Science and research

C. H. Mirákl, o.p.s. is a workplace that cooperates with the Department of biomechanics of FTVS UK (Faculty of Physical Education and Sport at the Charles University) and the University of Jan Amos Komenský.

Main focus:

  1. Muscle timing in relation to phylogenetic and psychomotor development, impact of horse breed, its pace speed and terrain in different positions used in hipotherapy.
  2. Communication in hiporehabilitation, relationship client – horse – leader – physiotherapist.
  3. Creation of an accreditation course for workers in hiporehabilitation.
  4. Case histories and pilot studies for individual subjects before and after hipotherapy, hipotherapy effectiveness and its comparison with standard physiotherapy.

Present results

Impact of horse breed and its pace speed on muscle timing in hipotherapy

  • Goal of the study: To find out whether horse breed and its pacing speed has an impact on muscle timing in hipotherapy in the position of reverse sitting while leaning on forearms and palms. At the same time we assume that it is possible to tell from the selected muscle groups whether differentiation appears in the reverse sitting position. That would give reasons for performing hipotherapy with children who are unable to sit independently.

  • Methodology: It is an intra-individual case study that deals with muscle timing with two horse breeds during slow and fast paces. Reverse sitting while leaning on forearms and palms was chosen as the hipotherapeutic position. Complex physiotherapeutic examination by a physiotherapist and output from mobile SEMG machine ME6000 were used for the evaluation.

  • Results: Muscle timing was different for the selected horse breeds as well as for different pace speeds. Differentiation was confirmed, but only with the Silesian Noriker in the position of reverse sitting while leaning on forearms and palms and in faster paces.

Case history of a patient with Asperger syndrome treated with hiporehabilitation

  • Goal of the study: To objectivize effectiveness of hiporehabilitation for a 7-year-old boy with activities using horses were selected as a therapy. The study is an intra-individual study – a case history.

  • Methodology: Physiotherapeutic examination was performed in order to objectivize the effects on motor skills; special clinical tests for Asperger syndrome were used in mental area. The therapy took place twice a week for 3 months (April – June).

  • Results: Substantial functional improvement took place, especially in the area of deep stabilizing system of the spine (DSS), breathing and stability. Inspiration position of the rib cage retreated substantially, which allowed the activation of the DSS – that in turn improved stability and the results of balance examination tests. At the same time, rhomboid muscles were activated as well. Tension in the pelvic area was normalized and ergonomy of both standing and sitting positions improved. Improvement in mental area was apparent as well.

Communication networks during hipotherapy

  • Goal of the study: The goal of this study is to describe communication networks that are formed during the therapy and visualize this optimal development in order to improve the communication between the client and his parents, the physiotherapist and other people around the client. The hypothesis of this study is an assumption that the horse is able to help to improve the communication between the client and his or her surroundings.

  • Methodology: Gathering theoretical findings concerning communication networks in the society and their subsequent practical application in the creation of optimal communication network models in hiporehabilitation.

  • Results: Creation of communication network diagrams that are formed in practice and suggesting their optimal development.