[Orthopedic hippotherapy in postoperative rehabilitation of lumbar intervertebral disk patients. A prospective, randomized therapy study].

In a prospectively randomized therapy study the influence of a new therapeutical approach, called "Orthopedic Horseback-Riding-Therapy (OHRT)", was evaluated on the postoperative rehabilitation after lumbal discectomie in 16 patients against an identical numbered control group. In comparison with the reference group the utilization of OHRT not only produced an improvement in the patients' self evaluation of their postoperative condition (McNab Score). Also a significant reduction of postoperative work disablement could be achieved. Compared with the reference group influences of previously detected negative psychic predictors (Hs and Hy scales of MMPI) could be reduced. Thus the OHRT is a serious therapy concept in postoperative treatment of patients with lumbal disc herniation.