A study on muscle activity based on the ankle posture for effective exercise with indoor horse riding machine

Abstract

[Purpose] Although much researches have been conducted on the hippotherapy, the intervention methods of the previous studies focus on the pelvis posture. Thus, this study analyzed the electromyogram (EMG) of trunk muscle and lower limb muscle to analyze the kinetic factors. Based on the analysis, this study aims to compare the muscle load and suggest effective exercise method. [Participants and Methods] This study checked the muscle activity of Rectus abdominis (RA), Erector spinae (ES), Rectus femoris (RF), Adductor magnus (AM) during the exercise using horse riding machine in dorsiflexion position by bending 20 degrees and in neutral position. Each position was performed for 5 minutes and the speed of the horse riding machine was set to medium speed. [Results] Rectus abdominis showed higher muscle activity in dorsiflexion position and the groups had significant differences. Elector spinae showed higher muscle activity in dorsiflexion position and the groups had significant differences. Rectus femoris showed higher muscle activity in dorsiflexion position and the groups had significant differences. Adductor magnus also showed higher muscle activity in dorsiflexion position and the groups had significant differences. [Conclusions] The study result showed that exercise with horse riding machine in dorsiflexion position activates trunk muscle and thigh muscle effectively. Thus, the study suggests more effective posture for the modern people who exercise with horse riding machine for strengthening physical health.

Inter-Day Reliability and Changes of Surface Electromyography on Two Postural Muscles Throughout 12 Weeks of Hippotherapy on Patients with Cerebral Palsy: A Pilot Study

“…However, very few studies investigating electrical muscle activity and hippotherapy have been published in the scientific literature to date, with even less focusing on patients with CP. The few available studies address the findings from a qualitative point of view, with none carrying out a quantitative analysis of EMG signals from either the time or the frequency domains [18,[44][45][46][47]. We focused here on the electrical activity of muscle measured during dynamic postural balance while sitting through surface EMG.…”

Towards an Evidence-Based Classification System for Para Dressage: Associations between Impairment and Performance Measures

“…Items in both tests require lateral pelvic lifting, which involves activation and control of trunk, pelvic, and abdominal muscles that contribute to core stability [80]. Although most studies to date have measured flexor and extensor muscle activity [81][82][83][84][85], one study reported high magnitudes of muscle activity from the internal oblique abdominus in older non-riders [82] and another between novice and advanced jockeys [86], highlighting the involvement of other core stabilizers. Greater mediolateral amplitude and velocity of the center of pressure have been measured during riding in a group of cerebral palsy participants with five years of therapeutic riding experience compared to controls, also illustrating a deficit in mediolateral trunk control due to impairment [87].…”