Electromyographic Analysis of Exercises on a Gymnastic Horse and a Walking Horse: A Pilot Study

Featured Application Improving the riding seat with the help of exercises simulating the effect of a living horse would represent a considerable benefit for beginner riders. In studies testing the effect of hippotherapy on the human body, no one has yet compared the involvement of the same specific muscles in exercises on a gymnastic (pommel) horse vs. a walking horse. To improve the correct riding seat and to compare the differences in electromyographic activity, we conducted an experimental study to measure the activity of selected muscles on a set of probands of both sexes during three exercises on a gymnastic horse vs. a walking horse. We measured the activity of eight selected muscles, expressed as the percentage value of the maximal voluntary contraction. Maximal voluntary contraction of each muscle was electromyographically measured using Janda's strength muscle test. These values were used as a standard for values obtained from exercising on a gymnastic horse and a walking horse. The effect of the studied factors was tested by analysis of variance. The muscle activity was statistically significantly affected by the studied factors. It was higher when riding a living horse than a gymnastic horse and in females compared to males. Although the exercises on a gymnastic horse generated lower muscle activity than those on a walking horse, there was a variation among individual muscles that justified further study.