The effects of therapeutic riding on sitting posture in individuals with disabilities

This study describes the effects of therapeutic horseback riding on the sitting posture of individuals with disabilities. Three participants (ages 10-40) with various disabilities were recruited from a therapeutic riding center in the Midwest. The researchers took measures of the sitting posture of these participants before and after an eight week therapeutic riding program. Posture measures were taken using a super VHS video-camera and motion analysis equipment. The video data was analyzed using Peak Motus 32 motion analysis software. Angles were calculated from the sitting posture of participants, and analyzed for any change from pre-test to post-test periods. Findings showed significant changes in four of the eight measures of sitting posture, which suggests a positive effect of therapeutic riding on sitting posture in people with physical disabilities. Future research is recommended with a larger subject pool and inclusion of a control group to validate the effects of therapeutic riding. Research is also suggested to further establish the validity of motion analysis equipment as a quantitative measure of posture.