The effect of horse simulator riding on visual analogue scale, body composition and trunk strength in the patients with chronic low back pain

Abstract

Background: Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is one of the most common musculoskeletal disorders, and thus effective treatments are required. Recently, a real horseback riding has been reported to be beneficial for the patients. However, it has some limitations, such as limited approaches and safety issues. Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of horse simulator riding on back pain, body composition and trunk strength in the patients with CLBP. Participants: Forty-seven men with CLBP (mean age 20.55 AE 1.38 years) were randomly divided into a control group (n = 23) and a horse simulator riding group (n = 24), and visual analogue scale (VAS), body composition and isokinetic trunk strength were measured after 8 weeks for which subjects in a horse simulator riding group had performed the horse simulator exercise (HSE). Results: Horse simulator exercise significantly reduced pain scores of VAS and enhanced isokinetic torques of trunk at 30 and 90°/s. There were also significantly increased muscle mass and decreased fat mass in horse simulator riding group. Conclusion: It can be inferred that HSE may be helpful in relief of back pain and recovery of back function through developing trunk strength and balancing the ratio of trunk flexor/ extensor muscles.

Effectiveness of Mechanical Horse-Riding Simulators on Postural Balance in Neurological Rehabilitation: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

“…Based on the hippotherapy research literature, during riding, the patient's pelvis moves in a soft, rhythmic, and repetitive pattern, being a movement similar to that performed by our pelvis during normal human walking. Repetitive movements improve postural coordination and rhythm and allow reciprocal movement, in addition to facilitating postural control through stimulation of balance reactions [23] and adaptive behaviors and movement strategies, due to the changing environment in which the session takes place [31]. Maintaining the center of gravity within the support base while the animal is walking means that the patient has to anticipate and compensate for postural adjustments by reducing the center of gravity in order to remain safe on a moving surface such as the rump of the horse, stimulating multiple sensory inputs and efferent outputs [30], providing continuous motor, visual, somatosensory, and vestibular inputs to the patient [25].…”

“…Some examples of HRS devices are JOBA [32], OSIM uGallop, Taiwan [30], Fortis [33], S-RIDER Shinwha Electron [34], Honjin, Korea [25], and Model H-702 [35], HJLCo. Ltd., Seoul Korea [31]. HRS have been used to produce benefits on chronic low-back pain (improvements in pain, trunk strength, muscle mass, and balance) [31]; on activation of trunk and thigh muscles, improved postural control, and balance in older adults [33], as well as in ambulation, prevention of fall risk, and improvement of dynamic stability [25,35]; on balance and gait cadence in healthy subjects [32].…”

Effects of Horse Riding Simulator on Pain, Oswestry Disability Index and Balance in Adults with Nonspecific Chronic Low Back Pain

“…The horse-riding simulator was also used to relieve back pain and recover back function through developing trunk strength and balancing the ratio of extensor muscles to trunk flexor (Yoo et al, 2014).…”

Ride ‘em cowboy! The therapeutics of virtual reality technology and simulation

“…In this issue of the International Journal of Clinical Practice , Yoo et al. describe a horse simulator machine that provides real horse movement and is intended to stimulate a higher level of posture enhancement and improve motor function, strength and muscle size. An 8‐week clinical trial was conducted with 47 men with chronic low back pain who were randomised to a horse simulator riding group or a control group.…”

“…During real horseback riding, responding to a changing environment encourages adaptive behaviours or movement strategies, reducing the displacement of the rider's centre of gravity and keeping themselves on the moving horse . Adjusting to the horse simulator's movements also involves the use of these same muscles and joints.…”