Background Among the major physical changes linked with aging are slow loss of muscular strength and balance.
Higher risk of falls and associated injuries influences quality of life.

This research compares two creative intervention techniques—water exercises and horseback riding—to improve postural control in senior women.

--- Research Highlights

Goal is to evaluate sensory inputs to posture control between water activities and equestrian riding.
Target Group: Elderly ladies between 60 and 70 free of major balance-related problems.
Type of study semi-experimental using a pretest-posttest layout.
Sample ScaleThirty contestants split into three groups:
Horseback riding: ten people total
Water drills (ten persons)
Tenth participant makes the control group.

Crucial Interventions
Under direction of a qualified equestrian therapist, participants engaged in activities while engaging with a horse.
Activities incorporated:
Static sitting and positional adjustments—that is, lifting off the seat.
Lead walks at different speeds and patterns, zigzag courses.
Vestibular challenges—head tilts, eye closures).
Twice a week, for eight weeks, each session runs fifty minutes.

2. Water Exercise Program: Controlled movement exercises in a pool
Resistance provided by water aimed at balance and muscular strength.
Low impact, suitable for those avoiding obstacles related to land.

3. Control Group: kept up their regular daily activities free from further interventions.

Using the Synopsys® Post urography System, pretest and posttest measures were taken with an eye on sensory integration from ocular, vestibular, and proprioceptive inputs.
Static and dynamic balance in medial-lateral and anterior-posterior directions

Important Conclusion

1. Effect on Vestibular and Proprioceptive Systems: Horseback riding produced significant gains:
improved vestibular function, especially in anterior-posterior balance.
Improved total postural control via better integration of proprioceptive signals.
Though they were much less successful than horseback riding in multi-sensory integration, water workouts also enhanced balance.

Both treatments clearly improved above the control group in both dynamic and static balance. Riding a horse helped more successfully with dynamic balance and adaptation.
3. Control Group: Not much change in balancing measurements was seen.

In summary

For senior ladies, water activities and horseback riding have special advantages for strengthening balance:
Horseback riding works dynamic balance via rhythmic motions.
Via natural engagement with the horse, enhances vestibular system reaction.
Water Exercises offers a low-impact alternative for individuals reluctant about riding a horse.
Through core stabilization and resistance, improves balance.

Both approaches have value; the decision will rely on personal preferences and availability of resources.

Please click the link below to get comprehensive research information: https://jrrs.mui.ac.ir/article_31248.html