Effect of equine-assisted therapy on the postural balance of the elderly

Brazilian Journal of Physical Therapy

Thais B. Araujo¹  Nélida A. Silva¹  Juliana N. Costa¹  Marcio M. Pereira¹  Marisete P. Safons² 

[1] ,Universidade de Brasília Faculty of Physical Education Brasília DF ,Brasil

关键词: equine-assisted therapy;    postural balance;    elderly;    physical therapy;    rehabilitation;    equoterapia;    equilíbrio postural;    idosos;    fisioterapia;    reabilitação;   

DOI  :  10.1590/S1413-35552011005000027

来源: SciELO

【 摘 要 】

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether equine-assisted therapy (hippotherapy) produces alterations in the balance of the elderly. METHODS: The sample included 17 older adults who were divided into experimental (7 subjects) and control (10 subjects) groups. Stabilometry data were acquired with a force platform. The Timed Up and Go test (TUG) was used for clinical analysis of seated balance, transfer from a seated to a standing position, walking stability and changes in gait. Sixteen equine-assisted therapy sessions were carried out. RESULTS: Mann-Witney was used to compare the means between groups and no significant differences were found in the analyzed stabilometric parameters. In intragroup comparison with the Wilcoxon test, a significant increase in the variables COPy and Area (p=0.02) was observed. Equine-assisted therapy significantly affected (p=0.04) TUG test means between the experimental and control groups (Mann-Witney). Intragroup TUG test means were also significantly affected (p=0.04) according to the Wilcoxon test. CONCLUSIONS: Because senescence tends to normalize stabilometric measures, the number of equine-assisted therapy sessions was insufficient to determine any differences. Nevertheless, the significant improvement in TUG test scores demonstrates that this treatment frequency was a predictor of reduced fall risk in the elderly. Article registered in the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR) under number ACTRN12610000534088.

【 授权许可】

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