Fundamental study of basal physical fitness and activities of daily living for the aged in relation to indoor horse riding exercise.

The study explores the impact of indoor horse riding exercises on basic physical fitness and daily living activities amongst the elderly population. It provides evidence that such exercises could enhance leg strength and whole body reaction, ultimately improving muscle power and reactions.

Research Design and Methodology

• The participants of this study were 20 elderly people in their sixties who had no impediments to their physical activities.
• The experiment was designed in such a way that the subjects would engage in indoor horse riding exercises for 60 minutes a day, three days a week, for a duration of eight weeks.
• The indoor horse-riding equipment used in the study was the “SRider” – a product of a collaboration between Rider Co. and Chonbuk National University Korea.
• The research included measurements of various basal physical fitness parameters once per month. This included trunk flexion, sit-up performance, whole-body reaction time, and maximal oxygen uptake.
• Observations were also conducted on activities related to daily living (ADL) functions, such as 3-metre gait, single stance with eyes open, and single stance with eyes closed.

Key Results

• Post the exercise program, significant improvements were noted in leg strength and whole-body reaction time of the subjects.
• Among the assessed ADL functions, only the 3-metre walking ability displayed a significant improvement.
• The researchers attribute the improved muscle strength and reaction times to the continuous muscle contractions induced by the indoor horse-riding exercises, thereby maintaining muscle tonus.
• They suggest that the continuous movement associated with horse riding could lead to isometric muscle contraction in the lower limbs.

Implications of the Research

• The results of this study suggest that indoor horse riding exercises could be beneficial to the elderly, particularly in developing muscle power and reaction time. The adoption of such exercises can contribute to a better quality of physical life in the elderly by enhancing their basic fitness and certain ADL functions.
• In terms of broader implications, this study can be used as a reference for future research or exercise programs aimed at enhancing physical fitness and activity performance in older individuals. The positive effects of the horse riding exercises on the lower limb muscle power and body reactions open the doors for further exploration of innovative exercise activities for senior citizens.