Effects of Simulated Horseback Riding on Balance, Postural Sway, and Quality of Life in Older Adults With Parkinson's Disease.

The purpose of this study was to determine changes in balance, postural sway, and quality of life after 6 wk of simulated horseback riding in adults diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. Eight older adults completed two 60-min riding sessions weekly for 6 wk. Variables of balance, postural sway, and quality of life were measured 6 wks before and within 1 wk before and after the intervention.

Changes in Cardiorespiratory Responses and Kinematics With Hippotherapy in Youth With and Without Cerebral Palsy.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to characterize pelvic displacement and cardiorespiratory responses to simulated horseback riding and walking in youth with cerebral palsy and to compare responses to youth without cerebral palsy before and after 8 weeks of hippotherapy.

Method: Eight youth with cerebral palsy (M = 10 ± 4 years; M = 137 ± 24 cm; M = 32 ± 16 kg) and 8 youth without cerebral palsy (M = 11 ± 2 years; M = 149 ± 14 cm; M = 48 ± 15 kg) underwent a hippotherapy intervention. Participants completed simulated horseback riding at an intensity approximating a fast walk (0.