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Home / Equine Research Bank / Equine Vet J Suppl / Association of type of sport and performance level with anat...
Equine veterinary journal. Supplement2007; (36); 411-416; doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.2006.tb05578.x

Association of type of sport and performance level with anatomical site of orthopaedic injury diagnosis.

Abstract: Although anecdotal reports of increased orthopaedic injury risk in equine sports exist, there is little scientific evidence to support this. Objective: To test whether horses undertaking a single competitive sport have increased risk of specific injuries compared to those used for general purpose riding (GP); and whether injury type varies with sport category and performance level. Methods: Data from 1069 records of horses undergoing orthopaedic evaluation (1998-2003) and meeting inclusion criteria were reviewed. Sport category (GP, showjumping, dressage, eventing, racing), level (nonelite or elite) and diagnosis were recorded. Effects of sport category and level on probability of a specific diagnosis were assessed using chi-squared tests. Logistic regression was used to determine which competitive sports and levels increased risk of injury compared with GP. Results: Overall there was a significant effect of sport category and level on diagnosis (P<0.0001). There was significant difference between anatomical site injured and sport category (P<0.0001); a high risk of forelimb superficial digital flexor tendon injury in elite eventing (P<0.0001) and elite showjumping (P = 0.02); distal deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT) injury in elite showjumping (P = 0.002); and hindlimb suspensory ligament injury in elite (P<0.0001) and nonelite (P = 0.001) dressage. There was a low risk of tarsal injury in elite eventing (P = 0.01) and proximal DDFT injury in dressage (P = 0.01). Conclusions: Horses competing in different sports are predisposed to specific injuries; particular sports may increase the risk of injury at certain anatomical sites; and the type and site of injury may reflect the type and level of performance. Conclusions: These findings could guide clinicians in the diagnosis of sport related injuries.
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Publication Date: 2007-04-04 PubMed ID: 17402457DOI: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.2006.tb05578.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

This research studies the correlation between different types of sports and performance levels as indicators of specific orthopaedic injury risks in horses. The study reveals that certain competitive sports and performance levels may lead to higher chances of specific injuries compared to general-purpose riding. The findings may be beneficial for clinicians in diagnosing sport-related injuries in horses.

Research Methodology and Data Collection

  • The researchers collected data from 1,069 horses that underwent orthopaedic evaluation from 1998 till 2003. All horses met the inclusion criteria set by the researchers.
  • The sport category (general-purpose riding, showjumping, dressage, eventing, racing), performance level (non-elite or elite), and diagnosis were all documented for analysis.
  • The analysis was focused on assessing the effects of the sport category and performance level on the likelihood of a particular diagnosis.
  • The tools used for the assessment were chi-squared tests and logistic regression. Chi-squared tests were utilized to evaluate the possible relationships, and logistic regression helped in identifying which competitive sports and levels increased injury risk compared to general-purpose riding.

Key Findings

  • The study confirms a significant influence of sport category and performance level on the type of injury that may occur in horses.
  • There was a noticeable difference in the anatomical site of injury based on the sport category.
  • The research highlighted a higher risk of forelimb superficial digital flexor tendon injury in elite eventing and elite showjumping.
  • Elite showjumping also showed a greater possibility of distal deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT) injuries.
  • Elite and non-elite dressage condition had a high propensity for hindlimb suspensory ligament injuries.
  • There was a lower risk of tarsal injury in elite eventing and proximal DDFT injuries in dressage.

Significance of the Findings

  • The research illuminates how the risk of specific injuries in horses can substantially vary depending on the type of sport and the performance level of the horse.
  • This information can be extremely useful to clinicians as it guides them in accurate diagnoses of sport-related injuries in horses.
  • The understanding of potential risks and injuries can also contribute to amending training practices and prevention strategies in horse-related sports.

Cite This Article

APA
Murray RC, Dyson SJ, Tranquille C, Adams V. (2007). Association of type of sport and performance level with anatomical site of orthopaedic injury diagnosis. Equine Vet J Suppl(36), 411-416. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2042-3306.2006.tb05578.x

Publication

Equine veterinary journal. Supplement
NlmUniqueID: 9614088
Country: United States
Language: English
Issue: 36
Pages: 411-416

Researcher Affiliations

Murray, R C
  • Animal Health Trust, Lanwades Park, Kenfford, Newmarket, Suffolk, CB8 7UU, UK.
Dyson, S J
    Tranquille, C
      Adams, V

        MeSH Terms

        • Animals
        • Athletic Injuries / diagnosis
        • Athletic Injuries / etiology
        • Athletic Injuries / veterinary
        • Bone and Bones / injuries
        • Chi-Square Distribution
        • Diagnosis, Differential
        • Female
        • Horses / injuries
        • Horses / physiology
        • Logistic Models
        • Male
        • Physical Conditioning, Animal / adverse effects
        • Physical Conditioning, Animal / physiology
        • Physical Examination / veterinary
        • Risk Factors
        • Sports

        Citations

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