Musculoskeletal Health, Kidney and Liver Function in Retired Jockeys.

The research focuses on studying the long-term impact of daily weight management on the musculoskeletal health and kidney and liver functioning of retired jockeys. The study concluded that the retired jockeys studied didn’t show any adverse effects on bone health or kidney and liver function.

Research Methodology

• The study comprised of 28 retired male jockeys between the ages of 50 and 70.
• The participants provided fasting blood samples that were analyzed for bone metabolism markers along with kidney and liver function markers.
• A Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan was performed to assess bone mineral density (BMD).
• Different types of license holders: Flat, National Hunt or Dual, were compared to identify if there were differences between these groups.

Study Findings

• The average whole-body osteopenia (low bone density), did not show any differences between groups.
• The data related to bone markers, micronutrients, electrolytes and associated hormones, and markers for kidney and liver function were found to be within the clinical normative range.
• Therefore, the study concluded that the retired jockeys did not show compromised bone health or kidney and liver function.

Implications of the Study

• One caveat suggested by the study is that the retired jockeys examined may not have experienced chronic weight cycling to the same extreme extent as observed in current jockeys. This implies that the next generation of jockeys might experience more issues due to weight changes.
• Based on these findings, the researchers recommend that jockeys should be monitored throughout their racing career and retirement to understand the long-term effects better.