Investigating the effect of lateralization of the arms and hands in horseback riding on selected physical fitness parameters

The motor performance levels of athletes participating in any sport may vary depending on the sport they choose based on their abilities. This diversity means that athletes' skills and abilities may vary according to specific characteristics. Motor skill level and abilities are also important in horseback riding, which involve riding a different animal. The assessment of athletes' motor performance levels is important in terms of maintaining age-related muscle strength, improving balance, and comparing physical fitness parameters in individuals involved in horseback riding. Furthermore, the examination of the effects on hand-arm lateralization and asymmetry demonstrates that motor performance parameters play a critical role in training high-level equestrian athletes. Accordingly, the aim of this study is to reveal the effect of horseback riding on these variables by comparing the coordination and specific physical fitness parameters of novice equestrian athletes and experienced riders during reaching movements that require proprioceptive perception. Within the scope of the research conducted for this purpose, the Nevşehir Gendarmerie Horse and Dog Training Center Command, 11 horseback riding candidates aged 24-35, including 2 women and 9 men, who were new to horseback riding and had certain physical activities, and 11 riders aged 29-46, including 2 women and 9 men, who had at least 5 years of riding experience, were compared. In the evaluation of physical fitness parameters, athletes' lower extremity strength and explosive power levels were examined using the Vertical Jump Test with the Countermovement Jump (CMJ) on the Optojump system. The Y Balance Test was administered to determine balance levels. Motor performance levels were examined using the Kinereach system during a reaching movement based on proprioceptive perception; this test was designed to evaluate participants' motor performance capacities based on their proprioceptive senses. During the application, the speed, accuracy, and linearity of the movement were measured, and lateralization levels were analyzed by comparing right and left hand performance. Motor performance measurements for a total of 22 athletes participating in the study were subjected to statistical analysis using a 2x2 mixed model ANOVA with 2 groups (experienced x novice) x 2 hands (right x left). All participants were found to be right-handed and right-footed according to the Edinburgh Handedness Test and the Revised Waterloo Footedness Test. The independent samples t-test was used in the analysis of the Y Balance Test and the Vertical Jump Test. According to the research findings, significant differences were detected in the motor performance parameters of the experienced rider group. Experienced riders demonstrated higher performance in terms of accuracy and linearity compared to athletes new to horseback riding. However, no significant difference was found between the groups in terms of balance and explosive strength values. Although the average age of experienced riders was higher than that of beginners in the study, no statistically significant difference was found in physical fitness parameters. These findings highlight the importance of horseback riding in maintaining physical fitness levels, sustaining muscle strength, and developing explosive strength, balance, and coordination skills. In this context, the effect of horseback riding on hand-arm lateralization and selected physical fitness parameters was examined and discussed in detail.