Effects of Simulated Horseback Riding on Balance, Postural Sway, and Quality of Life in Older Adults With Parkinson’s Disease

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Leah S. Goudy Texas Woman’s University

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Brandon Rhett Rigby Texas Woman’s University

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Lisa Silliman-French Texas Woman’s University

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Kevin A. Becker Texas Woman’s University

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DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1123/apaq.2019-0008
Keywords:
activities of daily living; equine; exercise; neurological; posture; simulator
In Print:
Volume 36: Issue 4
Page Range:
413–430
Restricted access

The purpose of this study was to determine changes in balance, postural sway, and quality of life after 6 wk of simulated horseback riding in adults diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Eight older adults completed two 60-min riding sessions weekly for 6 wk. Variables of balance, postural sway, and quality of life were measured 6 wks before and within 1 wk before and after the intervention. Berg Balance Scale scores decreased from baseline to preintervention (48.36 ± 5.97 vs. 45.86 ± 6.42, p = .050) and increased from preintervention to postintervention (45.86 ± 6.42 vs. 50.00 ± 4.38, p = .002). Cognitive impairment, a dimension of quality of life, improved from baseline to postintervention (37.5 ± 20.5 vs. 21.5 ± 14.4, p = .007). Six weeks of simulated horseback riding may improve balance and cognitive impairment in older adults with Parkinson’s disease.

The authors are with the School of Health Promotion and Kinesiology, Texas Woman’s University, Denton, TX.

Rigby (brigby@twu.edu) is corresponding author.
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