Overview
This study aims to investigate the effects of regular outdoor horseback riding on lower extremity muscle strength, core stabilization, balance, functional movement capacity, sleep quality, and overall well-being in healthy adults. Participants with at least 6 months of routine outdoor horseback riding will be compared to non-riders to evaluate differences in physical performance and functional capacity. The study will provide evidence on the potential health benefits of horseback riding.
Description
This observational study will include two groups: a horseback riding group (n=32) and a non-riding control group (n=32). Participants in the riding group must have engaged in outdoor horseback riding at least once per week for a minimum of 6 months. The control group will consist of healthy individuals who do not participate in regular physical activity. At baseline, all participants will undergo the following assessments: Demographic information Lower extremity muscle strength using a digital dynamometer Core stabilization (plank test) Functional movement screening (FMS) Balance assessment (Y-Balance Test Lower Quarter, Modified Functional Reach Test) Sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index) Overall health-related quality of life (SF-36) Anxiety levels (Beck Anxiety Inventory) All procedures will be performed under standardized conditions with instructions and demonstrations provided to participants. Muscle strength and functional tests will follow established protocols including repetitions, rest intervals, and safety precautions. Balance assessments will be performed barefoot, and reach distances will be normalized for leg length. Data will be analyzed to compare the physical and functional performance, balance, core stabilization, and sleep quality between horseback riders and non-riders. The results will provide insights into the effects of outdoor horseback riding on physical health and functional capacity in healthy adults.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
Age between 18 and 65 years. Regular outdoor horseback riding for at least 6 months (minimum once per week). Voluntary participation and signed informed consent. Healthy individuals without chronic musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, or neurological diseases.
Cognitive ability to understand instructions and communicate.
Exclusion Criteria:
Any orthopedic, neurological, cardiovascular, or respiratory disease. Diagnosed sleep disorder, anxiety, depression, or other psychiatric conditions. Major surgery within the past 6 months. Pregnancy. Physical or cognitive conditions preventing completion of study protocols. Inability to comply with test procedures or cooperate during assessments.