Interesting articles by lewis et al 2017 and 2018 re sj and dressage riders in pain..
If you’re a rider in pain - seek an assessment with your Physio or GP. Assistant Pop and I are always happy to help.. or at least point you in the right direction.
50 elite female dressage riders competing Small or Big Tour at Hartpury Festival of Dressage CDI *** responses to lewis et al pain Questionnaire:
Age range: 19-52
Results:
o 74% of elite dressage riders competed whilst experiencing back pain
o 54% had past medical history of fractures and/or dislocations
o Of the 74% with back pain:
§ 62% classified as chronic pain
o Other painful regions included hips (8%), ankle (8%), shoulder (5%).
o 51% relieved symptoms with over the counter (OTC) medication
o Rider perspective: 59% felt that pain impacted their performance
Lewis, V., & Kennerley, R. (2017). A preliminary study to investigate the prevalence of pain in elite dressage riders during competition in the United Kingdom. Journal of Comparative Exercise Physiology 13(4): 259-263
80 competitive Showjumping riders responses to lewis et al pain Questionnaire:
Mean age 23 years, 89% female.
Results:
o 59% were experiencing pain
§ 67% chronic pain
§ 85% pain in the lower back and neck
§ 47% knee pain
§ 36% ankle pain
o Median duration of pain 2-5 years! depending on region.
o Only 15% reportedly had a medical diagnosis
o 67% OTC medication
o Only 25% utilised an exercise program
o 85% perceived pain impacted their riding performance.
Lewis, V., Dumbell, L., & Magnoni, F. (2018). A preliminary study to investigate the prevalence of pain in competitive showjumping equestrian athletes. J Phy Fit Treatment & Sportsl 4(3): 555637.
my 2 cents worth:
From these studies and many others, it is apparent that the incidence of lower back pain in riders is much higher then in the non-riding population. Dressage riders appear to be even more likely to experience lower back pain than other equestrian disciplines. There are many theories as to why this is… A blog for another day..
These studies highlight the chronic (persistent) nature of painful problems that plague riders.
Concerningly, the majority of riders in these studies did not have a medical diagnosis for their painful problem, and most were not seeking any treatment/management/exercise program for their issues. Instead, majority of riders in pain in these studies were self medicating with over the counter medication - sadly an all too common story.
I’m sure if the riders horse had a lameness issue or a sore back, it would be seen by the vet, physio, saddle fitter etc and a diagnosis and management plan would be implemented ASAP. The rider athlete should be receiving evidence based care too - with an active management plan in place. For the sake of riders health, wellbeing, quality of life, let alone performance and longevity in the saddle, the “she’ll be right” attitude should be buried in the sand and our heads extracted whilst we are at it.