The goal of so-called hippotherapy is to make patients more mobile and independent after a serious illness through therapeutic riding. With the help of innovative technologies and robotics, this is now possible even without horses. The rehabilitation robot 'hirob' from the Austrian company 'intelligent motion' was specifically developed for a clinical setting. The therapy device, equipped with a KR QUANTEC robot from KUKA, precisely mimics the movement of a horse's back in a walking gait, thereby utilizing the exact movement form of hippotherapy. Additionally, it is possible to adjust the intensity and speed, as well as the movement form, for example, allowing the pelvis to tilt or rotate.
Alleviate complaints, improve mobility
The patient sits on an ergonomic seat designed to resemble a saddle and must actively respond to the robot's movements. This training helps stabilize the torso, mobilize the pelvis, reduce spasms, and improve balance. Moreover, muscle stimulation can induce a phenomenon known as neuroplasticity in the brain, which aids in relearning lost motor functions.
For example, patients can become more mobile again after strokes or traumatic brain injuries, or in cases of serious illnesses such as multiple sclerosis. Complaints related to pelvic floor weakness or incontinence can also improve.
'By precisely replicating the movement impulses of a horse, we can promote targeted motor learning through sensory stimulation and activation of central nervous control processes with hirob. This optimally complements the therapeutic spectrum in neurological and musculoskeletal rehabilitation with a standardizable, evidence-based method,' said Lara Leutgeb, research associate at intelligent motion.
Robot hippotherapy, immediately applicable and individually tailored
Normally, in hippotherapy, patients are first acclimatized to the animals and safely placed on the horse under supervision. They are guided at a walking pace, and the horse's movement positively affects balance, motor skills, and movement sequences.
Robot hippotherapy brings these advantages directly to patients in rehabilitation treatments in hospitals, rehab, and physiotherapy centers – thanks to innovative technology.
'What excites me most about hirob is its quick transfer and setup time. hirob can be rapidly and precisely adapted to the patient. We can already start therapy in the early phase, as the speed and deflection of the movement can be adjusted according to the patient's needs,' said Dr. Andreas Mayr, head of therapy at the Landeskrankenhaus Hochzirl.
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