Analysis of the effect of horseback riding exercise equipment on the human body

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of indoor horseback riding exercise equipment on the human body. Subjects performed horseback riding exercise using Slim-Rider. We used human body effect methods to analyze the exercise effect. We classified the effects into flexibility, muscle strengthening, and muscular reaction. Twenty male and 20 female subjects were included. They had no experience with horseback riding as an exercise and no medical history of falling. Subjects exercised 40 min/day 3 days per week for 4 weeks in a constant temperature and humidity environment. Once per week, we conducted the body-effect measurements. We measured forward trunk flexion and backward trunk extension to verify improvements in flexibility. We measured lumbar joint torque using the BIODEX System3 to verify improvements in muscle strength and reaction. The flexibility results showed that indices of forward trunk flexion and backward trunk extension were higher after exercise than those before exercise, suggesting that the stimulated three-dimensional movement of the horseback riding exercise activated joints and muscles not usually used. Besides, the continuous movement of horseback riding can reduce muscle tonus and relax stiff muscles. The muscle strengthening and muscular reaction results showed that peak lumbar joint torque was higher after exercise than that before exercise. Horseback riding exercise stimulates sensory and motor nerves, which improved muscle reaction. We found that horseback riding exercise using indoor equipment improved flexibility, muscle strength, and muscular reaction. We suggest that indoor horseback riding could provide exercise for patients undergoing rehabilitation or treatment.