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PloS one2013; 8(8); e71804; doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0071804

Patterns of horse-rider coordination during endurance race: a dynamical system approach.

Abstract: In riding, most biomechanical studies have focused on the description of the horse locomotion in unridden condition. In this study, we draw the prospect of how the basic principles established in inter-personal coordination by the theory of Coordination Dynamics may provide a conceptual and methodological framework for understanding the horse-rider coupling. The recent development of mobile technologies allows combined horse and rider recordings during long lasting natural events such as endurance races. Six international horse-rider dyads were thus recorded during a 120 km race by using two tri-axial accelerometers placed on the horses and riders, respectively. The analysis concentrated on their combined vertical displacements. The obtained shapes and angles of Lissajous plots together with values of relative phase between horse and rider displacements at lower reversal point allowed us to characterize four coordination patterns, reflecting the use of two riding techniques per horse's gait (trot and canter). The present study shows that the concepts, methods and tools of self-organizing dynamic system approach offer new directions for understanding horse-rider coordination. The identification of the horse-rider coupling patterns constitutes a firm basis to further study the coalition of multiple constraints that determine their emergence and their dynamics in endurance race.
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Publication Date: 2013-08-05 PubMed ID: 23940788PubMed Central: PMC3733789DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0071804Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article
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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.

The research article investigates the patterns of horse-rider coordination during an endurance race, utilizing the theory of Coordination Dynamics and mobile technologies to capture and analyze the combined movements of horse and rider. The study identifies four distinct coordination patterns which can enhance our understanding of the complex dynamics between horse and rider during long races.

Methodology of the Study

  • The study employs the principles of Coordination Dynamics, a theoretical framework typically used for examining interpersonal coordination. The researchers adapt this framework to analyze the unique coupling between horse and rider during races.
  • Advancements in mobile technology were utilized to track and record the movements of six horse-rider pairs (or dyads) participating in a 120 km endurance race.
  • Two tri-axial accelerometers were used for the purpose of data collection. One device was placed on the horse, the other on the rider.
  • The focus was primarily on the combined vertical displacements of the horse and rider.

Analysis and Results

  • The analysis involved producing Lissajous plots which depicted the interplay of movements between the horse and rider. These plots, along with the relative phase values between horse and rider displacements, provided valuable insights into their coordination patterns.
  • The researchers were able to identify four distinct coordination patterns based on the shapes and angles gathered from the Lissajous plots, showcasing the use of two riding techniques for each horse gait: trot and canter.

Conclusions and Future Directions

  • This study suggests that the self-organizing dynamic system approach offers a novel and promising way to understand horse-rider coordination.
  • The identification of horse-rider coupling patterns can serve as a strong foundation for future research.
  • Subsequent studies should focus on exploring the various constraints that impact the emergence and dynamics of these distinct coordination patterns in endurance racing.

Cite This Article

APA
Viry S, Sleimen-Malkoun R, Temprado JJ, Frances JP, Berton E, Laurent M, Nicol C. (2013). Patterns of horse-rider coordination during endurance race: a dynamical system approach. PLoS One, 8(8), e71804. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0071804

Publication

PloS one
ISSN: 1932-6203
NlmUniqueID: 101285081
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 8
Issue: 8
Pages: e71804

Researcher Affiliations

Viry, Sylvain
  • Aix-Marseille Université, CNRS, Institut des Sciences du Mouvement, Marseille, France. s.viry@brdconcept.fr
Sleimen-Malkoun, Rita
    Temprado, Jean-Jacques
      Frances, Jean-Philippe
        Berton, Eric
          Laurent, Michel
            Nicol, Caroline

              MeSH Terms

              • Acceleration
              • Adult
              • Animals
              • Competitive Behavior
              • Female
              • Gait / physiology
              • Horses
              • Humans
              • Locomotion / physiology
              • Male
              • Physical Endurance / physiology
              • Psychomotor Performance / physiology
              • Recreation
              • Weight-Bearing

              Conflict of Interest Statement

              Competing Interests: SV is employed by BRD Concept and JPF is employed by Stables JPF. There are no patents, products in development or marketed products to declare. This does not alter the authors\' adherence to all the PLOS ONE policies on sharing data and materials.

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