Validation of a Low Cost Horse Saddle Stabilometric Platform to Analyze the Rider’s Balance

Abstract

The purpose was to create a stabilometric platform to analyze the rider's balance. After anatomical and saddle's mark study, four bones support points representing the rider's base were determined, that will allow the construction of our rider posture diagnostic aid platform. The sensors profile was realized and the stirrups dynamometers were calibrated through an extensometry study. To validate by comparison with a stabilometric platform (OIML 6000 sensors), one series of 28 observations under the same conditions were carried out (the two platforms adjusted one on the other), statistical analyses on the X and Y axis were performed with normality distribution test (S-W), t test and non-parametric Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test (p-value > 0.05). To analyze our two methods of measuring the centre of pressure position, a Bland-Altman analysis has been plotted and the intra class correlation value computed. The Bland-Altman graph showed a small bias value (-0.4 ± 0.8mm) with acceptable limits of agreement for rider balance analyses. The results of the present study suggested that the new platform was accurate and reliable and could be used for further prospective studies in order to optimize the rider's posture and preserve the horse's health.