Bone health of apprentice jockeys using peripheral quantitative computed tomography.

The research focuses on assessing the bone health of apprentice jockeys using Peripheral Quantitative Computed Tomography (pQCT). It showed that apprentice jockeys had less tibial cortical area and lower strength strain index than controls, and had greater trabecular density at the distal radius.

Research Methodology

• The research was carried out on a group of 50 young adults in the age range of 15-38 years. This group consisted of both male and female apprentice jockeys, alongside male and female controls for comparison.
• To assess bone health, the research used Peripheral Quantitative Computed Tomography (pQCT). This machine was used to measure the distal tibia (the inner and larger bone of the leg, below the knee) and distal radius (the end of the radius bone near the wrist).

Research Findings

• After adjustments for weight and limb length, apprentice jockeys displayed less tibial cortical area and lower strength strain index at the 14% distal shaft, 38% mid shaft, and 66% proximal sites measured distally than controls.
• There were no found differences between groups in terms of cortical density, trabecular area, and trabecular density at the tibia.
• However, there were some areas where apprentice jockeys displayed differences compared to controls. They had greater trabecular density at the distal radial site, greater strength strain index at the 66% proximal site measured distally, and a lower strength strain index at the distal radius.

Conclusion and Recommendations

• The only areas where apprentice jockeys displayed a higher value than controls were in trabecular density at the distal radius and strength strain index at the proximal radius.
• In light of these findings, the researchers suggest that strategies to increase bone density and bone strength in apprentice jockeys should be considered. These strategies could be developed and implemented by stakeholders in the jockey industry and health providers.