Specialists at the Southern Federal University (SFedU) have developed a device that objectively evaluates the compatibility between a rider and a horse for conducting hippotherapy sessions. According to Izvestia, the therapeutic effect of hippotherapy is achieved when the human mimics the same projection as the horse and they move synchronously.
Hippotherapy is a therapeutic method involving horseback riding that positively influences the physical and mental state of the patient. Research shows that interaction with animals can improve children's health, reduce stress, aggression, and irritability, and enhance mood. The use of horses in therapy programs for children with psychological issues helps develop social skills, self-confidence, and emotional connections.
To ensure effective training, instructors need data on the physiological state of the session participants and the synchronicity of their movements. The device developed at SFedU facilitates this by providing essential information.
Device Components and Functionality:
The system includes two data collection units: one placed on the person and the other on the animal.
Inertial sensors (accelerometer and gyroscope) record the spatial positions of the session participants.
The device also measures the heart rate of both the rider and the horse.
A specialized algorithm compares the rider's movements with the horse's steps, indicating how synchronized their actions are, which is crucial for successful hippotherapy.
The trainer receives real-time information about the participants' states on a smartphone screen. By evaluating these indicators, the trainer can adjust the training, choose a suitable horse, or terminate the session if necessary.
Expert Opinion:
"The therapeutic effect of hippotherapy is achieved when the person mirrors the same projection as the horse and they move in sync. If this does not happen, they are not compatible, and another pair should be selected," explained Oksana Shpakovskaya, head of the Embedded and Radio Reception Systems Laboratory at the Institute of Radio Technical Systems and Management at SFedU.
The project authors believe that the device provides valuable information not only to the instructor but also to the parents, who will receive objective information about their child's condition during the sessions.