Assessment of core stability in equestrian riders

Core stability allows to control and properly perform movements of all body. Optimal core stability level depends on deep muscles capacity and neuromuscular control. Poor core stability is a risk factor for injury, especially during physical activity.

The purpose of this study was to examine the differences in core stability between sport and recreational horse riders and people, who don't do any sports. We hypothesized that horse riders demonstrate better core stability performance.

75 people aged 15-30 (20 recreational horse riders, 20 sport horse riders and 35 non-horse riders) was examined in 4 core stability tests. Individuals were assigned to each group based on authors questionnaire. Differences between groups were assessed by analysis of variance (ANOVA).

The study showed that sport horse riders have the best core stability. Recreational riders, who trained for shorter periods of time obtained much lower results in each test. The non-horse rider group demonstrated the worst results. There was no statistically significant relationship between the frequency of equestrian training and tests results.

Horse riding increases core stability and has a positive effect on all its parameters. The longer the equestrian training, the better core stability.