Effect of Hippotherapy and Schroth Exercise on Pulmonary Function and Aerobic Capacity in Idiopathic Scoliosis

Effect of Hippotherapy and Schroth Exercise on Pulmonary Function and Aerobic Capacity in Idiopathic Scoliosis

Efficacy of Hippotherapy Combined With Schroth Exercises on Pulmonary Function and Aerobic Capacity in Adolescents With Idiopathic Scoliosis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND: Idiopathic scoliosis has been identified as a common spinal malalignment that negatively impacts the respiratory system and physical conditioning in adolescents. Hippotherapy is an equestrian intervention that optimizes physical performance and mobility in a bunch of contexts; however, its influence on pulmonary function remains unclear. AIM: This research aimed to analyze the impact of ten weeks of hippotherapy combined with Schroth exercises on ventilatory function and aerobic capacity in AIS. DESIGN: Randomized Controlled Trial SETTING: Outpatients attend a single center that includes a rehabilitation room and recreational riding center. POPULATION: Forty-five patients were arbitrarily recruited to the experimental (N= 22) and control group (N=23). METHODS: Patients in the experimental group received 30 minutes of walking and sitting trot training, 15 sessions split into 2 phases over ten weeks. The two groups attended a 60-minute session of Schroth's intervention, 3 times/ week for 10 weeks. Two-way ANOVA for between-group comparisons and independent t-test for within-group comparisons were used in the statistical analysis.

A total of 45 patients (13 males and 32 females) participated in the current study. The participants were assigned to one of two groups in a random manner: an experimental group who received hippotherapy combined with Schroth Exercise and the control group who received only schorth exercise. (FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, MVV, and 6MWT) were measured before and after 10 weeks intervention

received hippotherapy combined with Schroth Exercise hippotherapy session for 30 minutes of walking and sitting trot training, 15 sessions split into 2 phases over ten weeks in addition to 60-minute session Schroth's intervention, 3 times/ week for 10 weeks

pulmonary function and aerobic capacity were measured in patients with mild idiopathic scoliosis before and after 10-week hippotherapy intervention combined with Schroth exercise

pulmonary function and aerobic capacity were measured in patients with mild idiopathic scoliosis before and after 10-week of Schroth exercise

Inclusion Criteria: all types of curves, curves between 10 and 20 degrees (29), Risser grade 0 to 5 the availability to be engaged in once a week visit Exclusion Criteria: Adolescents with: obstructive pulmonary diseases associated neuromuscular diseases recent infectious episodes in the previous two months history of cardiovascular or psychological disorders any significant history of riding horses