1.1. Cardiovascular fitness and health issues

Cardiovascular training has been well documented to provide health and fitness benefits through adaptations within the central and peripheral circulatory systems. The ability to perform prolonged sub-maximal exercise (VO2max) is the only objective measure of cardiorespiratory fitness which is used in studies of cardiovascular fitness. Studies by Kaeferlein et al (1998) showed that aerobic type exercise conducted three times weekly over 20 weeks significantly improved heart rate variability and VO2max in subjects having initially lower VO2max. Heart rate variability, a parasympathetic activity indicator which is positively associated with cardiovascular fitness, is calculated as a square root of the mean square of the differences. It has also been shown to correlate positively with lactate threshold (Lima and Kiss, 1998), suggesting that heart rate response may be a reliable indicator of training intensity. Hence, heart rate response during horseback riding is monitored over different riding gaits to indicate training intensity in trained control subjects and untrained experimental subjects. The experimental group of untrained subjects would undergo an introductory course in basic riding skills in order to reduce initial feelings of anxiety that may influence heart rate response to the physical activity.

A BALANCING ACT

Balance is a crucial foundation for movement. The body’s centre of gravity is dynamic and changes throughout every degree within the range of movement. This is influenced by the complexity or number of joint recruitment, body mass, anatomical body position, speed of movement and individual physiological status. Greater emphasis is being placed on synergistic muscles that provide for a strong framework and base for human movement and acceleration. Training for maximal stabilisation during dynamic movement could address greater facilitation of the body’s neuromuscular system. Using the fitball with rubber resistance provides for greater core musculature recruitment along with the benefits of muscular strength and endurance. An advanced workout for most people, beginners should first practice dynamic positioning while maintaining neutral spinal alignment on the fitball without added resistance.

ABSTRACT

THE TRAINING EFFECTS OF HORSEBACK RIDING & ITS IMPLICATION ON FITNESS & WELLNESS PROGRAMS

Lee, Yoon Sim – Irene.
Email: irene@fitpro.com.my. Phd. Sports Science, Open University Malaysia

Purpose: Horse back riding is often perceived as a low metabolic physical activity. Limited research is available documenting the training effects specific to this form of activity although it is widely implemented by the internationally established ‘Riding for the Disabled Association’ (RDA) through its rehabilitative therapy programs designed for individuals suffering from neuromuscular dysfunction. This research attempts to demonstrate significant findings in core musculature stabilization and neuromuscular improvement which may be of added value for the prehabilitative implementation into a fitness and wellness program designed towards positive weight control and back health. Methods: 2 groups of non-randomised heterogeneous volunteer subjects (N=100) aged > 18 years from within the Klang Valley will participate in this observational and experimental research. The first group comprising trained subjects (n=50) from various riding clubs with a minimum of 1 year riding experience will be treated as case studies in a qualitative, factorial design observational study documenting the training effects of horseback riding. Control subjects will be categorized according to years of experience (1-2 and >3 years) and frequency of riding (1-2 and >3 times/week). Dependent factors to be measured include heart rate responses using heart rate monitors during different riding gaits of walking, sitting trot, rising trot and cantering. Subjects will be tested to measure various components of fitness including core stability through the Sharpened Rhomberg balance test, cardiovascular fitness using the Queen’s college step test, body composition using the 3-sites Jackson and Pollock skinfold caliper protocol, muscular endurance using the maximal push up and abdominal crunch tests and hamstring flexibility through supine range of motion at the hip joint with extended knees. The second group comprising untrained subjects (n=50) will undergo a controlled, longitudinal experimental research study documenting the pre and post intervention training effects of a basic fitness riding program over 6 months. Mixed factorial, within subject, repeated measures design ANOVA tests will be used to investigate the main effects on multiple factors at baseline and subsequently on a monthly basis upon commencement of experimental intervention on test subjects and during horseback riding at various gaits on control and test subjects. Paired t-tests for dependent factors will be used to compare differences from baseline and at monthly intervals. Outcome: It is hoped that the information generated from these findings will suggest and support horseback riding as an alternative form of physical activity that may be undertaken for fitness goals other than just a competitive sport.