[Scientific fundamentals of hippo- and riding therapy - a compilation of study results (author's transl)].

The article surveys some of the scientific fundamentals of hippo- and riding therapy, and its methods using the characteristic horseback three dimensional rhythmic movement impulses for its therapeutic values, particularly in cerebral palsy. The influence of riding on posture and balance reactions, position of the pelvic, postures of head and trunk as well as rotatory movements was demonstrated in film studies using the cerebral palsied with different syndromes as an example. Electromyographic examinations of antagonistic muscle groups, kinesiologic analyses with the help of a video-recorder, as well as motor tests to evaluate coordination and balance control confirm the practical experience, i.e., that the hippo- and riding therapy has a positive influence on the neuromuscular dysfunction in cerebral movement disorders. A lasting improvement of motor and intellectual abilities was proven by a long-term study which also revealed that motivation was the driving force.