A Pilot Study on Italian Eventing Prospective Olympic Horse Riders Physiological, Anthropometrical, Functional and Asymmetry Assessment

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to measure anthropometry, isometric force, balance, functional movement quality and asymmetries and peak oxygen uptake of prospective rio 2016 Olympic games Eventing horse riders (five males and two females: age 26–41 years, height 173.0 ±8.9 cm, weight 66.4 ±11.1 kg, bMi 22.0 ±1.8 kg·m –2 , fEi ranking 33–409). Mean and maximal isometric of the hands were approximately 45 kg, and 50 kg, respectively. Total maximal isometric force of the lower limb resulted 372.6 kg for the extensor muscles, and approximately 58 kg for the adductor muscles. Mean composite functional movement score was 14.1, mean bunkie score 3.4, y-balance score 93.1 ± for the left side and 90.9 for the right one. v˙O 2 peak values ranged between 2.4 and 4.2 l·min –1 and 46.8 and 59.7 ml·kg –1 ·min –1 . The oldest and more experienced athletes had a greater postural control on the anterior direction. The athletes with a superior fEi ranking had a greater postural control. subjects had high maximal isometric strength of the hands and lower limbs, good physical functions parameters, balance and maximal aerobic power and few muscular strength and balance asymmetries. speed and technical difficulty, in which horses may compete according to their level of skill and fitness from introductory level 1* to Olympic level 5*. The modern 3-day-event is conducted over 3 or more days and is run in accordance with rules set by the fédération Equestre internationale (fEi). The cross-country day is the most physically demanding of the 3 disciplines. it is the cornerstone of Eventing, and proves the speed, endurance and jumping ability of the horse over varied terrain and solid obstacles. This phase is ridden at a gallop over 7,400 m and features solid fences (up to 45) as well as natural obstacles such as water, ditches, drops and banks. The sport of Eventing is a great all-round test of horse and rider and a tremendous examination of horsemanship and is renowned for being one of the most challenging equestrian sports for both horse and rider (roberts, shearman, Marlin, 2009). identify the anthropometric, ergonomic, functional, and physiological profiles of the prospective Eventing horse italian riders for 2016 games and to evaluate any relationship between the measured parameters and their international ranking and years of competitions. symmetry in ergonomic and functional outlines was also assessed. Three-min rest was allowed between The peak force of the lower limbs adductors was measured strain control, globus, italy) on an adductor machine. The load cell was secured in series with the sliding axis of the adductor machine seat using two chains attached to the adductor machine frame, so that the direct line of force was registered. before each trial, the load cell was reset to zero to