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Preventive veterinary medicine2006; 74(1); 36-43; doi: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2006.01.005

Risk factors for musculoskeletal injuries in 2-year-old Thoroughbred racehorses.

Abstract: Musculoskeletal injuries (MSI) in racehorses have been identified as the most common cause of lost training days and weeks spent resting at pasture. Several training-, track- and horse-related risk factors have been identified. However, there is no clear understanding of the inter-relationship between these factors. The aim of this longitudinal cohort study was to investigate risk factors for MSI in 2-year-old Thoroughbred racehorses. Australian Thoroughbred trainers were convenience sampled and enrolled in a 27-month longitudinal cohort study. The study population consisted of all 2-year-old Thoroughbred racehorses trained by a participating trainer. Horses were followed from the time of enrollment until the completion of the study or until they were lost to follow-up. Trainers were visited at approximately 14-day intervals to collect training and injury data. Training days were categorised as fast days if the maximum speed during training exceeded 800 m/min. For each horse, the first training period that included one or more fast days was analysed. A multiple logistic regression model was used to determine those horse- and training-related variables that were associated with MSI. Data from 274 horses trained by 14 trainers at five racetracks were analysed. Forty percent of the horses sustained a MSI during their first fast preparation. The average distance trained at speeds >or=800 m/min and the percentages of fast days from the first fast day until the end of the preparation were the only variables associated with MSI. After accounting for these variables there were still significant differences between trainers. This suggests that there are other training-related variables such as the rate of increase in distance trained at speeds >or=800 m/min that may be risk factors for MSI. In addition, other factors such as the level of veterinary involvement and the training centre/racetrack may be risk factors for MSI. More analysis using multi-level modelling is required to determine the relationship between trainer- and track-related risk factors.
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Publication Date: 2006-02-14 PubMed ID: 16481055DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2006.01.005Google 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.

The research investigates the risk factors for musculoskeletal injuries (MSI) within 2-year-old Thoroughbred racehorses, with results suggesting significant variables include the average distance trained at high speeds and the percentage of high-speed training days.

Objective and Methodology of the Study

  • The main purpose of this longitudinal cohort study was to improve understanding of the risk factors associated with MSI in 2-year-old Thoroughbred racehorses, thereby addressing a major cause of lost training days and resting time.
  • Australian Thoroughbred trainers were asked to participate in a 27-month study. The participating trainers’ 2-year-old Thoroughbred racehorses made up the population of the study.
  • These horses were tracked from the study’s beginning until the end, or until they were lost to follow-up.
  • Information regarding training and any occurring injuries was collected from the trainers approximately every two weeks.

Key Understandings

  • The study comprised of data from 274 horses, trained by 14 different trainers at five racetracks.
  • From these horses, 40% sustained a musculoskeletal injury during their first fast training period, indicating a possible correlation between high-speed training and the incidence of MSI.
  • The research identified two primary variables associated with MSI—the average distance the horses trained at speeds equal to or greater than 800 m/min and the percentage of training days that reached these speeds.

Gap in Understanding and Further Research Needed

  • Despite identifying these variables, significant differences still arose between trainers when these variables were accounted for. This finding implies the existence of other factors influencing MSI risk.
  • These potential risk factors could include the rate at which the training distance increases, the level of veterinary involvement or the specific training centre and/or racetrack.
  • Consequently, the authors note the need for further analysis using multi-level modelling to establish a clearer relationship between the risk of MSI and trainer- and track-related variables.

Cite This Article

APA
Cogger N, Perkins N, Hodgson DR, Reid SW, Evans DL. (2006). Risk factors for musculoskeletal injuries in 2-year-old Thoroughbred racehorses. Prev Vet Med, 74(1), 36-43. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.prevetmed.2006.01.005

Publication

Preventive veterinary medicine
ISSN: 0167-5877
NlmUniqueID: 8217463
Country: Netherlands
Language: English
Volume: 74
Issue: 1
Pages: 36-43

Researcher Affiliations

Cogger, N
  • Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia. n.cogger@massey.ac.nz
Perkins, N
    Hodgson, D R
      Reid, S W J
        Evans, D L

          MeSH Terms

          • Animals
          • Athletic Injuries / epidemiology
          • Athletic Injuries / etiology
          • Athletic Injuries / veterinary
          • Cohort Studies
          • Female
          • Horses / injuries
          • Logistic Models
          • Longitudinal Studies
          • Male
          • Musculoskeletal System / injuries
          • Physical Conditioning, Animal / adverse effects
          • Risk Factors
          • Sports

          Citations

          This article has been cited 18 times.
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