Psychological aspects of hippotherapy for children with severe neurological impairment: An exploratory study
Our study shows that hippotherapy is a feasible and beneficial treatment for neuropediatric patients with severe neurological impairments. The goals of hippotherapy can be much broader than the usually targeted physical functioning and mobility. Hippotherapy might be especially effective in promoting fun and motivation and in addressing patients' socioemotional needs.
Authors
- Karin Hediger (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7202-4816)
- Gerhard Kluger (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1234-994X)
- Martina Schaudek
- Wanda Arnskötter (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5249-3332)
- Marina Lunzenfichter
- Eva Markzoll
Institutions
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (CH)
- University of Lucerne (CH)
- University of Basel (CH)
- Paracelsus Medical University (AT)
- Schön Klinik Vogtareuth (DE)
- University of Teacher Education Lucerne (CH)
- Swiss Paraplegic Center (CH)
- Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts (CH)
Publication Details
- Journal
- PLoS ONE
- Published
- 2025-04-08
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0320238
- Primary Topic
- Human-Animal Interaction Studies
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00
Funders
- Schweizerischer Nationalfonds zur Förderung der Wissenschaftlichen Forschung