The MiraColt™ Transforms outcomes

MiraColt™ Horse-Riding Simulator Exercise Machine

The only one of its kind, our patented, accessible, simple-to-use therapeutic riding horse simulator is changing the game in movement therapy nationwide. 

Meet the MiraColt™

The MiraColt™ physical therapy device replicates the complex, 3-dimensional movement patterns of a walking horse. The MiraColt™ movement, which simulates the natural human walking gait, stimulates the brain to improve neuro and muscular function. 

This hippotherapy simulator provides a rhythmic movement which stimulates anterior and posterior swinging motions and encourages the rider to achieve proper balance and posture while also receiving a large spectrum of sensory and motor input. To use our mechanical horse exercise machine, the user sits on a padded seat with hands on the handlebars. The control panel is used to adjust the settings to get the optimal speed for each rider. A typical therapy session with the MiraColt™ is 15-25 minutes (which represents 1500 – 2500 neuromotor inputs to the user).

The movement of the horse used in conjunction with evidence-based occupational, physical, and speech therapy has shown to improve outcomes with individuals with cerebral palsy, other spastic or dystonic issues, Stroke, Parkinson’s, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and other special needs conditions. This is accomplished by engaging the neuromotor functions, cognitive systems, and sensory channels with appropriate therapies, utilizing the beneficial movement of the horse. 

When applied with other therapy strategy tools, the MiraColt™ horse riding simulator exercise machine has been shown to offer patients a unique opportunity for fine and gross motor learning and development to achieve a better quality of life. 

The MiraColt™ is currently serving….

Horse-riding simulator

As defined by the American Hippotherapy Association, Hippotherapy is a form of evidence-based physical, occupational, and speech therapy practice in which a therapist purposely utilizes the characteristic gait movement of a horse to provide carefully graded motor and sensory (neuro-muscular) inputs. These inputs engage sensory, neuromotor, and cognitive (thought, behavior, relational, and task processing) systems to promote functional outcomes.

Horseback riding moves the rider’s body in a manner similar to the human walking gait. So riders with neuro-muscular or sensory-physical needs often show improvements in flexibility, balance, core muscular strength and control, and general body co-ordination. This in turn improves self-confidence, reduces emotional anxiety or stress, improves focus and increases functional ability. All this ultimately results in improved quality of life.

The MiraColt equine motion simulator, is used as a complementary device in physical, occupational, speech, and behavior therapy. The device provides access to these important motion stimulation benefits for people who cannot use or access a live horse.

It represents a major breakthrough in accessibility for people with various conditions including autism, cerebral palsy, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, down syndrome, multiple sclerosis, and other conditions who can benefit from hippotherapy, but cannot access, use or ride a live horse.

The use of the MiraColt horseback riding simulator has numerous advantages, including, freedom from space limitations, easiness of handling, ability of use even in adverse weather conditions and reducing the risk of falls that are associated with horseback riding. It is also a great alternative for those with allergies to horses or are fearful of riding horses. It serves as a great tool to evaluation and preparing people to ride horses for therapy and as a complement alongside horse-riding and for use in a home or clinic setting.

How it works

When riding, the user sits on a padded seat with hands on the adjustable handlebars. The control panel is used to adjust the settings to get the optimal speed for each rider.

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