Parameters of the center of pressure displacement on the saddle during hippotherapy on different surfaces

Background: Hippotherapy uses horseback riding movements for therapeutic purposes. In addition to the horse's movement, the choice of equipment and types of floor are also useful in the intervention. The quantification of dynamic parameters that define the interaction of the surface of contact between horse and rider provides insight into how the type of floor surface variations act upon the subject's postural control. Objective: To test whether different types of surfaces promote changes in the amplitude (ACOP) and velocity (VCOP) of the center of pressure (COP) displacement during the rider's contact with the saddle on the horse's back. Method: Twenty two healthy adult male subjects with experience in riding were evaluated. The penetration resistances of asphalt, sand and grass surfaces were measured. The COP data were collected on the three surfaces using a pressure measurement mat. Results: ACOP values were higher in sand, followed by grass and asphalt, with significant differences between sand and asphalt (anteroposterior, p=0.042; mediolateral, p=0.019). The ACOP and VCOP values were higher in the anteroposterior than in the mediolateral direction on all surfaces (ACOP, p=0.001; VCOP, p=0.006). The VCOP did not differ between the surfaces. Conclusion: Postural control, measured by the COP displacement, undergoes variations in its amplitude as a result of the type of floor surface. Therefore, these results reinforce the importance of the choice of floor surface when defining the strategy to be used during hippotherapy intervention. .

Uma revisão sobre centro de gravidade e equilíbrio corporal / A review about center of gravity and body balance

O centro de gravidade está intimamente ligado ao equilíbrio corporal, porém algumas vezes essa relação é pouco enfatizada. Diante disso, esse estudo buscou analisar as influências e relações do CG com o equilíbrio corporal dos indivíduos, por meio de uma revisão de literatura. Para isso, realizou-se uma busca em base de dados, livros e demais produções cientificas da área de biomecânica. Os resultados dessa pesquisa mostram que muitas variáveis influenciam na posição do CG e por conseqüência no equilíbrio corporal. Conclui-se que a relação específica da altura do centro de gravidade com o equilíbrio, é uma abordagem pouco estudada e pode ainda ser bem desenvolvida, relacionando diversos tipos de indivíduos como obesos, idosos, atletas, entre outros.

The center of gravity (CG) is closely linked to the body balance, however sometimes this relationship is not very emphasized. So far, this study tries to analyze the influences and the relationship between the CG and the individuals’ body balance, by a review of literature. To do that, a search for data base, books and many scientific productions were made. The research showed that many variables have influenced on the CG position and consequently, on the body balance. What can be seen is that the specific relation between the height of the center of gravity and the balance, given in percent value, is a kind of approach that has not been much studied yet. Moreover, it can be much more developed, relating many kinds of people like obese, elderly, athletes, among others.