Effects of mechanical horseback riding velocity on spinal alignment in young adults

Abstract

[Purpose] This study aimed to determine if the velocity of mechanical horseback-riding training can improve spinal alignment in young adults. [Subjects and Methods] Thirty-six subjects were enrolled in this study. The subjects were randomly allocated into high-, moderate-, and low-velocity mechanical horseback-riding training groups. All participants completed one 20-minute session per day, 3 days per week, for 6 weeks. The evaluation was performed before and 6 weeks after the training intervention. The spinal alignment was measured by a Formetric III device. The measurement items were kyphotic angle, lordotic angle, trunk inclination, pelvic torsion, pelvic rotation, and lateral deviation. The data were analyzed using analysis of covariance to determine the statistical significance. [Results] The kyphotic angle and trunk inclination were significantly different among the groups. The kyphotic angles of the high- and moderate-velocity groups were significantly lower than that of the low-velocity group after the intervention. The trunk inclination of the high-velocity group was significantly lower than that of the low-velocity group after intervention. [Conclusion] Higher-velocity mechanical horseback-riding training is more effective than lower-velocity mechanical horseback-riding training for improving spinal alignment.

Pulmonary Function and Aerobic Capacity Responses to Equine Assisted Therapy in Adolescents with Idiopathic Scoliosis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

“…These results can be attributed to multiple positive outcomes of hippotherapy. One such outcome is that, during the horse's movement, the rider experiences highly repetitive motion up 1,000 times over a 10-min period, producing an axial waving motion originating in the low back and spreading upwards (21). Locomotor waves from the horse's back are delivered to the rider at a frequency of 90-110 impulses per min (1.5-1.8 Hz) in 3-motion planes.…”

“…Equine-assisted therapy has been proposed as a physical rehabilitation method to stimulate the somatosensory, proprioceptive, and vestibular systems and, consequently, improve major motor function, balance, and stability (20). The movements of the horse are rhythmic, repetitive, and resemble the gait of a human; due to its simulation, horseback riding may facilitate the effects of gait therapy (21).…”