Static pelvic posture is not related to dynamic pelvic tilt or competition level in dressage riders.
Abstract: Static assessment and grouping of riders by competition level are prevalent in equestrian coaching practice and research. This study explored sagittal pelvic tilt in 35 competitive dressage riders to analyse the relationship between static and dynamic postures and assess the interaction of competition level. Riders were assessed using optical motion capture on a riding simulator at halt and in walk, trot, and left and right canter. Mean, minimum and maximum pelvic tilt, and range of motion (ROM) were measured as the pitch rotation of a rigid body formed by markers placed on the rider's left/right anterior and posterior superior iliac spines and sacrum, averaged over six time-normalised strides. Three key results emerged: (1) there are correlations between the rider's mean pelvic tilt in simulated walk, trot and canter, but not at halt; (2) mean pelvic tilt values are not significantly influenced by competition level (p = 0.233); and (3) the minimum and maximum pelvic tilt values illustrate individual strategies between gaits. Therefore, results from static assessment and grouping of riders by competition level should be interpreted with caution. Riders should be assessed as individuals, during dynamic riding-specific tasks, to understand their postural strategies.
Publication Date: 2020-08-19 PubMed ID: 32811291DOI: 10.1080/14763141.2020.1797150Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
Summary
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The research article investigates the correlation between static and dynamic postures in dressage riders, and the impact of competition level on these postures. The study concludes that while there are certain consistencies in a rider’s dynamic pelvic tilt during different riding gaits, their static posture and performance level do not significantly contribute to these postural strategies.
Objective and Methodology
- The intention of this research was to explore the relevance of static postures and the level of competition on the dynamic postures of dressage riders.
- It made use of optical motion capture technology on a riding simulator to assess the pelvic tilt of 35 competitive dressage riders while at rest (halt) and in movement (walk, trot, and left and right canter).
Measurements
- The study measured the mean (average), minimum and maximum pelvic tilt, along with the range of motion (ROM).
- Pelvic tilt and ROM were determined by the pitch rotation of a rigid body formed by markers placed on strategic points on the rider’s body – the left and right anterior, and the posterior superior iliac spines, and the sacrum.
- The results of six time-normalised strides were averaged to derive the measurements.
Key Findings
- The research discovered correlations between a rider’s mean pelvic tilt during different riding gaits – walk, trot, and canter – but not when at halt.
- No significant influence was found between a rider’s competition level and their mean pelvic tilt.
- The study identified individual strategies in rider’s minimum and maximum pelvic tilt at different gaits.
Consequences and Recommendations
- The study emphasises that static assessment outcomes and competition level groupings should be interpreted with certain caution due to their limited relevance to dynamic postural strategies.
- Riders should be assessed individually during dynamic riding-specific tasks in order to accurately understand their postural strategies.
Cite This Article
APA
Wilkins CA, Nankervis K, Protheroe L, Draper SB.
(2020).
Static pelvic posture is not related to dynamic pelvic tilt or competition level in dressage riders.
Sports Biomech, 22(10), 1290-1302.
https://doi.org/10.1080/14763141.2020.1797150 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Equine Department, Hartpury University, Gloucester, UK.
- Equine Department, Hartpury University, Gloucester, UK.
- Equine Department, Hartpury University, Gloucester, UK.
- Equine Department, Hartpury University, Gloucester, UK.
MeSH Terms
- Humans
- Biomechanical Phenomena
- Posture
- Walking
- Gait
- Pelvis
Citations
This article has been cited 4 times.- Becard B, Sapone M, Martin P, Hanne-Poujade S, Babu A, Hébert C, Joly P, Bertucci W, Houel N. Quantification of the Effect of Saddle Fitting on Rider-Horse Biomechanics Using Inertial Measurement Units. Sensors (Basel) 2025 Jul 30;25(15).
- Best R, Williams JM, Pearce J. The Physiological Requirements of and Nutritional Recommendations for Equestrian Riders. Nutrients 2023 Nov 30;15(23).
- Hobbs SJ, Alexander J, Wilkins C, St George L, Nankervis K, Sinclair J, Penhorwood G, Williams J, Clayton HM. Towards an Evidence-Based Classification System for Para Dressage: Associations between Impairment and Performance Measures. Animals (Basel) 2023 Aug 31;13(17).
- Hobbs SJ, Serra Braganca FM, Rhodin M, Hernlund E, Peterson M, Clayton HM. Evaluating Overall Performance in High-Level Dressage Horse-Rider Combinations by Comparing Measurements from Inertial Sensors with General Impression Scores Awarded by Judges. Animals (Basel) 2023 Aug 2;13(15).
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