Background: Pelvic floor dysfunctions (PFD) significantly affect the quality of life for these women and often result in the need for complex surgery. Horseback riding can strengthen the pelvic floor (PF), reduce risks of PFD.
Objective: To study the effectiveness of horseback riding with pelvic floor exercise in treatment and future prevention of the Pelvic floor dysfunctions.
Materials and Methods: This was an experimental study of one group pretest posttest design. 12 women were recruited using convenience sampling technique. Therapy on horseback was performed with one session (30 minutes) a week for 12 weeks. The proposed activities during the sessions consist on basics of horsemanship (controlling the horse, mounting and dismounting the horse, and care of the horse) and perineal (Kegels) exercises. All the participants underwent a gynecologic physiotherapy assessment consisting of Vaginal palpation (Modified Oxford Score) and Perineometry before and after the intervention.
Results: The post–intervention Oxford scores and Perineometry measures (resting tone, voluntary contraction and rest tone difference) were significantly higher (p < 0.05) compared to baseline.
Conclusion: The therapeutic horseback riding combined with perineal exercises led by trained professionals seems to be effective in the treatment and prevention of pelvic floor dysfunctions.
Key words: Horseback riding, Women, Prevention, Pelvic floor dysfunctions
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