Introduction: Multiple sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune neurological disease of the central nervous system that significantly affects an individual’s independence due to a variety of symptoms, such as fatigue, spasticity, and balance disorders. Occupational therapists play a key role within a multidisciplinary team when treating individuals with multiple sclerosis. Hippotherapy is becoming increasingly established as an alternative or complementary rehabilitation method for managing these symptoms. This form of neurotherapy utilizes the three-dimensional movement of the horse and has been shown to improve the user’s motor and sensory functions. Purpose: The purpose of this thesis was to investigate, through a review of the literature, the effects and characteristics of hippotherapy in the treatment of individuals with multiple sclerosis, regardless of the professional providing the therapy. Methods: A descriptive research method was used, specifically a review of the scientific literature. The literature search was conducted in March 2026 in the electronic databases CINAHL Ultimate, PubMed, and Web of Science. The study included peer-reviewed articles in English, published between 2015 and 2026, that addressed the use of equine-assisted therapy in adults with multiple sclerosis. Following the review, ten articles were included in the final analysis and synthesis. Results: The included studies show that incorporating horses into the treatment of people with multiple sclerosis has positive effects on their clinical condition. This type of intervention significantly improves static and dynamic balance, reduces muscle spasticity, alleviates pain, and significantly reduces feelings of fatigue. Measurements show noticeable progress in walking speed, stride length, and gait quality, as well as improvements in functional mobility. In addition to the physical benefits, participants report improved psychological well-being, greater self-efficacy, and a higher overall quality of life. Discussion and Conclusion: Equine-assisted therapy, with an emphasis on hippotherapy, has proven to be an exceptionally effective complementary method that must be clearly distinguished from therapeutic riding in rehabilitation. By reducing the primary symptoms of the disease, the independence of participants in daily activities is directly enhanced. Despite these encouraging results, methodological limitations, such as small sample sizes, remain in the research. There is also a marked lack of in-depth studies that would examine in greater detail the direct relationship and role of occupational therapy within the hippotherapy process, indicating a clear need for further research.
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