Male Flat Jockeys Do Not Display Deteriorations in Bone Density or Resting Metabolic Rate in Accordance With Race Riding Experience: Implications for RED-S.

This research primarily reveals that the poor bone health found in male jockeys is not linked to their number of years of race riding nor to their low energy availability. Instead, it suggests that this health issue may be due to the absence of an osteogenic stimulus related to the riding activity itself.

Study Design and Participants

• The study used a cross-sectional design to gather data from a total of 31 male jockeys, all either apprentices or seniors, who were matched in terms of body mass and fat-free mass.
• Years of race riding differed significantly among the respondents, with apprentices averaging around 3.4 years, while senior jockeys had an average of 16.3 years of experience.

Measurements and Observations

• The researchers assessed the participants in terms of hip and lumbar spine bone mineral density (BMD) and resting metabolic rate (RMR). RMR was measured directly and also predicted using a standard formula.
• The results showed no significant differences between the apprentices and senior jockeys in terms of hip and lumbar BMD scores, nor in the measured RMRs. The same lack of difference was evident between the measured and predicted RMRs of either the apprentice or senior jockeys.

Conclusion and Implications

• Contrary to the initial hypothesis of the study, the findings indicated that neither years of race riding nor low energy availability plays a substantial role in the low BMD observed in jockeys.
• Instead, the researchers surmise that the issue may be due to the absence of an osteogenic stimulus in their regular activities. An osteogenic stimulus promotes the growth or repair of bone tissue, which may not be sufficiently provided by the physical demands of horse race riding.
• This suggests possible implications for interventions aimed at improving jockeys’ bone health, with future recommendations potentially paying more attention to activities that can provide an osteogenic stimulus.