How do you organize the variables or degrees of freedom for a client?

• A. Increase the number of variables to broaden challenge.
• B. Maintain all variables at baseline without change.
• C. Systematically reduce the degrees of freedom or the number of variables for the client.
• D. Remove the environment from consideration.

Answer: (C)

Organizing movement by gradually reducing then releasing the number of independent actions the client must coordinate helps manage task complexity and supports safe motor learning. In early sessions, you freeze or support several joints and limit what the client has to control, so posture is stable and the client can focus on a few key elements (for example, trunk control or managing pelvic alignment). This reduction of degrees of freedom allows the client to practice a manageable portion of the task with proper timing and cues.

As the client demonstrates control and consistency, you progressively release those supports and add layers of challenge. This systematically increases degrees of freedom, requiring more coordinated movement, balance, and motor planning. The goal is to build capability step by step, not overwhelm the client with too many variables at once.

Context matters: the environment, including horse movement, therapist cues, and task goals, should be incorporated and adjusted to match the client’s current abilities. Removing the environment would strip away functional relevance, while introducing too many variables too soon can hinder learning.