Physiological demands of daily riding gaits in jockeys.

This research article explores the physiological demands of jockeys during daily riding cycles. It concludes that regular riding activities require relatively low physiological demand and recommends alternative exercise methods for jockeys-in-training to meet demanding racing conditions.

Study Overview and Methods

• The main objective of the study was to understand the physiological requirements of different horse riding gaits regularly used in training by jockeys.
• Eleven trainee jockeys were put through a vigorous incremental Wattbike cycle ergometer test. This is a form of testing that determines and records multiple physiological measures during exercise.
• During periods of steady state in a walk, trot and canter, the absolute and relative oxygen uptake (VO2) and heart rate (HR) of the trainee jockeys were recorded.
• The research also delved into the estimated energy expenditure (EE) and the associated metabolic equivalent (MET) during these activities.

Results

• The researchers found that the relative mean VO2 during a walk, trot, and canter corresponded to 15±4%, 38±6%, and 47±9% of VO2peak respectively.
• The mean HR followed a similar pattern, tallying up to 48±6%, 60±6%, and 71±7% of HRpeak respectively in the walk, trot, and canter.
• It was identified that the mean VO2 and mean HR were significantly varied between the different gaits.
• Of all the gaits, walking required the least estimated EE with a measure of 2.25±0.6 kcal.min-1. This was significantly lesser as compared to trotting (5.72±1.0 kcal.min-1) and cantering (7.10±1.8 kcal.min-1).

Conclusions and Recommendations

• As per the study results, regular equine activities were associated with quite low physiological demand, contrary to what could generally be assumed about jockey training.
• The researchers, therefore, suggested that alternated exercise regimes should be recommended to trainee jockeys to ensure they meet the physical demands of actual horse racing.
• The study concludes with a recommendation that future research should focus on the physical training jockeys undergo, both riding-specific and general conditioning, to prepare them adequately for racing.