Users

• Researchers at the University of Arizona Program in Integrative Medicine and Therapeutic Riding of Tucson (TROT) have published a pilot study evaluating the effects of hippotherapy (physical therapy on horseback) on muscle activity in 16 children with spastic cerebral palsy. Remote surface electromyography (EMG) was used to mesure activity of truncal and upper leg musculature during sitting, standing, and walking tasks before and after either hippotherapy or sitting astride a stationary barrel. There was strong statistical evidence of improvement in symmetry of muscle activity after hippotherapy, but not the barrel, in those muscle groups displaying the highest asymmetry prior to intervention.

  To find out more about this study, please visit www.unbridledfoundation.org. A phase II study, funded by the NIH, is currently underway at TROT to expand upon the above findings as well as to determine long-term effects.

• Children's Hospital in Lexington, KY uses SEMG in conjunction with other technologies to assess gait symptoms of children with cerebral palsy. Reflective tape is placed on strategic joints and then movement of the child (walking) is captured on video. The image is digitized on a computer screen so angles of specific moves can be measured. When used in conjunction with Noraxon's telemetric system, the medical team can measure muscle activity without the use of cables and can capture accurate data on what muscles the child is using. Then, they can teach the child to use other muscles and move more efficiently. This information may also be used in determining surgical procedures and other treatment.
  
  
• At the College of Medicine at Baylor University, Dr. Martin Blacker of the college's Pain Control & Restoration Unit is using Noraxon's systems to treat patients with low back problems. SEMG allows his group to pinpoint malfunctioning muscles. Dr. Blacker said. "We can see it on the screen; it's an immediate response."
  
  
• At the University of Florida, Equine Studies Department, researchers are studying both horse and rider, hoping to improve the performance of both.