Scientists from the University of Eastern Finland have found that patients with chronic low back pain may benefit from therapeutic horseback riding. The results of the research were published in the journal Frontiers in Veterinary Science.
The study included 22 people with chronic low back pain. They rode horses for 12 weeks. Gradually, the load increased to 100 horse steps per minute.
Participants experienced less pain, better sleep, and better ability to bend over and stand for long periods of time. Within six months of treatment, only two patients went to the hospital for back pain. In addition, the symptoms of depression in the patients softened.
This effect was observed even in participants who had been disabled for several years due to back pain.
Scientists explained that many patients with low back pain avoid certain movements, which creates a vicious cycle of pain. When riding a horse, the human spine adjusts to the speed of the animal. The horse’s gait promotes proper movement of the lumbar spine.