http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-itLcBFp86fQ/TdBs1jIAuMI/AAAAAAAAAE8/SIijf8ychW4/s1600/srtath2.jpg
A continuum in education exists between the earliest beginning rider and the most advanced elite rider. A large factor in both the developing athlete and the elite athlete is the establishment of physical symmetry. This matches what has been seen in many other sports. For example this sort of effect is seen in elite runners (Cavanagh et. al. 2007), volleyball (Wang and Cochrane 2001) and even Cricket (Hides et. al. 2008). However, this is not just an issue associated with performance, as noted in the previous papers it is a risk factor for injury to the athlete. This is true in equestrian sports for both the rider and the horse.
The outside support on this project will be extensive with help being available from Dr. Robert Causey D.V.M, Ph.D. (UMaine), Dr. Lars Roepstorff (Swedish University of Agriculture) and Dr. Liz Depoy (University of Maine)
Cavanagh, P. R., M. L. Pollock, et al. (1977). "A Biomechanical Ccomparison of Eilte and Good Distance Runners" Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences 301(1): 328-345.
Wang HK, Cochrane T., "Mobility impairment, muscle imbalance, muscle weakness, scapular asymmetry and shoulder injury in elite volleyball athletes". J. Sports Med Phys Fitness. 2001 Sep;41(3):403-10
Hides J, Stanton W, Freke M, Wilson S, McMahon S, Richardson C, MRI study of the size, symmetry and function of the trunk muscles among elite cricketers with and without low back pain.Br J Sports Med. 2008 Oct;42(10):809-13
# Project Team Selection Complete: September 1, 2011
# First Revised Milestones Submitted: September 8, 2011
# Design Notebook Initial sign-off: September 13, 2011
# First web page goes live with introductory page and menu on left. Page must include resumes, individual photos and milestones: October 4, 2011, 4 pm.
# Milestone review: October 25, 2011
# Draft Midterm Report: November 30th , 2011
# Midterm Report due as a PDF posted as a completed web page: December 8th, 5 pm
# Lab Cleanup & Infrastructure Project Completed: Maine Day, April 25, 2012
# Open House -- Review of Projects, April 26, 2012, Afternoon
# Final Web Page submitted, for review during final exam period: Monday May 3rd, 2011 Noon