Virtual Reality Hippotherapy Simulator: A Model Proposal for Senior Citizens.

The effects of horse riding are well recognized, as it brings physical and psychological benefits to individuals of all ages. Consequently, it has been used for curative and therapeutic purposes, commonly known as hippotherapy. Moreover, researchers have proven that adding virtual reality (VR) to traditional treatment methods has a huge positive impact on mental and physical rehabilitation, so creating a VR hippotherapy simulator can help many patients even more than the traditional technique. At the same time, the senior population is constantly growing, and the ageing process causes changes in physiological, neurological, and psychosocial aspects that must be prevented and treated to promote an active and healthy ageing. The aim of this paper is to outline a model proposal of a hippotherapy simulator using 360º VR for senior citizens. Affordable options, accessibility issues and inclusive methods are considered in this proposal, providing maneuverable and adaptable strategies for the development of similar artifacts.