MS Hippo II – Movement in Balance: Hippotherapy for Multiple Sclerosis
The MS Hippo II – Movement in Balance project is investigating the effectiveness of hippotherapy on the symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS). The goal is to scientifically evaluate the effects of this specific form of exercise on balance, motor control, spasticity, fatigue, and quality of life in patients with MS.
Project Description
Hippotherapy utilizes the three-dimensional movements of the horse’s back, which have a targeted effect on the central and peripheral nervous systems. This allows patients to improve their balance, motor skills, and daily living abilities—all without the use of medication.
Study Design
The project is designed as a multicenter, randomized controlled trial (RCT) and includes 140 participants, divided into:
Intervention group (hippotherapy)
Control group (treatment as usual)
Participants undergo 12 weeks of therapy sessions additional to their standard care, accompanied by physiological measurements, EEG analyses, and questionnaires on quality of life, fatigue, and pain perception. A follow-up after six weeks assesses the sustainability of the effects.
Scientific Background
Previous studies have already shown that hippotherapy:
improves balance
reduces fatigue
reduces spasticity
improves quality of life
However, these effects have so far only been studied in small sample sizes and without follow up periods. MS Hippo II expands this research with larger participant groups, standardized measurement procedures, and scientifically validated instruments to comprehensively assess the efficacy and mechanisms of action of hippotherapy including the sustainability of effect.
Study Sites
The project is being conducted at eight hippotherapy centers in Germany:
Center for Therapeutic Riding Johannisberg e.V., Windhagen
Carolinenhof, Essen
Equestrian Sports and Riding Therapy Center of the Gold-Kraemer Foundation, Frechen
Inclusive Equestrian Sports and Riding Therapy Center Berlin-Karlshorst, Berlin
HPZ Wolfgang Fahr Therapeutic Riding gGmbH, Ostfildern
Gut Wittmoldt, Wittmoldt
Reiterhof Kinderhilfe, Ludwigshafen
Center for Therapeutic Riding, Nuetzen
Significance of the Project
MS Hippo II provides important evidence-based findings that may support the integration of hippotherapy into the standard care of MS patients in the future. The project helps demonstrate the therapeutic effects on neuro- and sensorimotor performance, daily living skills, and quality of life—and opens up non-pharmacological treatment options that strengthen patients’ mobility and participation in the long term.