Dundee: Can horse riding reduce the effects of spasticity in the limbs of
children with cerebral palsy? A medical student at the University of
Dundee has embarked on a research study with a local riding school to
see whether patients can gain significant benefits from therapeutic
horse riding, known as Hippotherapy.
Student Janie Giraudon has been working with the Brae Riding School
in Dundee to see if there are any positive changes in pressure
distribution in children with Cerebral Palsy during therapeutic horse
riding.
Her research is examining whether muscle spasticity is reduced due to
Hippotherapy. This involves measuring the seating pressure of the
children before, during and after horse riding using a pressure
sensitive mat placed on the saddle and wheelchair accordingly.
“It is already recognised that horse riding can bring significant
therapeutic benefits for a rider,” said Janie. “The warmth and
three-dimensional movement of the horse is transmitted through the
rider’s body gradually making it more relaxed and supple, reducing
spasms and improving balance, muscle-tone, co-ordination and posture.
“What I am trying to establish through this study is whether there
are particular benefits for people with cerebral palsy. Ever since
visiting the Brae a year ago with the Medical School, I have been very
interested in the therapeutic benefits of working with horses.
“The early indications from our research are that there are benefits
for the children but we are still in the process of collating the final
data before we can absolutely confirm this. The findings of the research
will hopefully benefit physiotherapists and as a result have a positive
effect and even lead to a change in the view of Hippotherapy within the
current NHS system.”
Gemma Lumsdaine (17), from Monifieth, has been taking part in the
Hippotherapy sessions at The Brae. She said Janie’s research had
confirmed to her the benefits of horse riding.
“I have always felt it was good to me but it has been great to see
that confirmed and to see the extent to which it has an effect,” said
Gemma. “It really helps my hips and my muscles. The only other way I
could get that positive effect would be with medicine, so this is a
great alternative.
“Coming here to The Brae and riding the horses has been great for me
not just physically but there’s also a boost to my confidence.”
Janie has taken a year out from her medical studies to conduct this
research, which is supervised by Dr Sheila Gibbs, Dr Graham Arnold and
Professor Rami Abboud as part of an Intercalated BMSc honours in Applied
Orthopaedic Technology in the Department of Orthopaedic & Trauma
Surgery. She has been assisted with her data collection by
Rehabilitation Technician Ian Gibbs at the University’s Institute of
Motion Analysis and Research.
“The Brae have been fantastic in allowing us to conduct the research
at their stables where they have been providing horse riding therapy for
disabled adults and children since 2008,” said Janie.
Special posters and leaflets aimed at the children were distributed
at the School and seven children, with the blessing of their parents,
volunteered to take part in the study with data being collected at each
of their riding sessions over a six-month period. The children are not
required to do anything differently but just sit on their horse and
enjoy their normal riding session which they always do.
Mary Sneddon, Centre Manager at the Brae, said, “We have thoroughly
enjoyed working in partnership with Janie and Ian. This is a great
opportunity to add to the evidence supporting the benefits of
therapeutic riding and to help attract much needed funding. This is the
first time we have had the opportunity to engage with external
researchers since we opened seven years ago and it has been a positive
experience for both parties.”
Professor Rami Abboud, Head of the Department of Orthopaedic &
Trauma Surgery and Director of the Institute of Motion Analysis &
Research (IMAR), said, “This is a very interesting and rewarding area of
equestrian research to follow on from our previous study on horse
riding and jockeys.
Janie’s enthusiasm, knowledge and skills in devising her own research
project have enabled her, along with four of her fellow BMSc students,
to have her research accepted for podium presentation at the 13th Staffordshire Conference on Clinical Biomechanics in Stoke-on-Trent, which takes place from April 23rd to 25th.
“This Hippotherapy study is continuing IMAR’s impressive research
portfolio whilst interacting and hopefully benefitting the local
community. It is thanks to centres such as the Brae that we can pursue
novel avenues of research like this outside the confines of the
laboratory, to try and transform the quality of life of patients in
general. I hope this research has a positive effect on the understanding
and wider use of therapeutic horse riding within the NHS, whilst
continuing a better understanding of the mechanics and complexities of
cerebral palsy.”