Influence of 8-Week Horseback Riding Activity on Balance and Pelvic Movements in an Older Adult Population.

This research explores the measurable benefits to balance and pelvic movements in older adults participating in horseback riding activities.

Study Objective and Methods

The study aimed to investigate the potential advantages of horseback riding activities in improving the musculature and coordination in older adults. It focused on the biomechanical link between horse and rider, a relationship so far under-explored in equine-assisted activities and therapies. Researchers used advanced tracking technology- dual-axis goniometers and video motion capture systems. The tools helped them document simultaneous movements of both the horse and rider, focusing on the hip flexion and extension.

• Ten older adults participated and experienced an 8-week course of horse riding lessons.
• The study inspected and compared pelvic kinematics and balance assessments between the first and eighth week of the program.
• It specifically looked at the pelvic roll of the rider and the horses’ hip flexion and extension, mapping their movements over the eight weeks.

Findings

The study found evidence of improvements in the overall balance assessments of the participants after 8 weeks of horse riding lessons. The riders’ pelvic roll, as well as the horses’ hip flexion and extension, were successfully tracked and noted.

• The comparison between the initial and final week of study showed enlarged improvements relating to the riders’ balance.
• These improvements align with the study’s hypothesis that the three-dimensional stimulation from the horse’s gait potentially improves rider musculature and coordination.

Future Research

The study concludes by emphasizing that future research will delve deeper into understanding the kinematic relationships between a horse’s movement (gait) and the biomechanical responses of the rider. The current results serve as an initial exploration of how horseback riding activities could be a potent tool in improving balance and hip movements in older adults.