FREE SHIPPING over $40
OVER 9000 FIVE-STAR REVIEWS
5% OFF ALL SUBSCRIPTIONS
100% HAPPINESS GUARANTEE
Analyze Diet
0
Home / Equine Research Bank / J Hum Kinet / Posture, flexibility and grip strength in horse riders.
Journal of human kinetics2014; 42; 113-125; doi: 10.2478/hukin-2014-0066

Posture, flexibility and grip strength in horse riders.

Abstract: Since the ability to train the horse to be ambidextrous is considered highly desirable, rider asymmetry is recognized as a negative trait. Acquired postural and functional asymmetry can originate from numerous anatomical regions, so it is difficult to suggest if any is developed due to riding. The aim of this study was therefore to assess symmetry of posture, strength and flexibility in a large population of riders and to determine whether typical traits exist due to riding. 127 right handed riders from the UK and USA were categorized according to years riding (in 20 year increments) and their competition level (using affiliated test levels). Leg length, grip strength and spinal posture were measured and recorded by a physiotherapist. Standing and sitting posture and trunk flexibility were measured with 3-D motion capture technology. Right-left differences were explored in relation to years riding and rider competitive experience. Significant anatomical asymmetry was found for the difference in standing acromion process height for a competition level (-0.07±1.50 cm Intro/Prelim; 0.02±1.31 cm Novice; 0.43±1.27 cm Elementary+; p=0.048) and for sitting iliac crest height for years riding (-0.23±1.36 cm Intro/Prelim; 0.01±1.50 cm Novice; 0.86±0.41 cm Elementary+; p=0.021). For functional asymmetry, a significant interaction was found for lateral bending ROM for years riding x competition level (p=0.047). The demands on dressage riders competing at higher levels may predispose these riders to a higher risk of developing asymmetry and potentially chronic back pain rather than improving their symmetry.
Get Full Text
Publication Date: 2014-10-10 PubMed ID: 25414745PubMed Central: PMC4234750DOI: 10.2478/hukin-2014-0066Google Scholar: Lookup
The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
LinkedInCopy
  • Journal Article

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 research evaluates the symmetry of posture, strength, and flexibility in horse riders, investigating whether these characteristics are essentially influenced by horse riding. The findings indicate that significant anatomical asymmetry exists in this population, particularly concerning acromion and iliac crest height differences. The study also suggests that higher-level competition could predispose riders to asymmetry, ironically leading to chronic back pain rather than enhancing their symmetry.

Study Objectives and Methodology

  • The aim of this research was to assess the symmetry of posture, flexibility and grip strength in a large pool of horse riders and to find out if typical traits exist that could be attributed to horse riding.
  • The research included 127 right-handed riders from UK and USA, categorized based on riding experience (measured in terms of years) and competition level (ranging between affiliated test levels).
  • A physiotherapist measured and recorded various parameters, including leg length, grip strength, and spinal posture. The research also used 3-D motion capture technology to measure the riders’ standing and sitting posture and trunk flexibility.
  • The study then explored the differences between the left and right side of the body in relation to years of riding experience and the rider’s competitive experience.

Key Findings

  • The study found evidence of significant anatomical asymmetry among the riders. This depended on the riders’ competition level, affecting the difference in standing height of the acromion process and the sitting height of the iliac crest.
  • In terms of functional asymmetry, a significant interaction was reported in the case of lateral bending ROM, with the years of riding experience and competition level playing a major role.
  • The research suggests that higher levels of dressage competition could potentially predispose the riders to developing asymmetry, which can lead to chronic back pain, instead of improving their posture symmetry as often believed.

Implications

  • This study offers important clues for understanding how horse riding can affect the rider’s posture, strength, and flexibility in the long run. It raises concerns over the increased risk of developing asymmetry and potentially chronic back pain, especially for riders who participate in higher levels of dressage competition.
  • Such understanding could be critical for developing appropriate training strategies and preventive measures to reduce the risk of chronic pain and functional challenges faced by horse riders.

Cite This Article

APA
Hobbs SJ, Baxter J, Broom L, Rossell LA, Sinclair J, Clayton HM. (2014). Posture, flexibility and grip strength in horse riders. J Hum Kinet, 42, 113-125. https://doi.org/10.2478/hukin-2014-0066

Publication

Journal of human kinetics
ISSN: 1640-5544
NlmUniqueID: 101513031
Country: Poland
Language: English
Volume: 42
Pages: 113-125

Researcher Affiliations

Hobbs, Sarah Jane
  • Centre for Applied Sport and Exercise Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, UK.
Baxter, Joanna
  • Craven College, Skipton, UK.
Broom, Louise
  • Personal Best, Yorks, UK.
Rossell, Laura-Ann
  • Myerscough College, Bilsborrow, UK.
Sinclair, Jonathan
  • Centre for Applied Sport and Exercise Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, UK.
Clayton, Hilary M
  • Sport Horse Science, LC, MI, USA.

References

This article includes 42 references
  1. Al-Eisa E, Egan D, Deluzio K, Wassersug R. Effects of pelvic skeletal asymmetry on trunk movement. Three dimensional analysis in healthy individuals versus patients with mechanical low back pain.. Spine 2006;31(3):71–79.
    pubmed: 16449891
  2. Anderson MK, Hall SJ, Martin M. Foundations of Athletic Training: Prevention, Assessment and Treatment. 3rd Edition. Lippincott, Williams and Wilkins; United States of America: 2005.
  3. Annett M. The binomial distribution of right, mixed and left handedness. Quarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology 1967;19(4):327–333.
    pubmed: 6080917
  4. Auty I. The BHS manual of equitation. Shrewsbury: Kenilworth Press; 2007.
  5. Bagesteiro LB, Sainburg RL. Handedness: Dominant arm advantages in control of limb dynamics. J Neurophysiol 2002;88:2408–2421.
    pmc: PMC10709816pubmed: 12424282
  6. Beattie P, Isaacson K, Riddle DL, Rothstein JM. Validity of derived measurements of leg-length differences obtained by use of a tape measure. Phys Ther 1990;70(3):150–157.
    pubmed: 2304973
  7. Bussey MD. Does the demand for asymmetric functional lower body postures in lateral sports relate to structural asymmetry of the pelvis?. J Sci Med Sport 2010;13:360–364.
    pubmed: 19596607
  8. Byström A, Rhodin M, von Peinen K, Weishaupt M, Roepstorff L. Basic kinematics of saddle and rider in high-level dressage horses trotting on the treadmill. Equine Vet J 2009;41(3):280–284.
    pubmed: 19469236
  9. Cacciatore TW, Horak FB, Henry SM. Improvement in automatic postural coordination following Alexander technique lessons in a person with low back pain. Phys Ther 2005;85:565–578.
    pmc: PMC1351283pubmed: 15921477
  10. de Cocq P, Prinsen H, Springer NC, van Weeren PR, Schreuder M, Muller M, van Leeuwen JL. The effect of rising and sitting trot on back movement and head-neck posture of the horse. Equine Vet J 2009;41(5):423–427.
    pubmed: 19642400
  11. de Cocq P, Mariken Duncker A, Clayton HM, Bobbert MF, Muller M, Van Leeuwen JL. Vertical forces on the horse’s back in sitting and rising trot. J Biomech 2010;43:627–631.
    pubmed: 19926088
  12. Gibbons P, Dumper C, Gosling C. Inter-examiner and intra-examiner agreement for assessing simulated leg length inequality using palpation and observation during a standing assessment. J Osteopathic Med 2002;5(2):53–58.
  13. Gnat R, Saulicz E. Induced static asymmetry of the pelvis is associated with functional asymmetry of the lumbo-pelvo-hip complex. J Manip Physiol Ther 2008;31(3):204–211.
    pubmed: 18394497
  14. Gomez TT. Symmetry of lumbar rotation and lateral flexion range of motion and isometric strength in subjects with and without low back pain. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 1994;19(1):42–48.
    pubmed: 8156063
  15. Gurney B. Leg length discrepancy. Gait Posture 2002;15:195–206.
    pubmed: 11869914
  16. Hanten WP, Chen W-Y, Austin AA, Brooks RE, Carter HC, Law CA. Maximum grip strength in normal subjects from 20 to 64 years of age. J Hand Ther 1999;12:193–200.
    pubmed: 10459527
  17. Jones SL, Henry SM, Raasch CC, Hitt JR, Bunn JY. Individuals with non-specific low back pain in an active episode demonstrate temporally altered torque responses and direction specific enhanced muscle activity following unexpected balance perturbations. Exp Brain Res 2012;221(4):413–426.
    pmc: PMC3472522pubmed: 22875027
  18. Kallman DA, Plato CC, Tobin JD. The role of muscle loss in the age-related decline of grip strength: Cross-sectional and longitudinal perspectives. J Gerontology 1990;45(3):M82–88.
    pubmed: 2335723
  19. Kellis E, Katis A. Biomechanical characteristics and determinants of instep soccer kick. J Sports Sci Med 2007;6:154–165.
    pmc: PMC3786235pubmed: 24149324
  20. Kendall FP, McCreary EK, Provance PG, Rodgers MM, Romani WA. Muscles testing and function with posture and pain. 5th Edition. Lippincott Williams and Wilkins; United States of America: 2005.
  21. Kraft CN, Urban N, Ilg A, Wallny T, Scharfstädt A, Jäger M, Pennekamp PH. Influence of the riding discipline and riding intensity on the incidence of back pain in competitive horseback riders. Sportverletz Sportschaden 2007;21(1):29–33.
    pubmed: 17385102
  22. Kraft CN, Pennekamp PH, Becker U, Young M, Diedrich O, Lüring C, von Falkenhausen M. Magnetic resonance imaging findings of the lumbar spine in elite horseback riders: correlations with back pain, body mass index, trunk/leg-length coefficient, and riding discipline. Am J Sports Med 2009;37(11):2205–2213.
    pubmed: 19574474
  23. Kuhnke S, Dumbell L, Gauly M, Johnson JL, McDonald K, von Borstel UK. A comparison of rein tension of the rider’s dominant and non-dominant hand and the influence of the horse’s laterality. Comp Ex Phys 2010;7(2):57–63.
  24. Licka T, Kapaun M, Peham C. Influence of rider on lameness in trotting horses. Equine Vet J 2004;36(8):734–736.
    pubmed: 15656506
  25. Nicolay CW, Walker AL. Grip strength and endurance: Influences of anthropometric variation, hand dominance, and gender. Int J Ind Ergonom 2005;35:605–618.
  26. Norris CM, Berry S. Occurrence of common lumbar posture types in the student sporting population: An initial investigation. Sport Ex Inj 1998;4:15–18.
  27. Peham C, Licka T, Kapaun M, Scheidl M. A new method to quantify harmony of the horse-rider system in dressage. Sports Eng 2001;4:95–101.
  28. Peham C, Licka T, Schobesberger H, Meschan E. Influence of the rider on the variability of the equine gait. Hum Movement Sci 2004;23:663–671.
    pubmed: 15589627
  29. Petrone MR, Guinn J, Reddin A, Sutlive TG, Flynn TW, Garber MP. The accuracy of the Palpation Meter (PALM) for measuring pelvic crest height difference and leg length discrepancy. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2003;33:319–325.
    pubmed: 12839206
  30. Quinn S, Bird S. Influence of saddle type upon the incidence of lower back pain in equestrian riders. Brit J Sports Med 1996;30:140–144.
    pmc: PMC1332378pubmed: 8799599
  31. Robertson DG, Dowling JJ. Design and responses of Butterworth and critically damped digital filters. J Electromyogr Kines 2003;13(6):569–73.
    pubmed: 14573371
  32. Roepstorff L, Egenvall A, Rhodin M, Byström A, Johnston C, van Weeren PR, Weishaupt M. Kinetics and kinematics of the horse comparing left and right rising trot. Equine Vet J 2009;41(3):292–296.
    pubmed: 19469238
  33. Roussouly P, Gollogly S, Berthonnaud E, Dimnet J. Classification of the normal variation in the sagittal alignment of the human lumbar spine and pelvis in the standing position. Spine 2005;30:346–353.
    pubmed: 15682018
  34. Sabharwal S, Kumar A. Methods of assessing leg length discrepancy. Clin Orthop Relat R 2008;466(12):2910–2922.
    pmc: PMC2628227pubmed: 18836788
  35. Sadhegi H, Allard P, Prince F, Labelle H. Symmetry and limb dominance in able-bodied gait: a review. Gait Posture 2000;12:34–45.
    pubmed: 10996295
  36. Sahrmann SA. Movement impairment syndrome of the lumbar spine. In: White K, editor. Diagnosis and treatment of movement impairment syndrome. Mosby Inc.; St Louis, Missouri: 2002. pp. 51–64.
  37. Smith A, O’Sullivan P, Straker L. Classification of sagittal thoraco-lumbar-pelvic alignment of the adolescent spine in standing and its relationship to low back pain. Spine 2008;33(19):2101–2107.
    pubmed: 18758367
  38. Symes D, Ellis R. A preliminary study into rider asymmetry within equitation. Vet J 2009;181(1):34–37.
    pubmed: 19375366
  39. Terada K, Clayton HM, Kato K. Stabilization of wrist position during horseback riding at trot. Equine Comp Ex Phys 2006;3(4):179–184.
  40. Von Peinen K, Wiestner T, Bogisch S, Roepstorff L, Van Weeren PR, Weishaupt MA. Relationship between the forces acting on the horse's back and the movements of rider and horse while walking on a treadmill. Equine vet J 2010;41:285–291.
    pubmed: 19469237
  41. Yielder P, Gutnik B, Kobrin V, Hudson G. A possible anatomical and biomechanical explanation of the 10% rule used in the clinical assessment of prehensile hand movements and handed dominance. J Electromyogr Kines 2009;19:e472–e480.
    pubmed: 19324572
  42. Young RS, Andrew PD, Cummings GS. Effect of simulating leg length inequality on pelvic torsion and trunk mobility. Gait Posture 2000;11:217–223.
    pubmed: 10802434
Subscribe to our newsletter
Join 99,357 horse owners like you who receive our email updates on horse health and nutrition.