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Physiological Demands of Eventing and Performance Related Fitness in Female Horse Riders

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Physiological Demands of Eventing and Performance Related Fitness in Female Horse Riders Physiological Demands of Eventing and Performance Related Fitness in Female Horse Riders J. Douglas A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the University’s requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy 2017 University of Worcester ! DECLARATION I declare that this thesis is a presentation of my own original research work and all the written work and investigations are entirely my own. Wherever contributions of others are involved, this is clearly acknowledged and referenced. I declare that no portion of the work referred to in this thesis has been submitted for another degree or qualification of any comparable award at this or any other university or other institution of learning. Signed: Date: I ! ABSTRACT Introduction: Scientific investigations to determine physiological demands and performance characteristics in sports are integral and necessary to identify general fitness, to monitor training progress, and for the development, prescription and execution of successful training interventions. To date, there is minimal evidence based research considering the physiological demands and physical characteristics required for the equestrian sport of Eventing. Therefore, the overarching aim of this thesis was to investigate the physiological demands of Eventing and performance related fitness in female riders. Method: The primary aim was achieved upon completion of three empirical studies. Chapter Three: Anthropometric and physical fitness characteristics and training and competition practices of Novice, Intermediate and Advanced level female Event riders were assessed in a laboratory based physical fitness test battery. Chapter Four: The physiological demands and physical characteristics of Novice level female event riders throughout the three phases of Novice level one-day Eventing (ODE) were assessed in a competitive Eventing environment. Chapter Five: The physiological demands and muscle activity of riders on live horses in a variety of equine gaits and rider positions utilised during a novice ODE, including jumping efforts, was assessed in a novel designed live horse exercise test. Results: Chapter Three reported that aside from isometric endurance, riders anthropometric and physical fitness characteristics are not influenced by competitive level of Event riding. Asymmetrical development in isometric leg strength was reported with increased levels of performance; riders reported below average balance and hamstring flexibility responses indicating limited pelvic and ankle stability, and tightness in the hamstring and lower back. Chapter Four reports that physiological strain based upon heart rate during Eventing competition is considerable and close to maximal, however blood lactate data was not supportive of this supposition. Chapter Five reports that during horse riding, riders are exposed to intermittent and prolonged isometric muscle work. During horse-riding, riders have an elevated heart rate compared to the oxygen requirements for the activity, in addition to moderate blood lactate concentrations. II ! Conclusion: This thesis indicates that the most physiologically demanding aspect of Event riding is the light seat canter and where jumping efforts are introduced. During these positions and gait combinations, heart rate is elevated compared to oxygen uptake. Additionally, moderate blood lactate (BLa) concentrations are reported suggesting though cardiac strain is high, physical demands are moderate. The use of heart rate as a marker of exercise intensity during horse riding activities is not appropriate as it is not reflective of actual physiologic demand and BLa may be a more indicative marker of exercise intensity for equestrian investigations. There are many factors that may affect heart rate as discussed throughout the thesis, such as cognitive anxiety, heat stress and isometric muscle work. The data from this thesis speculates that the elevated heart rate is in part affected by isometric muscle work; similar physiological profiles exist in sports such as Sailing and are attributed to the quasi isometric theory. Though this thesis is not able to comprehensively conclude that physiological responses are a direct result of quasi isometrics, the data set does infer this may be a potential contributor and as such is a recommended topic for future research. Regardless of the causal mechanism, riders should be conditioned to tolerate high heart rates to enable optimal physical preparation for competition; the physical characteristics and physiological demands placed upon Event riders reported throughout this thesis provides information for coaches and trainers to consider when designing such interventions. III ! ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS There has been a huge support network available to me throughout the PhD process; from an academic standpoint I wish to thank my Director of Studies, Prof. Derek. M. Peters and Dr. Mike Price for their feedback and support. I would like to thank the staff at the Institute of Sport and Exercise Sciences, University of Worcester for their support and patience, I would like to particularly thank Colin Hill, for ongoing support and technical assistance. I would additionally like to thank Hartpury College for support and use of facilities. Thank you to Polar EU for the support of this research by supplying the project with heart rate monitors. Importantly, I would like to specifically thank all those who acted as participants in the enclosed chapters (human and equine), you have all taught me a great deal – thank you for your time and energy! This PhD has come with me through a nearly a decade of my life, saw me get married, birth two beautiful children, and move through three countries. As such, there are so many people that have impacted and supported me on this journey that I cannot name everyone, but if you are reading this and know me personally, please know I value your support. To Lee, Connor and Euan, I appreciate your patience and support throughout this entire journey. To my family, thank you for your support and inspiration, for the stubborn gene, for endless enthusiasm, for installing a good work ethic, and of course, a passion for equestrian sports. To my friends, thanks for every hug, every necessary glass of wine and installing the PP mentality, there are far too many of you to name, but you will know who you are! To all my office friends I will always look back on early PhD days fondly, it is good to know there are other people as crazy as I to embark such academic journeys! IV ! TABLE OF CONTENTS DECLARATION ............................................................................................................... I ABSTRACT ..................................................................................................................... II TABLE OF CONTENTS ................................................................................................. V LIST OF TABLES ......................................................................................................... VII LIST OF FIGURES ........................................................................................................ IX GLOSSARY, UNITS & ABBREVIATIONS ................................................................. X THESIS RESEARCH DISSEMINATION .................................................................... XII CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION ............................................................................... 1 1.1 Purpose of the Research .......................................................................................... 3 1.2 Research Aims and Objectives ............................................................................... 4 1.3 Delimitations ........................................................................................................... 4 THESIS OVERVIEW ....................................................................................................... 5 CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW ................................................................... 7 2.1 The Equestrian Sport Context ................................................................................. 7 2.2 Intricacies of the Equestrian Sport of Eventing .................................................... 12 2.3 Equestrian Specific Research Literature ............................................................... 14 2.4 Performance Related Fitness ................................................................................. 41 2.5 Sports Specific Physiological Testing .................................................................. 45 2.6 Factors Affecting Physiological Mechanisms ...................................................... 49 2.7 Summary ............................................................................................................... 59 CHAPTER THREE: ANTHROPOMETRIC, PHYSICAL FITNESS CHARACTERISTICS AND THE TRAINING AND COMPETITION PRACTICES OF NOVICE, INTERMEDIATE AND ADVANCED EVENT RIDERS ........................... 61 3.1 Introduction ........................................................................................................... 61 3.2 Methods................................................................................................................. 64 3.3 Results ................................................................................................................... 80 3.4 Discussion ............................................................................................................. 87 3.5 Conclusion
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