Termalismo e fisioterapia per il cavallo atleta

Aim of the work belongs to the experimental evaluation of the effects of physiotherapy by the use of swimming pool on sporting horses from different breeding, involved in different racing and jumping competitions. Positivity of therapeutical intervention was measured on the basis of quality of horses performances, related to their category, before and after the effect of pool physiotherapy. 81 horses were observed during a period of 3 years. 29 were thoroughbred, 20 standardbred, 20 jumping thoroughbred and crossbred performing hurdle, steeple-chase and cross-country races, 12 horse-riding italian saddle and irish hunter. 68.2% total observed horses (80% horse-riding) using pool physiotherapy performed good results and subjects came back to the same level competitions. Most frequent pathologies exibited by the observed animals were tendinous or muscular inflammations (50%). 50% total horses were 4-5 years old; only 2.3% were under 3 years old, confirming low technical use of swimming pool in training young horses. Efficacy of therapeutic treatment was confirmed by the short medium attendance period at the centre. 43.2% medium length period was less than 2 months and 25% was longer than 2 months. Males and geldings were predominant than females