Kinematics and electromyographic activity of horse riders during various cross-country jumps in equestrian.

The research is focused on identifying the biomechanical patterns such as the use of functional muscles and body movement (kinematics) of amateur horse riders while performing different types of cross-country jumps. The study indicates that irrespective of the nature of the obstacles, the muscular and body movement responses remain similar and the strength of the muscles used doesn’t decrease post competition.

Objectives of the Research

• The study aimed to discern the key biomechanical patterns of amateur horse riders during various cross-country jumps. The objective sector of the study involved identifying the functional muscles used and the riders’ kinematics or physical movements.
• It involved studying a control condition with jumps over three different obstacles and later analysing it in correspondence with jumps over similar obstacles in a cross-country course.

Methodology

• The study was conducted with eleven horse riders who first performed a series of jumps over three control test obstacles – a log wall, a brush and a tree trunk.
• Following this phase, the riders performed the same jumps in a cross-country course.
• During the process, 3D Kinematics and electromyographic (EMG) activity of seven muscles in the riders’ back and upper and lower limbs were synchronously collected and analyzed.
• An assessment of the maximum voluntary isometric strength of the knee extensors was also carried out before and immediately after the race to understand potential fatigue.

Findings of the Research

• The EMG activity for different obstacles was found to be similar irrespective of the types of jumps in a cross-country course.
• However, slight alterations in kinematics were observed between the different obstacles.
• Noticeable changes in back movements were recorded between the jumps of the cross-country as compared to the control condition.
• The study found no decrease in muscle strength after the race, implying that exertion during the cross-country jumping did not lead to any immediate muscle fatigue.

Conclusion

• Through the study, it was concluded that both upper and lower body muscles contributed to the successful execution of various jumps during a cross-country course.
• The research further concluded that the various configurations of obstacles did not induce any specific muscular and kinematic responses, suggesting a standard biomechanical pattern among the amateur horse riders across different jumping obstacles.