[Traumatology and sport injuries in professional and amateur show-jumping competitors].

This study aimed to determine how frequently injuries occur, the severity of these injuries, and the effectiveness of prevention methods in both professional and amateur show-jumping athletes. The research found that, despite their experience and skills, professional show-jumpers were more likely to sustain serious injuries. Both groups reported similar use of safety measures, and the study concludes that wearing helmets is the most important safety measure.

Study Overview

• A retrospective study was conducted in which 264 show-jumping riders (105 professionals and 159 amateurs) were surveyed using a standardised questionnaire.
• The questionnaire was used to report a total of 636 injuries in detail and classify these injuries into four grades; from injuries not requiring medical attention to those that required hospitalisation.
• The data from the study, specifically the reported injuries, were analysed to determine the types of injuries sustained, the difference in injury rates between professional and amateur riders, and the frequency of safety measure usage.

Main Findings

• Professional show-jumping athletes had a higher proportion of severe injuries compared to their amateur counterparts; 40.9% versus 23.9% respectively.
• Amateur athletes had a higher time-related injury rate compared to the professionals: 2.1 injuries per 1000 hours compared to 1.1 injuries per 1000 hours.
• The most frequently encountered injuries were bruises, sprains, and abrasions. Fractures accounted for 12% of all injuries, and head injuries were reported in 15% of cases.
• Continual pain was reported by 33.7% of the respondents.
• Helmet use was reportedly high in both groups with 89% usage in professionals and 94% usage in amateurs.

Conclusion and Implications

• This study concluded that despite their levels of expertise and experience, professional show-jumping riders are prone to more severe injuries than amateur riders. The contributory factors to this difference might include the performance-oriented style of riding and the readiness to assume risk associated with professional riding.
• The use of safety measures such as wearing helmets was found to be equally common among professional and amateur competitors. Despite this, head injuries were still frequently reported, indicating that additional safety measures could be beneficial.
• The authors stress that a careful riding style in addition to helmet wear continues to be the most effective safety measures. This has implications for the training of riders and the development of future equipment and guidelines to ensure increased safety in the realm of show-jumping sports.