Changes in trunk postural control with different types of mounts with relevance for hippotherapy.

Background: Hippotherapy uses horseback riding movements for therapeutic purposes. In addition to the horse's movement, the choice of equipment and types of positions are also useful in the intervention. Trunk postural control demands can be manipulated through varying mounting materials and patient positioning on the horse. The quantification of trunk dynamic parameters under the interaction of the different types of riding material and the position variations act upon trunk postural control provides insight into how children with neurotypical development respond to a similar hippotherapy session. This study aimed to evaluate the postural control of the trunk of children with neurotypical development when the riding materials and positioning of the feet and hands support were modified during horse riding.

Methods: Fifteen children with neurotypical development, aged 6-12 years old, of both sexes, participated in a hippotherapy session. Postural control was measured by the mean amplitudes of oscillation of the lumbar (L5) and thoracic (T5) segments in the mediolateral, anteroposterior and rotational planes with a portable inertial measurement system, in situations using the saddle or blanket, hands resting on the straps or thigh and feet free or supported on the stirrup.

Results: Differences were observed in lumbar and thoracic oscillation in the mediolateral direction. Values were significantly higher with the use of the blanket when the hands were on the handle and feet in the stirrups, compared to the use of the saddle. When using the blanket and feet positioned in the stirrups, statistical differences with higher values occurred with the hands on the handle compared to the thigh positioning.

Conclusion: The use of the blanket equipment associated with the support of the hands on the handles and feet on the stirrups produces greater mediolateral oscillation in the subjects.

Descriptors: Balance. Stability. Children. Hippotherapy. Kinematics.