Effects of horseback riding exercise on the relative alpha power spectrum in the elderly.
Abstract: The present study aimed to identify the effects of horseback riding and mechanical horseback riding exercise on the relative α-power spectrum in the elderly. A total of 31 healthy elderly were randomly divided into horseback riding (n=15) and mechanical horseback riding exercise groups (n=16). The horseback riding exercise program was conducted for 25min twice a week for 12 weeks. Two-way repeated analysis of variance was used to identify the changes in measured variables before the exercise program, and after 6 and 12 weeks of the program. The horseback riding exercise group showed an increase in relative fast alpha power in the background electroencephalogram, and the mechanical horseback riding exercise group showed an increase in relative slow alpha power. Both horseback riding and mechanical horseback riding exercises activated the EEG in all domains, thus increasing concentration and restfulness. The results suggested that horseback riding and mechanical horseback riding exercise may have a positive effect on psychological stability in the elderly.
Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Publication Date: 2017-01-21 PubMed ID: 28135668DOI: 10.1016/j.archger.2017.01.011Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
Summary
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This study investigates the impact of horseback riding and mechanical horseback riding exercise on brain activity, specifically the alpha power spectrum, in elderly individuals, and suggests these activities can improve psychological stability.
Study Design and Participants
- The research involved 31 healthy elderly participants who were randomly assigned either to a horseback riding group or a mechanical horseback riding exercise group. The horseback riding group consisted of 15 individuals, and the mechanical horseback riding group had 16 participants.
- The length of the exercise program was 12 weeks, with sessions occurring twice a week for 25 minutes each.
Methods of Measurement and Analysis
- To measure the impact of the exercises, the researchers compared measurements taken before the exercises started, and then again after 6 and 12 weeks into the program.
- These measurements were taken using a background electroencephalogram (EEG), an advanced tool that measures electrical activity in the brain. The researchers focused on assessing the “relative alpha power spectrum,” an indicator of a certain type of brain activity.
- Changes in these measurements were identified using a two-way repeated analysis of variance, a statistical method for comparing the impact of two or more variables on an outcome.
Outcomes and Implications
- The book-riding group showed increased fast alpha power as measured by the EEG, whereas the mechanical horseback riding group exhibited an increase in their slow alpha power.
- Both forms of exercise caused an increase in overall EEG activity, suggesting an enhancement in restfulness and concentration.
- From these findings, the researchers concluded that horseback riding and mechanical horseback riding exercises may enhance psychological stability in elderly individuals. This suggests that such exercises could be incorporated into programs designed to improve mental health and vitality in older populations.
Cite This Article
APA
Cho SH.
(2017).
Effects of horseback riding exercise on the relative alpha power spectrum in the elderly.
Arch Gerontol Geriatr, 70, 141-147.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.archger.2017.01.011 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Physical Therapy, Nambu University, 23, Cheomdanjungang-ro, Gwangsan-gu, Gwangju City, 62271, Republic of Korea. Electronic address: shcho@nambu.ac.kr.
MeSH Terms
- Aged
- Animals
- Brain Mapping
- Electroencephalography
- Equine-Assisted Therapy
- Female
- Horses
- Humans
- Male
- Random Allocation
Citations
This article has been cited 10 times.- Badin L, Alibran É, Pothier K, Bailly N. Effects of equine-assisted interventions on older adults' health: A systematic review.. Int J Nurs Sci 2022 Oct;9(4):542-552.
- Wu YT, Lee AY, Choi NY, Park SA. Psychophysiological Responses of Cut Flower Fragrances as an Olfactory Stimulation by Measurement of Electroencephalogram in Adults.. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2022 Sep 15;19(18).
- Wagner C, Grob C, Hediger K. Specific and Non-specific Factors of Animal-Assisted Interventions Considered in Research: A Systematic Review.. Front Psychol 2022;13:931347.
- Hwang YS, Hwang NR, Choi DH, So WY. Differences in Electromyograms during Horseback Riding between Professional and Amateur Korean Horse Riders.. Iran J Public Health 2021 Mar;50(3):618-619.
- Marchand WR, Andersen SJ, Smith JE, Hoopes KH, Carlson JK. Equine-Assisted Activities and Therapies for Veterans With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: Current State, Challenges and Future Directions.. Chronic Stress (Thousand Oaks) 2021 Jan-Dec;5:2470547021991556.
- Wang TC, Sit CH, Tang TW, Tsai CL. Psychological and Physiological Responses in Patients with Generalized Anxiety Disorder: The Use of Acute Exercise and Virtual Reality Environment.. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2020 Jul 6;17(13).
- Schwarzmüller-Erber G, Stummer H, Maier M, Kundi M. Nature Relatedness of Recreational Horseback Riders and Its Association with Mood and Wellbeing.. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2020 Jun 10;17(11).
- Byzova A, Roozbahani H, Handroos H, Hakansson N, Lankarani HM. Monitoring of the human body and brain behavior using optical motion capture system and EEG utilizing horseback riding simulator: an extended case study.. J Phys Ther Sci 2020 Jan;32(1):85-91.
- Sanchez-Lopez J, Silva-Pereyra J, Fernández T, Alatorre-Cruz GC, Castro-Chavira SA, González-López M, Sánchez-Moguel SM. High levels of incidental physical activity are positively associated with cognition and EEG activity in aging.. PLoS One 2018;13(1):e0191561.
- De Santis M, Contalbrigo L, Borgi M, Cirulli F, Luzi F, Redaelli V, Stefani A, Toson M, Odore R, Vercelli C, Valle E, Farina L. Equine Assisted Interventions (EAIs): Methodological Considerations for Stress Assessment in Horses.. Vet Sci 2017 Sep 8;4(3).
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