ORIGINAL ARTICLES   

Gazzetta Medica Italiana Archivio per le Scienze Mediche 2013 September;172(9):697-704

Copyright © 2013 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA

language: English

Physiological effects of horse riding relative to the duration of the riding program

Oh W. Y. ¹, Kang O. D. ², Choi Y. L. ³, Ryew C. C. ⁴

¹ National Institute of Animal Science Rural Development Administration Suwon, South Korea; ² Horse Resources Research Institute Jeju, South Korea; ³ National Institute of Animal Science Rural Development Administration Seonghwan, South Korea; ⁴ Department of Exercise and Sport Science Jeju National University, Jeju, South Korea

Aim: The aim of this study was to elucidate the physiological effects of horse riding as obtained from incremental exercise tests on a treadmill.
Methods: Nine riders participated in a horse riding program. The riders, divided into obese (n=4) and normal groups (n=5), took part in the program for a total of 24 weeks. Incremental exercise tests were performed after 1 week (pretest), 12 weeks (post test I) and 24 weeks (post test II).
Results: As a result, horse riding program of 24 weeks was more effective in the obese group than normal group. There was significant improvement in ventilation (VE), oxygen uptake (VO2), and energy expenditure in the obese group (P<0.05). The aerobic exercise capacity in terms of energy expenditure showed a significant difference statistically (P<0.05) in the maximal value for the obese group. Also, normal group was slightly increased, but no significant differences.
Conclusion: These results were demonstrated that participation of regular horse riding program may be induced positive effect in physiological factors both obese and normal groups. Riding horses 2 hours per day could improve the aerobic exercise capacity and help reduce obesity. Further studies related to horse riding should consider the variability in the energy costs of horse riding induced by different breeds of horses.