Impact of equine assisted therapy on the cardiovascular parameters of the elderly

Edneia Correa Mello,Vicente De Paula Antunes Teixeira,Domingos Emanuel Bevilacqua Junior,Rodrigo César Rosa,Mariane Fernandes Ribeiro,Lunna Honorato Diniz,Valéria Silva Monteiro,Fabrízio Antônio Gomide Cardoso,Janaina Brandão Lage,Ana Paula Espindula

doi:10.7322/abcshs.2019161.1430

Abstract

Introduction: Physical activity programs in the elderly aim to prevent and/or reduce the functional decline resulting from the senescence process. Several studies provide evidence that Equine Assisted Therapy (EAT) is an effective means of improving health. However, studies addressing the effects of EATon the cardiovascular system are scarce. Objective: To evaluate the effect of Equine Assisted Therapyon the cardiovascular responses of participants divided into two groups: normotensive and hypertensive. Methods: Twenty individuals participated, aged between 60 and 79 years, divided into three groups: Normotensive Group (n=14), Hypertensive Group (n=6) and all participants, Total Group (n=20). The Omron® HEM 742 blood pressure monitor was used to measure blood pressure and the Gerathem® portable finger oximeter to measure heart rate and blood oxygen saturation. Ten visits were made once a week, lasting 30 minutes. Results: Between the first and tenth interventions, there was a reduction in blood pressure and heart rate, with statistical significance of systolic blood pressure for the Hypertensive Group (p=0.0478), the Total Group (p=0.0201) and diastolic pressure for the Total Group (p=0.0421). There was also a statistically significant difference in systolic blood pressure and heart rate during some visits. Blood oxygen saturation increased after the intervention, but without statistical significance. Conclusion: Equine Assisted Therapy can promote a reduction in blood pressure in the elderly, especially hypertensive individuals.

Highlights

Physical activity programs in the elderly aim to prevent and/or reduce the functional decline resulting from the senescence process
Between the first and tenth interventions, there was a reduction in blood pressure and heart rate, with statistical significance of systolic blood pressure for the Hypertensive Group (p=0.0478), the Total Group (p=0.0201) and diastolic pressure for the Total Group (p=0.0421)
Equine Assisted Therapy can promote a reduction in blood pressure in the elderly, especially hypertensive individuals

Summary

Introduction

Physical activity programs in the elderly aim to prevent and/or reduce the functional decline resulting from the senescence process. Results: Between the first and tenth interventions, there was a reduction in blood pressure and heart rate, with statistical significance of systolic blood pressure for the Hypertensive Group (p=0.0478), the Total Group (p=0.0201) and diastolic pressure for the Total Group (p=0.0421). There was a statistically significant difference in systolic blood pressure and heart rate during some visits. Conclusion: Equine Assisted Therapy can promote a reduction in blood pressure in the elderly, especially hypertensive individuals. Systemic Arterial Hypertension is a chronic non-transmissible disease, more prevalent among the elderly[5,6]. It is a significant and often asymptomatic chronic disease, which requires optimal control and persistent adherence to prescribed medication to reduce the risks of cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and renal disease. Multiple health organizations, including the American College of Preventive Medicine, emphasize physical activity, such as non-drug strategies, for blood pressure management[7]

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