Rider Posture Research

The University of Sunderland has been carrying out research into the effect that hip flexion and pelvis rotation has on lower back pain and injury in horse riders. Drawing together on a variety of expertise, the computer science faculty has worked in partnership with sports physiotherapists and the Saddle Research Trust to develop software to evaluate riders’ posture.

The results have been very useful. They have learnt that it is important to consider the rider’s posture dynamically. The presence of asymmetry in the rider’s hip flexion would seem to be indicative of another risk factor for lower back injury. As always any imbalance or misalignment through the body has the potential to cause problems. However any sort of biofeedback can be an excellent tool for riders and coaches to help resolve misalignment issues and help riders to remain healthy and balanced. It is hoped that this will be further developed into an excellent training tool.

A paper from the work achieved so far has been accepted for publication into the Journal of Sports Technology. Gandy, E.A., Bondi, A., Pigott, T.M.C. & Smith, G. “Investigation of the use of inertial sensing equipment for the measurement of hip flexion and pelvic rotation in horse riders”.