[Injuries during Equestrian Vaulting].

This study explores the frequency and types of injuries experienced in the understudied equestrian sport of vaulting, also examining the number of knee injuries that occur. A survey conducted among German vaulting clubs showed an average of 4.1 injuries per athlete, mostly in the lower extremities, with contusions and knee ligaments among the most common injuries.

Research Methodology

• In order to gather data regarding injuries in equestrian vaulting, the authors of this study relied on a questionnaire-based survey. These surveys were sent to 60 vaulting and equestrian clubs throughout Germany, resulting in a response rate of 63%.
• The participants in the survey were largely female (95%), and they were a mix of both amateur and professional athletes with an average age of 15. The survey sought to determine the total number of injuries sustained by these participants during their entire time involved in the sport leading up to the collection of data.

Findings

• The survey found that on average, each athlete experienced 4.1 injuries. The most commonly injured body part was the lower extremities at 45%, followed by the spine and head at 30%, and the upper extremities at 25%.
• The most frequently reported types of injury were contusions. Other frequently reported injuries included muscle strains to the head and spine, fractures to the upper extremities, and ligament damage to the lower extremities.
• The analysis of the collected data revealed that 14% of the participants had suffered at least one knee injury. In particular, the medial collateral ligament was the most likely to be injured (27%), followed by the anterior cruciate ligament (23%) and the medial meniscus (22%). About half of all knee injuries occurred during dismounts, especially when faulty landing from swing-offs or flanks occurred.

Conclusions and Recommendations

• The main conclusion from the study is that the lower extremity is the most frequently injured area, with the knee being the most vulnerable. Most knee injuries result from dismounting and larger contusions and fractures seem to occur due to falls.
• Giving these findings, the authors recommend that athletes receive specific training to improve their landing techniques as a preventive measure against lower extremity and knee injuries.