Comparison of the Effect of Dressage Rider Skill Level on Physical Fitness Parameters and Posture on an Equestrian Simulator.
Abstract: In dressage riding, rider posture plays an important role in the performance of the exercises. The purpose of this study was to compare physical fitness and posture on an equestrian simulator between different competitive dressage rider skill levels. Participants (ten expert and twelve novice competitive dressage riders) performed a physiotherapeutic screening test and an equestrian simulator test. The expert rider group (G2) had less variability in both left (P = .002) and right (P = .021) rein force during medium canter on the simulator compared to the novice rider group (G1). The shoulder angle of the expert riders was larger in all gaits. These findings indicate that the ability to maintain a constant force on the reins and a dynamically stable hand position during riding on a simulator are important indicators for good rider performance. Expert riders presented a trend toward a more stable posture on the simulator as indicated by the reduced trunk variability (P = .034 vs. CV = 0.011) and smaller trunk ROM (P = .012 vs. CV = 0.011) and knee ROM (P = .033 vs. CV = 0.011) in the collected canter and collected walk respectively. These kinematic differences underscore their capability of maintaining a continued and constant force on the reins, but these findings require further research. No significant differences were found between groups in the physiotherapeutic screening. This underlines the difficulty in identifying the physical factors contributing to better rider performance. In conclusion, the current study shows that "stable rein contact" is the main difference between novice and expert competitive dressage riders on the simulator.
Copyright © 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Publication Date: 2022-12-02 PubMed ID: 36464030DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2022.104187Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
Summary
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This study focuses on how the skill level of dressage riders impacts their physical fitness and posture during riding, as tested on an equestrian simulator. The professional dressage riders were found to display a more stable position and consistent control on the rein when compared to novice riders.
Study Participants
- The study involved a total of twenty-two participants comprising ten expert and twelve novice competitors in dressage riding.
Tests and Measurements
- Two kinds of tests were conducted- a ‘physiotherapeutic screening test’ and an ‘equestrian simulator test’.
- The force applied on left and right reins during medium canter was also measured and results showed experts had less variability.
Findings
- The study found expert riders (G2) to be better at maintaining force consistency on the reins along with stable hand positions as compared to the novice group (G1).
- Experts also had larger shoulder angles in all gaits.
- Experts also presented a reduced trunk variability and smaller trunk and knee ROM (range of movement) in various walk conditions. This aligns with their capability of implementing a consistent force on the reins.
Implications of the Findings
- These findings indicate that a stable rein and hand position, coupled with consistent force on the reins, are significant indicators of a rider’s performance.
- Further research is needed on these findings as they might help identify the physical factors contributing to enhanced rider performance.
Lack of Physiotherapeutic Screening Differences
- No significant variations were recorded during physiotherapeutic screening between the two groups. This emphasizes the challenge faced in identifying physical factors that contribute to better rider performance.
Conclusion
- In conclusion, the primary difference between novice and experienced riders, according to this study, is the stability of contact with the rein, as tested on an equestrian simulator.
Cite This Article
APA
Heidbuchel A, Van Rossom S, Molenaers N, Minguet P, Jonkers I.
(2022).
Comparison of the Effect of Dressage Rider Skill Level on Physical Fitness Parameters and Posture on an Equestrian Simulator.
J Equine Vet Sci, 121, 104187.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jevs.2022.104187 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Human Movement Biomechanics Research Group, Department of Movement Sciences, Faculty of Movement and Rehabilitation Sciences, Catholic University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium. Electronic address: amber.heidbuchel@gmail.com.
- Human Movement Biomechanics Research Group, Department of Movement Sciences, Faculty of Movement and Rehabilitation Sciences, Catholic University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
- Reitenhof BV, Geel, Belgium.
- Equi-training, Mechelen, Belgium.
- Human Movement Biomechanics Research Group, Department of Movement Sciences, Faculty of Movement and Rehabilitation Sciences, Catholic University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Posture
- Walking
- Gait
- Physical Fitness
- Biomechanical Phenomena
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