Last January the Journal of Aging and Physical Activity published a paper titled “Comparative effects of horse exercise versus traditional exercise programs on gait, muscle strength, and body balance in healthy older adults”. This paper is part of the doctoral thesis of Silvia Aranda-García directed by Rosa M Angulo-Barroso, both members of GRAFiS.

This study evaluated the separate effects of two different exercise interventions on the physical function of older people. The interventions lasted for 12 weeks. One group participated in an exercise intervention with a horse, another group participated in a more traditional exercise program in a sports center and a third group served as the control group. Participants were assessed at baseline, post-intervention and follow-up at four weeks in order to assess retention. One of the authors’ conclusions was that exercising with a horse is a good exercise alternative for older people to improve mobility and strength.

To consult results or amply information you can follow the next link.