Effect of repeated therapeutic horse riding sessions on the trunk movement of the rider.

The research conducted an analysis to understand the effect of repeated therapeutic horse riding sessions on the rider’s balance and trunk movement. Specifically, the study focused on determining the relationship between the movements of a horse’s back and the rider’s trunk.

Research Methodology

• 12 healthy female participants, aged approximately 23.3 years old, with an average height of 167.3 cm and weight of 59.2 kg, were involved in the study. They participated in 10 therapeutic horse riding sessions.
• The horses used were English Thoroughbreds, aged 14 and 19 years with similar body constitution.
• To monitor the movement, nine markers were placed on the rider’s body and the horse’s back. The data was recorded using four video cameras performing at a 25 Hz frequency.
• All the collected data was processed using the APAS software.

Research Findings

• It was observed that the mediolateral displacements (movement from side to side) of the C7, Th12, and L5 vertebrae decreased progressively in each of the first three sessions.
• Significant differences were noted between individual sessions in the displacement of C7, Th12, and L5 in mediolateral and vertical directions. These differences were also seen in shoulder and pelvic lateral tilt and rotation.
• The study found no general trends associated with the riders’ increasing experience level with riding.
• A noteworthy association became evident between the vertical displacement of the C7, Th12, and L5 vertebrae and the sacral tuber on the horse’s back.
• It was found that these relationships varied between horses.

Conclusions

• The researchers concluded that the rider’s mediolateral trunk movement (consisting of the C7, Th12, and L5 vertebrae) decreased during riding sessions.
• A significant connection was found between the vertical movement of the horse’s back and the trunk movement of the rider.
• The findings could be beneficial for further research in improving riding techniques and therapeutic riding practices.