The efficacy of an eight-week exercise program for the management of chronic low back pain in the equestrian population.

Overview

• This study evaluated the effectiveness of an eight-week targeted exercise program designed to reduce chronic low back pain (LBP) in horse riders, a population at higher risk due to the physical demands of riding.
• Participants who completed the program showed significant improvements in pain severity, the impact of pain on daily activities, and functional ability related to riding.

Background

• Horse riders (equestrians) often experience chronic low back pain due to the physical stresses and loads placed on their backs during riding activities.
• Managing this pain effectively requires exercises focusing on strengthening and conditioning the specific muscle groups involved in horse riding.

Objective

• To test whether an eight-week exercise program specifically targeting muscles used in horse riding can reduce chronic low back pain and improve functional ability in equestrians with LBP.

Methods

• Participant Recruitment: Volunteers were recruited via social media posts in Melbourne, Australia.
• Screening: Interested participants underwent an exercise screening test to confirm suitability for the exercise intervention.
• Baseline Assessments: Prior to starting, participants completed two validated self-report measures:
  • Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) Short Form: Assesses pain severity and how pain interferes with daily activities.
  • Patient Specific Functional Scale (PSFS): Measures functional ability related to patient-specific activities—in this case, horse riding.
• Intervention: Participants engaged in an eight-week structured exercise program targeting muscles relevant to horse riding and back stability.
• Post Intervention Assessment: After completing the program, participants again completed the BPI and PSFS to evaluate changes.

Results

• Participants: Nine equestrians aged 23 to 65 years (mean age approximately 43 years) completed the full study protocol.
• Pain Levels: Initial average worst pain during riding was 7 out of 10 (range 3 to 10).
• Outcomes: Statistically significant improvements (P < 0.01) were observed in:
  • Pain severity—participants reported less intense pain after the intervention.
  • Pain interference—reduction in how much pain affected daily and riding activities.
  • Functional ability during riding—participants experienced enhanced functional performance.

Conclusions and Implications

• The eight-week exercise program was effective in reducing symptoms of chronic low back pain and improving function in equestrians.
• These findings suggest that targeted exercise prescriptions can be a practical approach for healthcare practitioners treating equestrians with LBP.
• The study highlights suitable exercises that practitioners can incorporate into rehabilitation plans to specifically address the demands placed on horse riders’ backs.
• While promising, the small sample size (nine participants) suggests further research is needed to generalize findings to a broader equestrian population.