Effect of Horse Riding and Horse Riding Simulator Exercises on the Balance of the Elderly Kim Eun-Ja1, Kim Dae-hun1,* 1Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Health Science, Kyungdong University, Wonju-Munmak, Gangwon-do, Republico Korea *Corresponding Author: Dae-hun Kim, Professor, Dept of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Health Science, Kyungdong University, Republico Korea. Email: vertetrac@kduniv.ac.kr
Online published on 2 February, 2019. Abstract Background/Objectives This study aims to determine the effect of horse riding and horse riding simulator exercises on the balance of the elderly. Method/Statistical analysis The subjects of this study were 12 male elderly who performed horse riding group 6 elderly and horse riding simulator group 6 elderly. The horse riding and horse riding simulator exercises were conducted for 30 min. twice a week for 12 weeks Findings The study results showed that each of the groups had a significant improvement in limit of stability, functional reach test, and time up & go test before and after the intervention. In addition, the comparison results between the groups showed that there was a significant difference in limit of stability whereas no significant difference was found in functional reach test, and time up & go test. Improvements/Applications Horse riding and horse riding simulator were effective in the balance of the elderly and there was a significant difference between each of the groups. However, the horse riding simulator can be done in the indoor, reduce a fall risk possibility and less economic burden. Thus horse riding simulation is accepted as more effective method as an intervention method to improve the elder balance ability. Top Keywords Horse riding, Horse riding simulator, Elderly, Balance, Simulator Exercises. Top |