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PloS one2020; 15(8); e0237727; doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0237727

Muscle modes of the equestrian rider at walk, rising trot and canter.

Abstract: Equestrian sports have been a source of numerous studies throughout the past two decades, however, few scientists have focused on the biomechanical effects, including muscle activation, that the horse has on the rider. Because equitation is a sport of two (the horse-human dyad), we believe there is a need to fill in the knowledge gap in human biomechanics during riding. To investigate the differences between novice and advanced riders at a neuromuscular level we characterized the motor output of a set of riders' key muscles during horse riding. Six recreational riders (24 ± 7 years) and nine professional riders (31 ± 5 years) from the Spanish Classical School of Riding (Lipica) volunteered to take part in this study. Riders' upper body, core and lower limb muscles were monitored and synchronized with inertial data from the left horse's leg at walk, rising trot and canter. We used principal component analysis to extract muscle modes. Three modes were identified in the advanced group whereas five modes were identified in the novice group. From the novice group, one mode united dorsal and ventral muscles of the body (reciprocal mode). Advanced riders showed higher core muscles engagement and better intermuscular coordination. We concluded that advanced horse riding is characterized by an ability to activate muscles contralaterally but not reciprocally (dorsal-ventral contraction). In addition, activating each muscle independently with different levels of activation, and the ability to quickly decrease overall muscle activity is distinctive of advanced riders.
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Publication Date: 2020-08-18 PubMed ID: 32810165PubMed Central: PMC7446812DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0237727Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article
  • Observational Study
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  • Non-U.S. Gov't

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

This study investigates differences in muscle activation between novice and professional equestrian riders. By examining key muscle groups during different riding events, the research found that advanced riders demonstrate better muscular coordination, with specific patterns of muscle engagement and activation.

Study Participants and Methodology

  • The study included six recreational riders with an average age of 24 and nine professional riders averaging 31 years old. All riders were from the Spanish Classical School of Riding (Lipica).
  • The researchers monitored the riders’ upper body, core, and lower limb muscles during different riding movements – walking, rising trot, and canter.
  • Data from the left leg of the horses was also captured to synchronize with the riders’ muscle monitoring.
  • The data collected was analyzed using a method called Principal Component Analysis which helped to extract muscle modes, or patterns of muscle activation.

Study Findings

  • Three muscle modes were identified in the advanced riding group and five in the novice group.
  • In the novice group, one mode showed a uniting of dorsal and ventral muscles of the body, termed as ‘reciprocal mode’. This didn’t occur in the advanced group.
  • Advanced riders showed higher core muscles engagement and more coordinated muscle activation.
  • The ability to activate muscles contralaterally (on the opposite side of the body) but not reciprocally (back-front contraction) is a characteristic of advanced riding.
  • Advanced riders also had the ability to independently activate each muscle with varying levels of intensity and were able to swiftly decrease overall muscle activity when necessary.

Thus, the study indicates an evolution in riders’ muscular interaction as they shift from novice to advanced levels. Advanced riders demonstrate more nuanced and efficient muscle coordination, implying a better understanding and control over their bodies during riding. This ultimately could lead to improved performance and possibly less physical strain.

Cite This Article

APA
Elmeua González M, Šarabon N. (2020). Muscle modes of the equestrian rider at walk, rising trot and canter. PLoS One, 15(8), e0237727. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0237727

Publication

PloS one
ISSN: 1932-6203
NlmUniqueID: 101285081
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 15
Issue: 8
Pages: e0237727
PII: e0237727

Researcher Affiliations

Elmeua González, Marc
  • Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Primorska, Koper, Slovenia.
Šarabon, Nejc
  • Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Primorska, Koper, Slovenia.
  • S2P, Science to Practice, ltd., Laboratory for Motor Control and Motor Behaviour, Ljubljana, Slovenia.

MeSH Terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Animals
  • Biomechanical Phenomena
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Electromyography
  • Horses / physiology
  • Humans
  • Movement / physiology
  • Muscle, Skeletal / physiology
  • Principal Component Analysis
  • Sports / physiology
  • Young Adult

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors have read the journal’s policy and have the following potential competing interests: NS is the founder and director of S2P, Science to Practice Ltd., and received support in the form of salary from this company. There are no patents, products in development or marketed products associated with this research to declare. This does not alter our adherence to PLOS ONE policies on sharing data and materials.

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Citations

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