Posture, Flexibility and Grip Strength in Horse Riders

Abstract

Since the ability to train the horse to be ambidextrous is considered highly desirable, rider asymmetry is recognized as a negative trait. Acquired postural and functional asymmetry can originate from numerous anatomical regions, so it is difficult to suggest if any is developed due to riding. The aim of this study was therefore to assess symmetry of posture, strength and flexibility in a large population of riders and to determine whether typical traits exist due to riding. 127 right handed riders from the UK and USA were categorized according to years riding (in 20 year increments) and their competition level (using affiliated test levels). Leg length, grip strength and spinal posture were measured and recorded by a physiotherapist. Standing and sitting posture and trunk flexibility were measured with 3-D motion capture technology. Right-left differences were explored in relation to years riding and rider competitive experience. Significant anatomical asymmetry was found for the difference in standing acromion process height for a competition level (−0.07±1.50 cm Intro/Prelim; 0.02±1.31 cm Novice; 0.43±1.27 cm Elementary+; p=0.048) and for sitting iliac crest height for years riding (−0.23±1.36 cm Intro/Prelim; 0.01±1.50 cm Novice; 0.86±0.41 cm Elementary+; p=0.021). For functional asymmetry, a significant interaction was found for lateral bending ROM for years riding x competition level (p=0.047). The demands on dressage riders competing at higher levels may predispose these riders to a higher risk of developing asymmetry and potentially chronic back pain rather than improving their symmetry.

An investigation into the association of the physical fitness of equestrians and their riding performance: a cross-sectional study

“…Various authors have recognized equestrian's asymmetry and its relation to saddle pressure distribution, seated postural stability, and potentially musculoskeletal pain, this study did not confirm the assumption that asymmetry is a negative predictor for RP (Gunst et al, 2019;Hobbs et al, 2014;Nevison and Timmis, 2013).…”

“…The ability to ride requires not only practice and sensitivity to the horse's movement, but also physical fitness (PF) (Greve and Dyson, 2013). The two components of PF that have received the most attention over the past decades are flexibility and symmetry, since these are considered very important for RP (Gandy et al, 2014;Hobbs et al, 2014;Symes and Ellis, 2009). Flexibility is regarded as a precondition for a supple seat, whereas the equestrian's symmetry is important both for the stability of the horse and equestrian.…”

The study of the correlations between handgrip strength and some anthropometric characteristics of upper extremity of elite and sub-elite Olympic style weightlifting athletes

“…In our study, no difference in D-HGS and ND-HGS values of EWL and sub-EWL in MWL group was observed. In a study aiming to find out anatomical asymmetry, functional asymmetry and dynamical asymmetry of female riders, it was reported that asymmetry was recorded in some parameters of higher level riders [36]. Moreover, the authors also reported that right HGS value was quite high in all female rider groups included in the study.…”

Validation of a Low Cost Horse Saddle Stabilometric Platform to Analyze the Rider’s Balance

“…Thus, the asymmetrical loading of the horse's back and different rider's positions on a standing horse were evaluated [6]. A study of postural and functional asymmetries of riders failed to find a discrepancy in leg lengths, with stratification by years of experience and competitive level [7,8]. Ref.…”