About this trial
The proposed study is a prospective experimental single-arm pre-post study aiming to assess the effectiveness and feasibility of an outdoor therapeutic horse carriage, i.e., the Equine Dynamic Balance (EDB), as a form of reactive balance training. First, the investigators will describe the mechanical parameters of perturbations generated by the EDB's standing platform, including displacement, velocity and acceleration. Second, the investigators will assess the effect of EDB training on balance. Independent healthy young adults who do not suffer from balance impairments willing to participate in the study will be tested before and after EDB training, that will be delivered by standing on a dynamic therapeutic horse carriage pulled by a horse, to explore whether there are differences in balance control and balance reactions as a result of a 2-week EDB intervention program.
Eligibility criteria
Qualifiers
Healthy young participants
Adults aged 18-45 years
Measuring between150-190 cm in stature, with a mass of less than 100 kg
No neurological or vestibular or orthopedic mobility impairing conditions, and with no current musculoskeletal injury.
Disqualifiers
blindness or serious vestibular impairments (Meniere's disease, dizziness)
an inability to ambulate independently
symptomatic severe cardiovascular disease
neurological disorders such as stroke, Parkinson's, or Multiple sclerosis
Trial design
Treatments tested in this trial
- Outdoor horse-assisted perturbation training