, Beck's Depression Inventory, Chronic Pain Acceptance Questionnaire, SF-36 quality of life scale) alongside qualitative interviews; horse welfare was integrated into the study design. Statistically significant improvements emerged in perceived functional performance satisfaction and depression scores, alongside measurable gains in mental health and quality-of-life metrics, whilst notably only 2 of 22 participants required pain clinic intervention during the 6-month follow-up period. Qualitative analysis identified three interconnected recovery domains—physical, psychological and social—that appear central to EFT's mechanism, suggesting the non-judgemental equine environment facilitates both somatic restoration and emotional resilience. For farriers and equine professionals working with therapeutic programmes, these findings reinforce the clinical legitimacy of EFT protocols and highlight the importance of horses' contribution to human recovery, whilst practitioners should note that pain acceptance itself did not significantly shift, indicating EFT's benefits operate through functional improvement and mood enhancement rather than cognitive reframing of pain sensation alone.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Equine-facilitated therapy led by physical therapists may be an effective adjunct to conventional pain management for chronic low back pain, with 91% of participants showing sustained improvement at 6 months
- •The non-judgmental nature of horses and their rhythmic movement can improve patient self-image and functional performance satisfaction without necessarily reducing pain acceptance or anxiety scores
- •Consider referring appropriate chronic pain patients to EFT programs as part of integrated public health services, particularly those seeking improved psychological wellbeing and functional capacity alongside pain management
Key Findings
- •Significant increase in Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) satisfaction levels with self-selected performances over 12 weeks
- •Decline in Beck's Depression Inventory (RBDI) depression scores with increased SF-36 Mental Change Scores
- •Only 2 of 22 participants (9%) returned to pain clinic with recurring symptoms at 6-month follow-up
- •Human-animal interaction produced measurable impacts across physical, psychological, and social domains of experience