Center-of-pressure movements during equine-assisted activities.
Abstract: We compared anteroposterior and mediolateral range of motion and velocity of the center of pressure (COP) on the horse's back between riders without disabilities and riders with cerebral palsy. An electronic pressure mat was used to track COP movements beneath the saddle in 4 riders without disabilities and 4 riders with cerebral palsy. Comparisons between rider groups were made using the Mann-Whitney test (p < .05). The two rider groups differed significantly in anteroposterior range of COP motion, mediolateral range of COP motion, and mediolateral COP velocity. Anteroposterior COP velocity did not differ between groups. The results suggest that measurements of COP range of motion and velocity are potentially useful for monitoring changes in balance as an indicator of core stability during equine-assisted activities.
Publication Date: 2011-04-12 PubMed ID: 21476369DOI: 10.5014/ajot.2011.000851Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
Summary
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The research study explores the differences in balance and stability between riders with and without cerebral palsy during equine-assisted activities. It opines that measuring center-of-pressure (COP) range of motion and velocity can be effective indicators of core stability changes in such activities.
Methodology
- The scientists used an electronic pressure mat to keep track of the center of pressure (COP) movements on the horse’s back underneath the saddle.
- The study incorporated eight individuals, four individuals without disabilities and four with cerebral palsy.
- Anteroposterior (front-back) and mediolateral (side-to-side) range of motion, and velocity of the COP were the main points of comparison between these two groups.
- To compare the groups, the Mann-Whitney statistical test was employed and p-value was set at < .05 for the statistical significance.
Results
- The outcomes depicted significant differences between the two riding groups in terms of anteroposterior and mediolateral range of COP motion, and mediolateral COP velocity. Little to no difference was recorded in anteroposterior COP velocity.
- Suggestions were made that the measurements of COP range of motion and velocity can serve as potential indicators to monitor changes in balance, and by extension, core stability during equine-assisted activities.
Implications
- The findings of this study are valuable for devising effective equine-assisted therapy programs. They allow the exploration of creative therapeutic methods for individuals with cerebral palsy, by focusing on enhancing their balance and body stability.
- This could lead to improving these individuals’ motor abilities and increase their chance to participate in physical activities.
- This also provides a basis for future research, particularly in understanding balance mechanisms during the horse riding process for riders with and without disabilities. By further examining the COP dynamics, more refined therapeutic strategies could potentially be developed.
Cite This Article
APA
Clayton HM, Kaiser LJ, de Pue B, Kaiser L.
(2011).
Center-of-pressure movements during equine-assisted activities.
Am J Occup Ther, 65(2), 211-216.
https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2011.000851 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Mary Anne McPhail Equine Performance Center, Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA. claytonh@cvm.msu.edu
MeSH Terms
- Cerebral Palsy / physiopathology
- Cerebral Palsy / rehabilitation
- Equine-Assisted Therapy
- Humans
- Postural Balance
Citations
This article has been cited 6 times.- Hobbs SJ, Alexander J, Wilkins C, St George L, Nankervis K, Sinclair J, Penhorwood G, Williams J, Clayton HM. Towards an Evidence-Based Classification System for Para Dressage: Associations between Impairment and Performance Measures. Animals (Basel) 2023 Aug 31;13(17).
- Hobbs SJ, Serra Braganca FM, Rhodin M, Hernlund E, Peterson M, Clayton HM. Evaluating Overall Performance in High-Level Dressage Horse-Rider Combinations by Comparing Measurements from Inertial Sensors with General Impression Scores Awarded by Judges. Animals (Basel) 2023 Aug 2;13(15).
- Viruega H, Gaillard I, Carr J, Greenwood B, Gaviria M. Short- and Mid-Term Improvement of Postural Balance after a Neurorehabilitation Program via Hippotherapy in Patients with Sensorimotor Impairment after Cerebral Palsy: A Preliminary Kinetic Approach. Brain Sci 2019 Sep 29;9(10).
- Pohl P, Carlsson G, Bunketorp Käll L, Nilsson M, Blomstrand C. A qualitative exploration of post-acute stroke participants' experiences of a multimodal intervention incorporating horseback riding. PLoS One 2018;13(9):e0203933.
- Clayton HM, Hampson A, Fraser P, White A, Egenvall A. Comparison of rider stability in a flapless saddle versus a conventional saddle. PLoS One 2018;13(6):e0196960.
- Flores FM, Dagnese F, Mota CB, Copetti F. Parameters of the center of pressure displacement on the saddle during hippotherapy on different surfaces. Braz J Phys Ther 2015 May-Jun;19(3):211-7.
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