La Canourgue

Researchers are evaluating the effects of hippotherapy, a specialized rehabilitation approach using horse movement, on patients recovering from brain stroke (cerebrovascular accident) who have moderate disability (Rankin score 3 or higher). This study aims to analyze how a 22-week hippotherapy program impacts patients' functional independence, sensorimotor and cognitive abilities, and quality of life. It also assesses the quality of life of their caregivers. The trial compares this approach to conventional outpatient rehabilitation during the post-hospital recovery phase starting 3 to 6 months after stroke. The 22-week program includes three hippotherapy cycles: an initial 2-week cycle, followed by a 9-week rest with conventional therapy, then a 1-week cycle, another 9-week rest, and a final 1-week cycle. Each hippotherapy cycle consists of daily one-hour sessions led by accredited health professionals on specially trained horses. The control group receives only conventional outpatient neurorehabilitation provided by multidisciplinary teams. Both groups undergo the same clinical evaluations. Participants will undergo various clinical tests throughout the study to measure changes in functional independence, motor and cognitive functions, stroke severity, and quality of life. Caregivers' burden and quality of life will also be assessed. The primary outcome is the change in Functional Independence Measure from baseline to week 22 and from week 22 to week 48. The study includes safety and monitoring throughout the rehabilitation process to evaluate the stability and impact of hippotherapy on long-term recovery.