Self-Reported Physical Activity and Perception of Athleticism in American Equestrian Athletes

in Journal of Physical Activity and Health

Click name to view affiliation

Michaela M. Keener Sports Medicine Research Institute, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA

Search for other papers by Michaela M. Keener in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed Close
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6525-8238 *
,
Kimberly I. Tumlin College of Public Health, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA

Search for other papers by Kimberly I. Tumlin in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed Close
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7319-8175
, and
Deirdre Dlugonski Sports Medicine Research Institute, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA

Search for other papers by Deirdre Dlugonski in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed Close
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7030-8348
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1123/jpah.2022-0398
Keywords:
horseback riding; sport; professional; recreational; amateur; activity benefits
First Published Online:
20 Jan 2023
In Print:
Volume 20: Issue 3
Page Range:
169–179
Restricted access

Background: Over 75% of American adults are not meeting aerobic and muscular physical activity recommendations, with the majority being females. Equestrian activities are a potential avenue to increase physical activity, especially in females who account for approximately 90% of sport participants. This study describes perceptions of equestrian activities and establishes the patterns of self-reported equestrian, barn work, and nonequestrian physical activity engagement to understand participation in activities that may sustain physical activity across the lifespan. Methods: American equestrians (n = 2551) completed an anonymous online survey with questions about perceptions and benefits of equestrian activities, demographics, and engagement in equestrian activities, barn work, and nonequestrian activities. Results: There were 2039 completed responses, (95.6% female), with representation from all regions of the United States. Professionals (20.6%), amateurs (39.1%), and recreational (40.3%) comprised participation status. Significantly fewer recreational participants perceived equestrian as physical activity and as a sport than amateurs (P < .05) and professionals (P < .05). Engagement in equestrian and barn work physical activity was significantly higher in professionals (P < .0001), followed by amateurs (P < .0001), with the lowest in recreational equestrians (P = .001). Professional and amateur equestrians engaged in significantly more nonequestrian physical activity than recreational participants (P < .05). Conclusions: Equestrian physical activity engagement is dependent on the status of participation. Equestrian, barn work, and nonequestrian physical activity do meet physical activity aerobic and muscular recommendations and should be encouraged as a physical activity for females across the lifespan.

Supplementary Materials

    • Supplementary Material (PDF 272 KB)
  • Collapse
  • Expand

Journal of Physical Activity and Health

Cover Journal of Physical Activity and Health
  • 1.

    Malm CB, Jakobsson J, Isaksson A. Physical activity and sports real health benefits: a review with insight into the public health of Sweden. Sports. 2019;7(5):127. doi:10.3390/sports7050127

    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 2.

    Engeroff T, Vogt L, Fleckenstein J, et al. Lifespan leisure physical activity profile, brain plasticity and cognitive function in old age. Aging Ment Health. 2019;23(7):811–818. PubMed ID: 29293024 doi:10.1080/13607863.2017.1421615

    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 3.

    Busch AM, Ciccolo JT, Puspitasari AJ, Nosrat S, Whitworth JW, Stults-Kolehmainen MA. Preferences for exercise as a treatment for depression. Ment Health Phys Act. 2016;10:68–72. PubMed ID: 27453730 doi:10.1016/j.mhpa.2015.12.004

    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 4.

    Bogaert I, De Martelaer K, Deforche B, Clarys P, Zinzen E. Associations between different types of physical activity and teachers’ perceived mental, physical, and work-related health. BMC Public Health. 2014;14(1):534. doi:10.1186/1471-2458-14-534

    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 5.

    Reiner M, Niermann C, Jekauc D, Woll A. Long-term health benefits of physical activity—A systematic review of longitudinal studies. BMC Public Health. 2013;13(1):1–9. doi:10.1186/1471-2458-13-813

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 6.

    Goldberg JH, King AC. Physical activity and weight management across the lifespan. Annu Rev Public Health. 2007;28(1):145–170. doi:10.1146/annurev.publhealth.28.021406.144105

    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 7.

    Warburton DER. Health benefits of physical activity: the evidence. Can Med Assoc J. 2006;174(6):801–809. PubMed ID: 16534088 doi:10.1503/cmaj.051351

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 8.

    Hughes VA, Frontera WR, Wood M, et al. Longitudinal muscle strength changes in older adults: influence of muscle mass, physical activity, and health. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. 2001;56(5):B209–B217. PubMed ID: 11320101 doi:10.1093/gerona/56.5.B209

    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 9.

    Zenko Z, Willis EA, White DA. Proportion of adults meeting the 2018 physical activity guidelines for Americans according to accelerometers. Front Public Health. 2019;7:135–135. PubMed ID: 31231627 doi:10.3389/fpubh.2019.00135

    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 10.

    Piercy KL, Troiano RP, Ballard RM, et al. The physical activity guidelines for Americans. JAMA. 2018;320(19):2020–2028. PubMed ID: 30418471 doi:10.1001/jama.2018.14854

    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 11.

    Piercy KL, Troiano RP. Physical activity guidelines for Americans from the US department of health and human services: cardiovascular benefits and recommendations. Circ Cardiovasc Qual Outcomes. 2018;11(11):e005263. PubMed ID: 30571339 doi:10.1161/CIRCOUTCOMES.118.005263

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 12.

    Holt N, Talbot M. Lifelong Engagement in Sport and Physical Activity: Participation and Performance Across The Lifespan. Routledge; 2011.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 13.

    Hirvensalo M, Lintunen T. Life-course perspective for physical activity and sports participation. Eur Rev Aging Phys Act. 2011;8(1):13–22. doi:10.1007/s11556-010-0076-3

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 14.

    Allender S, Cowburn G, Foster C. Understanding participation in sport and physical activity among children and adults: a review of qualitative studies. Health Educ Res. 2006;21(6):826–835. PubMed ID: 16857780 doi:10.1093/her/cyl063

    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 15.

    Guthold R, Stevens GA, Riley LM, Bull FC. Worldwide trends in insufficient physical activity from 2001 to 2016: a pooled analysis of 358 population-based surveys with 1·9 million participants. Lancet Glob Health. 2018;6(10):e1077–e1086. PubMed ID: 30193830 doi:10.1016/S2214-109X(18)30357-7

    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 16.

    American Horse Council. Economic Impact Study of the US Horse Industry. American Horse Council. 2018.

  • 17.

    Kilby ER. The demographics of the U.S. equine population. In: Rowan DJSAN, Ed. The state of the animals2007. Humane Society Press; 2007: 175–205.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 18.

    Cusatis R, Garbarski D. Different domains of physical activity: the role of leisure, housework/care work, and paid work in socioeconomic differences in reported physical activity. SSM Popul Health. 2019;7:100387. PubMed ID: 31193302 doi:10.1016/j.ssmph.2019.100387

    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 19.

    Joseph RP, Ainsworth BE, Keller C, Dodgson JE. Barriers to physical activity among African American women: an integrative review of the literature. Women Health. 2015;55(6):679–699. PubMed ID: 25909603 doi:10.1080/03630242.2015.1039184

    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 20.

    Glowacki K, Duncan MJ, Gainforth H, Faulkner G. Barriers and facilitators to physical activity and exercise among adults with depression: a scoping review. Ment Health Phys Act. 2017;13:108–119. doi:10.1016/j.mhpa.2017.10.001

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 21.

    Herazo-Beltrán Y, Pinillos Y, Vidarte J, Crissien E, Suarez D, García R. Predictors of perceived barriers to physical activity in the general adult population: a cross-sectional study. Braz J Phys Ther. 2017;21(1):44–50. PubMed ID: 28442074 doi:10.1016/j.bjpt.2016.04.003

    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 22.

    Reifsteck EJ, Gill DL, Brooks D. The relationship between athletic identity and physical activity among former college athletes. Athletic Insight. 2013;5(3):271–284.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 23.

    Lamont-Mills A, Christensen SA. Athletic identity and its relationship to sport participation levels. J Sci Med Sport. 2006;9(6):472–478. PubMed ID: 16765643 doi:10.1016/j.jsams.2006.04.004

    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 24.

    Bye TL, Chadwick G. Physical fitness habits and perceptions of equestrian riders. Comp Exerc Physiol. 2018;14(3):183–188. doi:10.3920/CEP180012

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 25.

    O’Reilly C, Zoller J, Sigler D, Vogelsang M, Sawyer J, Fluckey J. Rider energy expenditure during high intensity horse activity. J Equine Vet Sci. 2021;102:103463. PubMed ID: 34119194 doi:10.3390/ijerph19116394

    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 26.

    Malchrowicz-Mośko E, Wieliński D, Adamczewska K. Perceived benefits for mental and physical health and barriers to horseback riding participation. The analysis among professional and amateur athletes. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020;17(10):3736. PubMed ID: 32466221 doi:10.3390/ijerph17103736

    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 27.

    Schneider IE, Earing J, Martinson K. Revealing motivations for and conflicts associated with recreational horseback trail riding. J For. 2013;111(4):282–286. doi:10.5849/jof.12-056

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 28.

    Ainsworth BE, Haskell WL, Herrmann SD, et al. 2011 compendium of physical activities: a second update of codes and MET values. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2011;43(8):1575–1581. PubMed ID: 21681120 doi:10.1249/MSS.0b013e31821ece12

    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 29.

    Williams J, Tabor G. Rider impacts on equitation. Appl Anim Behav Sci. 2017;190:28–42. doi:10.1016/j.applanim.2017.02.019

  • 30.

    Keener MM, Tumlin KI, Heebner NR. Combined driving: task-specific position impacts grip strength of equestrian athletes. Eur Rev Aging Phys Act. 2022;19(1):1–10. doi:10.1186/s11556-021-00282-w

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 31.

    Harris PA, Taylor R, Minor BL, et al. The REDCap consortium: building an international community of software platform partners. J Biomed Inf. 2019;95:103208. PubMed ID: 31078660 doi:10.1016/j.jbi.2019.103208

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 32.

    Harris PA, Taylor R, Thielke R, Payne J, Gonzalez N, Conde JG. A metadata-driven methodology and workflow process for providing translational research informatics support. J Biomed Inform. 2009;42(2):377–381. PubMed ID: 18929686 doi:10.1016/j.jbi.2008.08.010

    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 33.

    Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Adult physical activity questions on the national health interview survey: 1975–2012. Published 2021. https://www cdc gov/nchs/data/nhis/physicalactivity/pa_questions pdf

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 34.

    Liguori G, American College of Sport Medicine. ACSM’s Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2020.

  • 35.

    Tumlin KI, Pekarchik K, Claas S. Kentucky equestrians: defining socioeconomic contexts for extension programming. J Ext. 2021;59(3):18.

  • 36.

    Smyth GB, Dagley K. Demographics of Australian horse owners: results from an internet-based survey. Aust Vet J. 2015;93(12):433–438. PubMed ID: 26769068 doi:10.1111/avj.12390

    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 37.

    Melillo KD, Williamson E, Futrell M, Chamberlain C. A self‐assessment tool to measure older adults’ perceptions regarding physical fitness and exercise activity. J Adv Nurs. 1997;25(6):1220–1226. doi:10.1046/j.1365-2648.1997.19970251220.x

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 38.

    Committee IR. Guidelines for data processing and analysis of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ)-short and long forms. Published 2005. http://www ipaq ki se/scoring pdf

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 39.

    Arnett JJ. Emerging adulthood: a theory of development from the late teens through the twenties. Am Psychol. 2000;55(5):469.

  • 40.

    Baceviciene M, Jankauskiene R, Emeljanovas A. Self-perception of physical activity and fitness is related to lower psychosomatic health symptoms in adolescents with unhealthy lifestyles. BMC Public Health. 2019;19(1):1–11. doi:10.1186/s12889-019-7311-2

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 41.

    Kiely MA, Warrington GD, Mcgoldrick A, O’loughlin G, Cullen S. Physiological demands of daily riding gaits in jockeys. J Sports Med Phys Fitness. 2018;59(3):394–398. PubMed ID: 29589413 doi:10.23736/s0022-4707.18.08196-3

    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 42.

    Kiely M, Warrington GD, McGoldrick A, Pugh J, Cullen S. Physiological demands of professional flat and jump horse racing. J Strength Cond Res. 2020;34(8):2173–2177. PubMed ID: 32735425 doi:10.1519/JSC.0000000000003677

    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 43.

    Keener MM, Fountaine CJ, Keener JR. Equestrian rider’s cardiovascular but not metabolic response during walk, trot, and canter is variable: 1417 board #70 June 2, 9. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2016;48:377–378. doi:10.1249/01.mss.0000486142.12374.d3

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 44.

    Von Lewinski M, Biau S, Erber R, et al. Cortisol release, heart rate and heart rate variability in the horse and its rider: different responses to training and performance. Vet J. 2013;197(2):229–232. PubMed ID: 23380228 doi:10.1016/j.tvjl.2012.12.025

    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 45.

    Rigby BR, Papadakis Z, Bane AA, Park JK, Grandjean PW. Cardiorespiratory and biomechanical responses to simulated recreational horseback riding in healthy children. Res Q Exerc Sport. 2015;86(1):63–70. PubMed ID: 25437748 doi:10.1080/02701367.2014.977432

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 46.

    Douglas JL, Price M, Peters DM. A systematic review of physical fitness, physiological demands and biomechanical performance in equestrian athletes. Comp Exerc Physiol. 2012;8(1):53–62. doi:10.3920/CEP12003

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 47.

    Devienne M-F, Guezennec C-Y. Energy expenditure of horse riding. Eur J Appl Physiol. 2000;82(5):499–503. doi:10.1007/s004210000207

  • 48.

    Demarie SD, Galvani C, Donatucci B, Gianfelici A. A pilot study on Italian eventing prospective Olympic horse riders physiological, anthropometrical, functional and asymmetry assessment. Cent Eur J Sport Sci Med. 2022;37:77–88. doi:10.18276/cej.2022.1-07

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 49.

    Meyers MC. Effect of equitation training on health and physical fitness of college females. Eur J Appl Physiol. 2006;98(2):177–184. PubMed ID: 16896731 doi:10.1007/s00421-006-0258-x

    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 50.

    Wright LR, Peters MD. A heart rate analysis of the cardiovascular demands of elite level competitive polo. Int J Perform Anal Sport. 2008;8(2):76–81. doi:10.1080/24748668.2008.11868437

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 51.

    O’Reilly J, Cheng HL, Poon ET-C. New insights in professional horse racing; “in-race” heart rate data, elevated fracture risk, hydration, nutritional and lifestyle analysis of elite professional jockeys. J Sports Sci. 2017;35(5):441–448. PubMed ID: 27070776 doi:10.1080/02640414.2016.1171890

    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 52.

    Yorke J, Adams C, Coady N. Therapeutic value of equine-human bonding in recovery from trauma. Anthrozoös. 2008;21(1):17–30. doi:10.2752/089279308X274038

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 53.

    le Roux M, Boyd L. ‘When he’s up there he’s just happy and content’: parents’ perceptions of therapeutic horseback riding. Afr J Disabil. 2017;6(1):1–9.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 54.

    Earles JL, Vernon LL, Yetz JP. Equine‐assisted therapy for anxiety and posttraumatic stress symptoms. J Trauma Stress. 2015;28(2):149–152. PubMed ID: 25782709 doi:10.1002/jts.21990

    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
All Time Past Year Past 30 Days
Abstract Views 877 877 135
Full Text Views 35 35 2
PDF Downloads 53 53 4