Physiological Demands and Muscle Activity of “Track-Work” Riding in Apprentice Jockeys.

The study aimed to determine the physical demands and muscle activity associated with track-work riding for apprentice jockeys. The findings suggested that, while significant muscle activity was documented during riding, the overall physiological impact was low, with no evidence of fatigue. This points to the need for specific physical conditioning programs tailored to jockeys’ needs in real racing scenarios.

Methods

• The study involved ten apprentice jockeys and 48 horses.
• Participants were monitored using heart-rate monitors, accelerometers, and a surface electromyography BodySuit that measured activity in eight different muscle groups (quadriceps, hamstrings, gluteal, lower back, obliques, abdominal, trapezial, and pectoral).
• The devices recorded data continuously as the jockeys rode their horses during their normal morning track-work at a steady-state canter (6.9 m·s-1).
• Data was collected and checked in 200-m sections.

Results

• The jockeys typically rode six horses over a span of 2.5 hours each morning, with about 30 minutes spent at a canter.
• The average heart rate was 129 beats per minute, suggesting easy to moderate intensity exercise based on perceived exertion ratings.
• The study found a difference in the magnitude of horse and jockey’s center of mass displacement per stride compared to that of the jockey’s head.
• The majority of horse oscillation was absorbed by the upper body, resulting in minimal head movement for the jockey. This absorption was three times greater in the horizontal (medio/lateral) and fore/aft planes.
• The lower-body muscles absorbed most of the horse’s motion, while core and upper-body muscles were important for jockey’s postural stabilization.

Conclusions

• The study found that the physiological demands of riding track-work were lower than expected, with no evidence of fatigue detected in the apprentice jockeys.
• The research team suggested that future studies comparing these results with those from jockeys in actual races will be valuable in designing a physical conditioning program specifically for jockeys.