[The spine and horseback riding].
Abstract: 115 horseback riders have undergone clinical and radiologic examinations of the spine. A minimum of 10 years' riding was required. Depending on intensity of training and number of riding hours, the subjects were divided into three groups: roughriders, sport riders and hobby riders. It was striking that of the bare half of cases (51) suffering from lower back, only 8 (about 15%) had had medical treatment and actually been disabled. Moreover, 47% of the riders with lower back pain were painfree in the saddle, i.e. when riding. No causal connection was found between riding and a higher incidence of osteochondrosis in some parts of the vertebral column. In roughriders and partly in sports riders an increased stress on the spine due to prolonged intensive training cannot be ruled out if the higher incidence of pathologic X-ray findings and low back pain in this group is taken into consideration. On the other hand, other factors such as deficiencies and hard work in the past may, especially in roughriders with a rural background, also be responsible. A higher incidence of spondylolisthesis than in the normal population was not found. It is important that riders should possess a strong back and gluteal muscular system in order to avoid early painful spinal decompensation, especially in cases with degenerative alteration and static form anomalies of the spinal column.
Publication Date: 1975-05-24 PubMed ID: 1240657
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- English Abstract
- Journal Article
Summary
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The research article examines the impact of horseback riding on the spinal health of riders. The results suggest that riders do not necessarily have a higher incidence of spinal issues compared to the general population, although some lifestyle factors could potentially contribute.
Participant Selection and Grouping
- The study focused on 115 horseback riders who have all spent a minimum of 10 years riding.
- The riders were divided into three groups based on the intensity of their training and their number of riding hours: roughriders, sport riders, and hobby riders.
Pain Incidence and Treatment
- In half of the cases, riders reported having lower back pain, but only about 15% of those had sought medical treatment or had been disabled because of the pain.
- The study also found that 47% of these riders did not experience pain while they were riding, despite the lower back pain they experienced.
Linkage to Spinal Disorders
- The research found no clear connection between horseback riding and osteochondrosis (a disorder where the bone tissues die) in particular parts of the vertebral column.
- However, in heavy riders and to some degree sport riders, the research suggested an increased stress on the spine due to their intense training, but the correlation is not confirmed. This may be an area that requires further study.
- Other lifestyle factors like hard work in the past and general physical fitness may play a role in the riders’ back health, especially in roughriders who come from rural backgrounds.
- There was also no evidence suggesting a higher incidence of spondylolisthesis (condition where one vertebra slips forward over the one below it) in the participant population compared to the general public.
Conclusion and Recommendations
- The study concludes by highlighting the importance of riders having strong back and gluteal muscular systems to avoid early onset of painful spinal decompensation, particularly for those with degenerative alteration and anomalies of the spinal column form.
Cite This Article
APA
Hördegen KM.
(1975).
[The spine and horseback riding].
Schweiz Med Wochenschr, 105(21), 668-675.
Publication
Researcher Affiliations
MeSH Terms
- Adult
- Aged
- Animals
- Female
- Horses
- Humans
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Spinal Diseases
- Spine / pathology
- Sports
Citations
This article has been cited 1 times.- Vanneuville G, Garcier JM, Poumarat G, Guillot M, Chazal J. Mechanisms of orientation of the pelvifemoral base during static loading of the lumbar spine in weight-lifters. Surg Radiol Anat 1992;14(1):29-33.
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