Os efeitos da equoterapia na marcha, equilíbrio, força e atividade elétrica dos músculos tibial anterior e gastrocnêmio bilaterais em idosos

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Studies indicate that around 20% of the elderly population experience falls annually, which compromises their independence and increases functional limitations. This highlights the need for therapeutic programs that promote muscle strength and balance in this population. Equine-assisted therapy, by using the horse as a therapeutic resource, offers biopsychosocial benefits similar to those of aerobic and resistance exercises, helping to reduce the deleterious effects of aging. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the impacts of equine-assisted therapy on variables such as gait, balance, strength, and lower limb muscle activity in healthy elderly women, assessed before the first session, after the 8th, and after the 16th. METHODOLOGY: The study included 9 healthy women, divided into an Experimental Group (n = 5, mean age 69.2 ± 5.4 years) and a Control Group (n = 4, mean age 67.5 ± 10.1 years). Variables related to gait and balance were assessed using the Dynamic Gait Index (DGI), static and dynamic balance was evaluated through the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), muscle strength was measured using dorsal dynamometry, and lower limb muscle electrical activity was recorded by electromyography. RESULTS: The DGI did not show statistically significant differences, while the Berg Balance Scale revealed improved scores in the Experimental Group at the 2nd (p=0.031) and 3rd (p=0.021) assessments. Dynamometry did not identify differences between groups, but electromyography showed increased activation of the medial gastrocnemius muscles on both right and left sides during dynamic phases, especially at the thirtieth minute. CONCLUSION: The Berg Scale showed benefits in the balance of the Experimental Group over time, while electromyographic analysis revealed greater activation of the gastrocnemius muscles during dynamic phases, suggesting that equine-assisted therapy contributes to improvements in stability and muscle activation in elderly individuals.