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Home / Equine Research Bank / J Strength Cond Res / Physical Preparation Strategies of Professional Jockeys.
Journal of strength and conditioning research2020; 36(11); 3184-3189; doi: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000003514

Physical Preparation Strategies of Professional Jockeys.

Abstract: Kiely, M, Warrington, G, McGoldrick, A, and Cullen, S. Physical preparation strategies of professional jockeys. J Strength Cond Res 36(11): 3184-3189, 2022-Professional horse racing is a physically demanding sport. The aim of the study was to examine the physical preparation strategies of jockeys for racing. A questionnaire was developed and validated which comprised of 4 sections; (a) background information, (b) making weight and current associated exercise habits, (c) current physical activity practices, and (d) jockey perceptions of strength and conditioning (S&C) and current practices. Eighty-five jockeys ( n = 38 professional flat, n = 47 professional jump) completed the questionnaire in race course weighing rooms representing 80% of the professional athlete population. In total, 77.6% of jockeys participate in physical activity outside of riding. Jockeys that participated in S&C (42.4%) reported their most frequent type of S&C practice; cardio (52.8%), high-intensity interval training (33.3%), flexibility and mobility training (8.3%), resistance training (5.6%). There was no significant difference in S&C participation between total flat and total jump licenses ( p = 0.530; [PHI] = 0.068). Difficulty making weight was reported by 55.3% of jockeys. Exercise alone was used by 29.4% of jockeys to rapidly reduce weight. There was no significant difference ( p = 0.201, [PHI] = 0.357) between the frequency of rapid weight loss per month for total flat (1.7 ± 1.7) and total jump jockeys (1.6 ± 0.5). This study represents the only published data on the physical preparation strategies of jockeys. Jockeys do not partake in physical activity, which mimics the repeated high-intensity demands of racing. Future research is required to examine the effects of specific S&C interventions on riding performance.
Copyright © 2020 National Strength and Conditioning Association.
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Publication Date: 2020-03-05 PubMed ID: 32149874DOI: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000003514Google Scholar: Lookup
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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 aims at understanding the physical training strategies of professional jockeys, their exercise habits, physical activity practices, and their perceptions about strength and conditioning. A majority of the participating jockeys reported difficultly in maintaining their weight, and used physical exercises to reduce weight rapidly.

Research Methodology

  • The researchers conducted a questionnaire-based study, whose results were validated and included a total of four sections:
    • Background information
    • Weight management and concurrent exercise rituals
    • Present physical activity practices
    • Jockeys’ perceptions of strength and conditioning and present practices
  • Eighty-five professional jockeys, including both flat and jump jockeys, filled out the questionnaire.

Key Findings

  • An overwhelming majority of jockeys, 77.6% to be exact, participated in physical activities beyond riding horses.
  • Almost half of the jockeys, 42.4%, had included strength and conditioning (S&C) exercises in their regimen. Cardio was the most prevalent type of S&C exercise, reported by 52.8% of the jockeys who perform S&C, followed by high-intensity interval training (33.3%), flexibility and mobility exercises (8.3%), and lastly, resistance training (5.6%).
  • The frequency of engaging in S&C practices did not vary significantly between flat and jump jockeys.
  • Weight management posed a significant challenge, with 55.3% jockeys reporting difficulty in maintaining their riding weight. In response, 29.4% of them used exercises alone for rapid weight reduction.
  • There was no significant disparity between the frequency of rapid weight reduction attempts per month among flat and jump jockeys.

Study Limitation and Future Research

  • The physical preparation strategies of jockeys were not in complete alignment with the high-intensity demands of professional horse racing. It suggests jockeys require a more race-specific preparatory plan.
  • The study recommends future research to further investigate the impacts of specific S&C interventions on the performance of jockeys.

Cite This Article

APA
Kiely M, Warrington G, McGoldrick A, Cullen S. (2020). Physical Preparation Strategies of Professional Jockeys. J Strength Cond Res, 36(11), 3184-3189. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000003514

Publication

Journal of strength and conditioning research
ISSN: 1533-4287
NlmUniqueID: 9415084
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 36
Issue: 11
Pages: 3184-3189

Researcher Affiliations

Kiely, Michael
  • Department of Sport and Exercise Science, Waterford Institute of Technology, Waterford, Ireland.
Warrington, Giles
  • Physical Education and Sport Science Department, University of Limerick, Ireland and Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland ; and.
McGoldrick, Adrian
  • Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board, The Curragh, Kildare, Ireland.
Cullen, Sarahjane
  • Department of Sport and Exercise Science, Waterford Institute of Technology, Waterford, Ireland.

MeSH Terms

  • Horses
  • Humans
  • Animals
  • Sports
  • Athletes

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Citations

This article has been cited 5 times.
  1. Giusti Gestri L. Wearable technology may assist in reducing jockeys' injuries if integrated into their safety vests: a qualitative study. Front Sports Act Living 2023;5:1167110.
    doi: 10.3389/fspor.2023.1167110pubmed: 37416317google scholar: lookup
  2. Legg K, Cochrane D, Gee E, Macdermid P, Rogers C. Physiological Demands and Muscle Activity of Jockeys in Trial and Race Riding. Animals (Basel) 2022 Sep 8;12(18).
    doi: 10.3390/ani12182351pubmed: 36139208google scholar: lookup
  3. Dunne A, Warrington G, McGoldrick A, Pugh J, Harrison M, Cullen S. Body Composition and Bone Health Status of Jockeys: Current Findings, Assessment Methods and Classification Criteria. Sports Med Open 2022 Feb 14;8(1):23.
    doi: 10.1186/s40798-022-00414-1pubmed: 35157162google scholar: lookup
  4. Ryan K, Brodine J. Weight-Making Practices Among Jockeys: An Update and Review of the Emergent Scientific Literature. Open Access J Sports Med 2021;12:87-98.
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  5. Dunne A, Warrington G, McGoldrick A, Pugh J, Harrison M, O'Connor S, O'Loughlin G, Cullen S. Physical and Lifestyle Factors Influencing Bone Density in Jockeys: A Comprehensive Update of the Bone Density Status of Irish Jockeys. Int J Exerc Sci 2021;14(6):324-337.
    pubmed: 34055173
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