A preliminary study into rider asymmetry within equitation.
Abstract: Rider asymmetry is anecdotally associated with underperformance and injury. In this study, rider axial rotation (AR) and shoulder angle displacement (SAD) were measured using video analysis, and leg length inequality (LLI) was measured to assess any correlation between LLI, AR and SAD. Two video cameras, recording transverse and sagittal views, simultaneously filmed each of 17 female riders in walk, trot, and left and right canter. The rider's shoulder angles relative to the cranial caudal line were measured at each limb impact for a complete stride cycle. All riders exhibited left AR and a greater range of movement (ROM) in the right shoulder in all gaits except right canter. LLI (short right) was found in all riders but the LLI degree did not correlate with the AR or ROM degree except in right canter, where a significant negative correlation occurred. This method permits assessment of asymmetry, which could improve coaching techniques and produce performance and welfare benefits.
Publication Date: 2009-04-16 PubMed ID: 19375366DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2009.03.016Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
Summary
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This research study examines the asymmetry in horse riders and how it might affect their performance and risk of injury. A range of measurements, including leg length inequality, were taken to assess the relation between these factors.
Research Methodology
- In their research, the authors used video analysis to study the asymmetry in the riders. They focused on the axial rotation (AR) & shoulder angle displacement (SAD) along with the inequality in leg length.
- Two different viewpoints, transverse and sagittal, were filmed simultaneously for each subject. In total, 17 female riders were studied as they performed various activities including walk, trot, and both left and right canter.
- The researchers measured the angle of the rider’s shoulders relative to the cranial caudal line at each limb impact for a full stride cycle.
Findings
- Among the outcomes, the study discovered that all riders in the sample displayed some form of left AR and had a greater range of movement (ROM) in their right shoulder in all gaits with the exception of the right canter.
- All participants were found to have leg length inequality (LLI) with a shorter right leg. However, the degree of LLI didn’t correlate directly to the quantity of AR or ROM, except during right canter. It was during the right canter that a significant negative correlation was observed.
Implications
- The findings from this study could have numerous practical applications, particularly in terms of devising more effective coaching techniques. Understanding asymmetry in riders could help coaches tailor their advice and training methods accordingly.
- Knowledge of these asymmetries could also lead to potential improvements in performance and safety for the riders. By addressing and mitigating these asymmetries, riders could reduce their risk of injury and perform at a higher level.
- In addition, this method of assessment provides an objective and replicable way of identifying asymmetrical characteristics in riders.
Cite This Article
APA
Symes D, Ellis R.
(2009).
A preliminary study into rider asymmetry within equitation.
Vet J, 181(1), 34-37.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2009.03.016 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- University Campus Suffolk, Ipswich, Suffolk IP4 1LZ, UK. debbie@earlsway.orangehome.co.uk
MeSH Terms
- Adolescent
- Adult
- Analysis of Variance
- Animals
- Athletic Performance / physiology
- Female
- Gait
- Horses
- Humans
- Leg Length Inequality
- Middle Aged
- Shoulder / anatomy & histology
- Shoulder / physiology
- Statistics, Nonparametric
- Video Recording
Citations
This article has been cited 15 times.- Balog O, Havanecz K, Csányi T, Ökrös C, Tóth L, Berki T. A narrative review of factors influencing rider performance and horse welfare in equestrian activities. Front Sports Act Living 2025;7:1744918.
- Haussler KK, le Jeune SS, MacKechnie-Guire R, Latif SN, Clayton HM. The Challenge of Defining Laterality in Horses: Is It Laterality or Just Asymmetry?. Animals (Basel) 2025 Jan 21;15(3).
- Clayton HM, MacKechnie-Guire R, Hobbs SJ. Riders' Effects on Horses-Biomechanical Principles with Examples from the Literature. Animals (Basel) 2023 Dec 15;13(24).
- Best R, Williams JM, Pearce J. The Physiological Requirements of and Nutritional Recommendations for Equestrian Riders. Nutrients 2023 Nov 30;15(23).
- Murray R, Fisher M, Fairfax V, MacKechnie-Guire R. Saddle Thigh Block Design Can Influence Rider and Horse Biomechanics. Animals (Basel) 2023 Jun 27;13(13).
- Baragli P, Alessi A, Pagliai M, Felici M, Ogi A, Hawson L, Gazzano A, Padalino B. Rider Variables Affecting the Stirrup Directional Force Asymmetry during Simulated Riding Trot. Animals (Basel) 2022 Nov 30;12(23).
- Horan K, Kourdache K, Coburn J, Day P, Carnall H, Harborne D, Brinkley L, Hammond L, Millard S, Lancaster B, Pfau T. The effect of horseshoes and surfaces on horse and jockey centre of mass displacements at gallop. PLoS One 2021;16(11):e0257820.
- Cejudo A, Ginés-Díaz A, Rodríguez-Ferrán O, Santonja-Medina F, Sainz de Baranda P. Trunk Lateral Flexor Endurance and Body Fat: Predictive Risk Factors for Low Back Pain in Child Equestrian Athletes. Children (Basel) 2020 Oct 9;7(10).
- Hobbs SJ, St George L, Reed J, Stockley R, Thetford C, Sinclair J, Williams J, Nankervis K, Clayton HM. A scoping review of determinants of performance in dressage. PeerJ 2020;8:e9022.
- Byzova A, Roozbahani H, Handroos H, Hakansson N, Lankarani HM. Monitoring of the human body and brain behavior using optical motion capture system and EEG utilizing horseback riding simulator: an extended case study. J Phys Ther Sci 2020 Jan;32(1):85-91.
- Soroko M, Zaborski D, Dudek K, Yarnell K, Górniak W, Vardasca R. Evaluation of thermal pattern distributions in racehorse saddles using infrared thermography. PLoS One 2019;14(8):e0221622.
- Persson-Sjodin E, Hernlund E, Pfau T, Haubro Andersen P, Rhodin M. Influence of seating styles on head and pelvic vertical movement symmetry in horses ridden at trot. PLoS One 2018;13(4):e0195341.
- Rhodin M, Roepstorff L, French A, Keegan KG, Pfau T, Egenvall A. Head and pelvic movement asymmetry during lungeing in horses with symmetrical movement on the straight. Equine Vet J 2016 May;48(3):315-20.
- Hobbs SJ, Baxter J, Broom L, Rossell LA, Sinclair J, Clayton HM. Posture, flexibility and grip strength in horse riders. J Hum Kinet 2014 Sep 29;42:113-25.
- Marqués FJ, Waldner C, Reed S, Autet F, Corbeil L, Campbell J. Effect of rider experience and evaluator expertise on subjective grading of lameness in sound and unsound sports horses under saddle. Can J Vet Res 2014 Apr;78(2):89-96.
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