Rapid weight-loss impairs simulated riding performance and strength in jockeys: implications for making-weight.
Abstract: Despite the performance concerns of dehydration in other sports, there are currently no data on the effects of rapid weight-loss on the physical and cognitive performance of jockeys in a sport-specific context. In a randomised crossover design, eight Great Britain (GB) male licensed jockeys were assessed for chest strength, leg strength, simulated riding performance (assessed by maximum pushing frequency on a mechanical riding simulator during the final two furlongs of a simulated 2 mile race) and simple reaction time after performing 45 min of exercise, during which euhydration was maintained (Control trial) or induced 2% dehydration (Rapid Weight-Loss trial). Reductions in both chest (-13.8 ± 3.03% vs. 0.62 ± 1.04%) and leg strength (-4.8 ± 4.8% vs. -0.56 ± 2.5%) were greater in Rapid Weight-Loss compared with Control (P < 0.01 and P = 0.04, respectively). Similarly, reductions in simulated riding performance were also greater (P = 0.05) in Rapid Weight-Loss (-2.8 ± 4.0%) compared with Control (-0.07 ± 1.5%), whereas there were no significant changes (P = 0.14) in simple reaction time. We conclude that a 2% reduction in body mass, as achieved by 45 min of moderate-intensity exercise undertaken in a sweatsuit (a common method of inducing acute dehydration by jockeys), significantly impairs maximum pushing frequency during a simulated race. In addition, the observed reductions in strength may also increase the occupational hazards associated with race riding.
Publication Date: 2013-09-09 PubMed ID: 24015787DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2013.825732Google Scholar: Lookup
The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
- Journal Article
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.
The research article examines the effects of rapid weight loss on the physical and cognitive performance of jockeys. It concludes that rapid weight loss, induced by dehydration, reduces strength and performance during simulated races.
Research Methods
- The research took the form of a randomised crossover design, studying eight male licensed jockeys from Great Britain.
- The jockeys were assessed for chest strength, leg strength, simulated riding performance, and simple reaction time.
- The assessments happened twice: once after maintaining euhydration (normal bodily fluid balance), designated as the control trial, and again after inducing 2% dehydration, labelled the Rapid Weight-Loss trial. Dehydration was achieved via 45 minutes of exercise while wearing a sweatsuit, a common method used by jockeys to shed weight quickly.
Key Findings
- Compared to the control trial, the rapid weight loss trial showed greater reductions in both chest strength (by roughly 14%) and leg strength (by roughly 5%). These differences were statistically significant.
- The Rapid Weight-Loss trial also led to a notable decrease in simulated riding performance, as measured by maximum pushing frequency during a simulated race.
- However, there was no significant change in simple reaction time between the two trials.
Implications and Conclusions
- The research concludes that rapid weight loss, particularly that caused by forced dehydration, significantly impacts a jockey’s performance by reducing their strength and maximum pushing frequency during a simulated race.
- While the research didn’t observe a significant effect on simple reaction time, the overall reduction in performance could potentially increase the occupational hazards related to race riding, such as the risk of injury.
- As a result, the authors imply that the common practice among jockeys of rapid weight loss through dehydration might require reconsideration due to the potential negative impacts on performance and safety.
Cite This Article
APA
Wilson G, Hawken MB, Poole I, Sparks A, Bennett S, Drust B, Morton J, Close GL.
(2013).
Rapid weight-loss impairs simulated riding performance and strength in jockeys: implications for making-weight.
J Sports Sci, 32(4), 383-391.
https://doi.org/10.1080/02640414.2013.825732 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- a Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences , Liverpool John Moores University , Liverpool , UK.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Athletic Performance / physiology
- Cross-Over Studies
- Dehydration / complications
- Exercise / physiology
- Horses
- Humans
- Male
- Movement / physiology
- Muscle Strength
- Sports / physiology
- Sweating / physiology
- Weight Loss / physiology
Citations
This article has been cited 16 times.- Turner O, Mitchell N, Ruddock A, Purvis A, Ranchordas MK. Fluid Balance, Sodium Losses and Hydration Practices of Elite Squash Players during Training.. Nutrients 2023 Apr 3;15(7).
- Schrurs C, Dubois G, Van Erck-Westergren E, Gardner DS. Does sex of the jockey influence racehorse physiology and performance.. PLoS One 2022;17(8):e0273310.
- Dube A, Gouws C, Breukelman G. Effects of hypohydration and fluid balance in athletes' cognitive performance: a systematic review.. Afr Health Sci 2022 Mar;22(1):367-376.
- 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.
- Stellingwerff T, Heikura IA, Meeusen R, Bermon S, Seiler S, Mountjoy ML, Burke LM. Overtraining Syndrome (OTS) and Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S): Shared Pathways, Symptoms and Complexities.. Sports Med 2021 Nov;51(11):2251-2280.
- King L, Cullen SJ, McGoldrick A, Pugh J, Warrington G, Woods G, Losty C. Mental health difficulties among professional jockeys: a narrative review.. BMJ Open Sport Exerc Med 2021;7(2):e001078.
- Eichstadt M, Luzier J, Cho D, Weisenmuller C. Eating Disorders in Male Athletes.. Sports Health 2020 Jul Aug;12(4):327-333.
- Dunne A, Warrington G, McGoldrick A, Pugh J, Harrison M, O'Connor S, O'Loughlin G, Cullen S. Estimation of Body Fat Percentage in Jockeys: Implications for a Weight Category Sport.. Int J Exerc Sci 2020;13(4):511-525.
- Zubac D, Paravlic A, Reale R, Jelaska I, Morrison SA, Ivancev V. Fluid balance and hydration status in combat sport Olympic athletes: a systematic review with meta-analysis of controlled and uncontrolled studies.. Eur J Nutr 2019 Mar;58(2):497-514.
- Peos JJ, Norton LE, Helms ER, Galpin AJ, Fournier P. Intermittent Dieting: Theoretical Considerations for the Athlete.. Sports (Basel) 2019 Jan 16;7(1).
- Jeon S, Cho K, Ok G, Lee S, Park H. Weight loss practice, nutritional status, bone health, and injury history: A profile of professional jockeys in Korea.. J Exerc Nutrition Biochem 2018 Sep 30;22(3):27-34.
- Jackson KA, Sanchez-Santos MT, MacKinnon AL, Turner A, Kuznik K, Ellis S, Box C, Hill J, Javaid MK, Cooper C, Arden NK, Newton JL. Bone density and body composition in newly licenced professional jockeys.. Osteoporos Int 2017 Sep;28(9):2675-2682.
- McCartney D, Desbrow B, Irwin C. The Effect of Fluid Intake Following Dehydration on Subsequent Athletic and Cognitive Performance: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.. Sports Med Open 2017 Dec;3(1):13.
- Silva MG, Silva HH. Comparison of body composition and nutrients' deficiencies between Portuguese rink-hockey players.. Eur J Pediatr 2017 Jan;176(1):41-50.
- Savoie FA, Kenefick RW, Ely BR, Cheuvront SN, Goulet ED. Effect of Hypohydration on Muscle Endurance, Strength, Anaerobic Power and Capacity and Vertical Jumping Ability: A Meta-Analysis.. Sports Med 2015 Aug;45(8):1207-27.
- Wilson G, Drust B, Morton JP, Close GL. Weight-making strategies in professional jockeys: implications for physical and mental health and well-being.. Sports Med 2014 Jun;44(6):785-96.
Use Nutrition Calculator
Check if your horse's diet meets their nutrition requirements with our easy-to-use tool Check your horse's diet with our easy-to-use tool
Talk to a Nutritionist
Discuss your horse's feeding plan with our experts over a free phone consultation Discuss your horse's diet over a phone consultation
Submit Diet Evaluation
Get a customized feeding plan for your horse formulated by our equine nutritionists Get a custom feeding plan formulated by our nutritionists
