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Journal of equine science2021; 32(3); 81-89; doi: 10.1294/jes.32.81

Equine spinal kinematics derived from different riding positions during asymmetrical bareback riding.

Abstract: Hippotherapy in patients with neuromuscular dysfunction creates high focal pressure on the pony's back due to bareback riding and an asymmetrical riding position. This study aimed to investigate the acute effect of asymmetrical bareback riding on the pony's spinal kinematics, blood lactate, serum creatine kinase, heart rate, and temperament score. Eight ponies were selected, and they were walked on a treadmill for 45 min on each experimental day, including warm-up (5 min), weight-loading by mannequin (30 min), and cool-down (10 min) sessions. During the weight-loading session, three different weight distributions on the pony's back were applied between the left and right side: 50:50 (treatment M), 70:30 (treatment L), and 30:70 (treatment R) on the first, second, and third day of the experiment, respectively. The spinal kinematics at the end of the weight-loading session revealed a slight reduction in range of motion in both flexion-extension and lateral bending during treatment R. Stride length and stride duration showed no differences between treatments. The levels of blood lactate and serum creatine kinase and results of a back examination were normal. Heart rates and temperament scores revealed that all ponies were calm throughout loading of the mannequin. This information suggests that asymmetrical bareback riding did not cause acute or serious back injury, which indicates good equine welfare in ponies used for hippotherapy.
©2021 The Japanese Society of Equine Science.
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Publication Date: 2021-09-06 PubMed ID: 34539209PubMed Central: PMC8437752DOI: 10.1294/jes.32.81Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

This study explores the potential impact of uneven weight distribution during bareback horse riding sessions, commonly applied in hippotherapy for individuals with neuromuscular dysfunction, on a pony’s physical well-being. The results present that uneven weight distribution does not lead to acute injuries or significant deviations in the pony’s physiological markers.

Study Methodology

  • The study used eight ponies, each of which underwent three instances of mannequin weight-loading simulations on a treadmill.
  • Each testing day consisted of warm-up sessions (5 min), weight-loading by a mannequin (30 min), and cool-down sessions (10 min).
  • The weight was distributed differently among the mannequin on the pony’s back during each experiment day. The distributions were 50:50 (treatment M), 70:30 (treatment L), and 30:70 (treatment R) for the first, second, and third day, respectively.

Spinal Kinematics Findings

  • The analysis of the spinal kinematics at the end of each weight-loading session showed a slight decrease in the range of motion in both flexion-extension and lateral bending during treatment R (70% weight on the right side).
  • However, stride length and duration were consistent, regardless of the weight distribution treatments.

Physiological and Psychological Impact

  • The levels of blood lactate and serum creatine kinase, both biochemical markers typically used to assess muscle damage or stress, were within normal ranges for all ponies.
  • Physical examinations revealed no signs of acute back injuries.
  • Heart rates and temperament scores suggested that all ponies remained calm throughout the weight-loading sessions, indicating there was no significant psychological stress.

Implications of the Study

  • This study provides evidence that asymmetrical bareback riding, a common practice in hippotherapy, does not lead to acute physical injury or significant stress in ponies.
  • The findings suggest that equine welfare is being upheld in therapy sessions, indicating it is a sustainable practice and promoting continued use of hippotherapy for treating patients with neuromuscular dysfunction.

Cite This Article

APA
Nuchprayoon N, Ritruechai P, Watchararat K, Limroongruengrat W, Wongtawan T, Arya N. (2021). Equine spinal kinematics derived from different riding positions during asymmetrical bareback riding. J Equine Sci, 32(3), 81-89. https://doi.org/10.1294/jes.32.81

Publication

Journal of equine science
ISSN: 1340-3516
NlmUniqueID: 9503751
Country: Japan
Language: English
Volume: 32
Issue: 3
Pages: 81-89

Researcher Affiliations

Nuchprayoon, Nuttawut
  • Department of Clinical Sciences and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand.
Ritruechai, Pattama
  • Department of Clinical Sciences and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand.
Watchararat, Krisana
  • Equine Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand.
Limroongruengrat, Weerawat
  • College of Sports Science and Technology, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand.
Wongtawan, Tuempong
  • Akkhraratchakumari Veterinary College, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80161, Thailand.
Arya, Nlin
  • Department of Pre-clinic and Applied Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand.

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