Pain therapy in horseback riders – physiotherapeutic intervention

Introduction. Horseback riding is a complex physical activity that significantly affects a rider’s physical and mental health. Postural insufficiency can have a negative impact on a rider’s physical health as well as their his or her riding technique. Objective: The objective of the research was to evaluate the effect of a three-month physiotherapy intervention on lower limb stability and mobility, activation of the torso and pelvis muscles, and the reduction of pain in specific areas of the body. Methods. The study involved 15 non-professional riders with an average age of 25.26 years who had ridden for at least 2 days a week in the last three years. Respondents completed the entry and exit measurements over a span of 3 months. The stability and mobility of the ankle, knee and hip, the ability to generate and maintain intra-abdominal pressure and the incidence of pain in the lumbar area, before and after physiotherapy intervention were evaluated. Results. After the three-month intervention, there was an improvement in the hip test (FABER), the Varus stress test, the Time and balance and the SEBT test. In the Valgus stress test before and after kinesiological intervention, there was no improvement but no worsening of the condition either. We confirmed the improvement of ankle joint stability with the Time in Balance test (66.67% improvement) and the SEBT test (32.67% improvement). Respondents experienced the greatest pain during the entry measurements in the hip joint (ø 1.53), and the lowest pain experienced during the entry testing was in the ankle joint (ø 0.33). The most significant changes occurred after the lumbar spine intervention. Conclusion. Improvement of postural stability and posture through compensatory exercises, corrective measures and proper technique is crucial for successful and safe horseback riding.