The epidemiology of musculoskeletal pain in dressage riders in KwaZulu-Natal : a cross sectional study

Abstract

Background: Previous studies indicate that horse riders experience a high prevalence of equestrian related injuries and back pain; however, these studies have combined different horse-riding disciplines, assessed back pain only in elite dressage riders, or reported on the prevalence of equestrian-related injuries. There is a scarcity of research on dressage horse riders in South Africa and on musculoskeletal pain in this population. Therefore, this study addresses the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain in dressage riders in South Africa, thus bridging the gap between research done on horse riders in other countries and horse riders in South Africa. Aim: To investigate the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain in dressage horse riders in KwaZulu Natal. Objectives:

To determine the point and period (one year) prevalence of musculoskeletal pain in dressage riders in KwaZulu-Natal. To investigate the selected risk factors (the velocity of horse riding, the time spent horse riding, the type of saddle being used, the number of horses being ridden, the mechanical differences in the horse’s movement, history of previous horse-riding injury) on the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain in dressage horse riders in KwaZulu-Natal. To determine the impact of musculoskeletal pain in dressage riders in KwaZulu Natal. To determine the association between the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain and selected risk factors. Results: A total of 89 participants completed the questionnaire, resulting in an 81.65% response rate. The majority of riders (83%) had a history of experiencing musculoskeletal pain at some point during riding, with low back pain being the most common region (65%). A majority of 89% of riders were currently experiencing musculoskeletal pain, with low back pain being reported as the most common region (48%), followed by neck pain, mid-back pain and knee pain (25%). The musculoskeletal pain was most described as being sharp (62%) and tight/spasm (57%). Strenuous riding (28%) and riding multiple horses a day (28%) were reported to be the most contributing factors for aggravating musculoskeletal pain. Conclusion: This study has revealed the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain in the different anatomical regions in dressage horse riders, adding to the body of literature on musculoskeletal pain in horse riders. The study emphasised the different biomechanical demands on dressage riders and how the rider is impacted, adding to the importance of adequate treatment methods for the different sporting disciplines.