Influence of Horseback Riding on Balance in an Older Adult Population

My wife dislocated her hip and so we have not been on horseback for 4 months, I know my balance (I am an “older population” member) has suffered. Looking forward to horse camping trip next month with her well healed hip.
DrO

Influence of 8-Week Horseback Riding Activity on Balance and Pelvic Movements in an Older Adult Population
J Aging Phys Act. 2022 Feb 7;1-10. doi: 10.1123/japa.2021-0237. Online ahead of print.
Authors
Anne M H Severyn 1 , Nathan R Luzum 1 , Kristine L Vernon 2 , Marieke Van Puymbroeck 3 , John D DesJardins 1
Affiliations

1 Department of Bioengineering, Clemson University, Clemson, SC,USA.
2 Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, SC,USA.
3 Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management, Clemson University, Clemson, SC,USA.

PMID: 35130516
DOI: 10.1123/japa.2021-0237

Abstract

The biomechanical relationship between horse and rider in equine-assisted activities and therapies has been largely unexplored. The three-dimensional stimulation of the horse’s gait has potential to improve rider musculature and coordination, especially in an older adult population. This study utilized dual-axis goniometers and video motion capture tracking to simultaneously track horse and rider hip flexion and extension. Ten older adult riders participated in 8 weeks of horseback riding lessons, where pelvis kinematics and balance assessments were compared between Weeks 1 and 8. Pelvic roll of the rider and horses’ hip flexion and extension were successfully tracked and summed improvements in balance assessments were also evident after 8 weeks of horseback riding lessons. Future research will assess deeper kinematic relationships between a horse’s gait and rider biomechanical responses.

Keywords: Fullerton Advanced Balance scale; equine biomechanics; equine-assisted activities; rider biomechanics.