Citation

Goudy LS, Rigby BR, Silliman-French L, Becker KA. Adapt. Phys. Activ. Q. 2019; ePub(ePub): 1-18.

Affiliation

Texas Woman's University.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, Human Kinetics Publishers)

DOI

10.1123/apaq.2019-0008

PMID

31323643

Abstract

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.

Language: en

Keywords

activities of daily living; equine; exercise; neurological; posture; simulator