Laboratory of Neuromechanics, Department of Physical Education and Sports Science, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Serres, Greece.
Res Dev Disabil. 2012 Nov-Dec;33(6):2265-70. doi: 10.1016/j.ridd.2012.07.004. Epub 2012 Jul 31.
The aim of this study was to assess the effects of a hippotherapy program on static balance and strength in adolescents with intellectual disability (ID). Nineteen adolescents with moderate ID were assigned either an experimental group (n=10) or a control group (n=9). The experimental group attended a 10-week hippotherapy program. To assess static balance, three tasks of increasing difficulty (Double-Leg Stance with opened or closed eyes, and One-Leg Stance with opened eyes) were performed while standing on an EPS pressure platform (Loran Engineering S.r.I., Bologna, Italy). The strength measurements consisted of three maximal isometric half-squats from the seating position (knee joint at 90°). The hippotherapy intervention program resulted in significant improvements in strength parameters, and on the more complex balance task (i.e. standing on one leg). In conclusion, this study provides evidence that hippotherapy can be used as an effective intervention for improving balance and strength in individuals with ID, and could thus influence functional activities and quality of life.
本研究旨在评估马术治疗方案对智力障碍青少年静态平衡和力量的影响。19 名中度智力障碍青少年被分为实验组（n=10）和对照组（n=9）。实验组参加了为期 10 周的马术治疗方案。为了评估静态平衡，参与者在 EPS 压力平台上（Loran Engineering S.r.l.，博洛尼亚，意大利）进行了三种难度递增的任务（双脚睁眼站立、双脚闭眼站立和单脚睁眼站立）。力量测量包括从坐姿进行的三个最大等长半蹲（膝关节 90°）。马术治疗干预方案导致力量参数显著提高，并且在更复杂的平衡任务（即单腿站立）上也有显著提高。综上所述，本研究提供了证据表明，马术治疗可以作为改善智力障碍个体平衡和力量的有效干预措施，从而影响其功能活动和生活质量。
