[Orthopedic hippotherapy–new methods in treatment of segmental instabilities of the lumbar spine].

This research article is about the use of orthopedic hippotherapy as a new method for conservatively treating lumbar spine instabilities. This therapy makes use of the three-dimensional motion of a horse’s back to stimulate small movements in the patient’s spine, helping to mobilize the spine segments and improve their function.

Understanding Orthopedic Hippotherapy

• In this study, orthopedic hippotherapy is presented as a novel therapeutic exercise in the conservative treatment of segmental instabilities in the lumbar spine. Segmental instability refers to the abnormal response of the spine to normal or physiological loads leading to pain, disability or deformity.
• Hippotherapy is a physical, occupational, and speech therapy treatment strategy that uses the characteristic movements of a horse to provide motor and sensory input. In the case of orthopedic hippotherapy, the patient experiences the three-dimensional swinging motion from the horse’s back, which helps activate various movements in their spine.

Mechanism of Action

• The patient reacts to the horse’s movement impulses by moving up and down (vertical movement of the spine), back and forth (sagittal movement), and to the right and the left (horizontal movement). These movements mobilize the spine segments and alleviate articular hypomobility, which is a condition where a joint has less than normal range of motion.
• The contraction and relaxation of the back muscles during these movements act as excentric training, which helps stabilize hypermobile spinal segments. Eccentric muscle contractions occur as the muscle fibers lengthen when resisting a force.
• The alternating load pressure experienced during the therapy improves the trophic conditions, or nourishment, of the active and passive structures of the spine. This therefore improves the overall health and functioning of the spine.

Conclusions Drawn from the Study

• The study suggests orthopedic hippotherapy as a promising new method in treating lumbar spine instabilities. By engaging the spine in three-dimensional movements that mobilize the spine segments and stabilize hypermobilities, this therapy may prove beneficial in improving spinal health and function.
• The findings present valuable insights into the potential benefits of hippotherapy, adding to the growing body of research exploring alternative therapies for spinal conditions. However, more comprehensive studies may be required to fully understand the long-term effects and implications of this treatment, including potential contraindications and the safety of this treatment for different patient populations.