Are physiological attributes of jockeys predictors of falls? A pilot study

Abstract

ObjectivesThis pilot study describes the physiological attributes of jockeys and track-work riders in Tasmania and investigates whether these attributes are associated with falls.MethodsAll jockeys and track-work riders licensed in Tasmania were invited to participate. The study group consisted of eight jockeys (two female, six male) and 20 track-work riders (14 female, six male). Measures of anthropometry, balance, reaction time, isometric strength, vertical jump, glycolytic and aerobic fitness, flexibility and body composition were conducted. Tests were designed to assess specific aspects of rider fitness and performance relevant to horse racing. For a subset of participants (n=14), the authors obtained information on falls and injuries. The authors used Poisson regression to estimate incidence rate ratios.ResultsJockeys had better balance, a faster mean reaction time, a lower fatigue index and a higher estimated V.O2max than their track-work riding counterparts. Jockeys were also younger and smaller in stature than track-work riders, and when differences in body mass were taken into account, they had a greater muscular strength and muscular (alactic) power. Important factors found to be associated with falls were lower aerobic and anaerobic fitness, greater muscular strength and power, and riding with the full foot in the stirrup irons compared with riding on the ball of the foot.ConclusionThis pilot study shows that physiological attributes of jockeys and track-work riders can predict their risk of falling and are measurable using methods feasible for large-scale fieldwork.

The association between jockey experience and race-day falls in flat racing in Australia

“…Additional information—such as previous skills and knowledge obtained while working with horses prior to commencing their apprenticeship, experience gained through track-work riding and barrier trial rides, and on career history including sanctions for careless riding—would have strengthened this study. Further, as noted previously,10 information was not available on physiological attributes of the jockeys—such as aerobic and anaerobic fitness—which, in our pilot study of jockeys and track-work riders,13 were found to be potentially important predictors of falls. Furthermore, extraneous factors such as the size of the crowd at the race meeting could also be important confounders or effect modifiers, especially where the jockey is less experienced and/or the horse is less accomplished.…”

“…Most importantly, indicators of lesser accomplished horses were found to modify (by increasing) the hazard of falls for lesser experienced jockeys, further highlighting the need to investigate specific skills that experienced riders use when riding inexperienced horses as we have previously noted10 and the need for a thorough study of the physiological attributes—including fitness, strength and riding style—of successful riders 13. Several Principal Racing Authorities of Australia already have policies or local rules in place that restrict apprentice jockeys from riding 2-year-old or unraced horses until the apprentice has ridden in a prescribed number of official races or barrier trials or has otherwise satisfied the stipendiary stewards.…”

The External Workload of Thoroughbred Horse Racing Jockeys

“…Lack of conditioning may not only be an obstacle to a jockey's progression in the industry but an important factor in their risk of falling from the horse and thus potentially sustaining career ending injuries [4,28,29]. This observational study provides an initial external workload from which further research is required to understand the current level of training (internal and external workloads) undertaken by apprentices and jockeys and to determine whether it is sufficient to meet the demands of the sport.…”

Strength and Reaction Time Capabilities of New Zealand Polo Players and Their Association with Polo Playing Handicap

“…the New Zealand Polo Association) and reviewed annually; therefore, it could not be manipulated by the researchers. The dependent variables of interest were selected as strength assessments related to horse riding skill or body position (hand grip; isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP)) and mimicked the dynamic requirements of Polo (reaction time) [8,9].…”

“…Horse riding requires physical strength through both the upper and lower limbs, general cardiovascular endurance, balance, reaction time and flexibility [8,9], with these elements further complicated by the grips, sudden accelerations / decelerations, and reaction times required when the dynamic and unpredictable demands of Polo gameplay are introduced. The need to identify, train, and evaluate the physical attributes required for effective and safe Polo performance is crucial [10], as players may be exposed to speeds exceeding 60km/h and distances upwards of 5km per chukka [1,11] which potentiates a variety of risks and potential for injury [1].…”