Thursday 1 January 2009

2.0. Planning and Design

This longitudinal factorial design experimental research investigates the effects of horse back riding on trained control and untrained experimental subjects. The former group of trained subjects acts as case studies and will be observed and measured over duration of 3 months (phase 1) while the latter group of untrained subjects will be introduced to horseback riding and undergo experimental intervention for health and fitness goals, over a period of 12 months (phase 2). Based on outcome of the descriptive research data collected from case studies subjects, a fitness riding program will be designed and implemented on the group of untrained experimental subjects.

In summary, the research process involves:
Phase 1: Observational control case study documenting the fitness and wellness effects of horseback riding on trained subjects (riding experience and frequency)
Phase 2: Data processing & development of ‘Fitness Riding’ (FRP) exercise program
Phase 3: Implementation of FRP longitudinal experimental study on untrained subjects

The areas for investigation include:
1. Cardiovascular effects on riders (trained and untrained) during different riding gaits: walk, sitting trot, rising trot and canter. Calorie expenditure will be predicted with reference to the ‘ACSM guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription, Leisure Activities in METs’ (1995).
2. Postural and balance factors resulting from core musculature reciprocation
3. Muscular Endurance
4. Fitness Riding exercise program design in accordance with the current American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) established guidelines
5. Effects of Fitness Riding exercise program on experimental subjects

No comments: