Static pelvic posture is not related to dynamic pelvic tilt or competition level in dressage riders

Static assessment and grouping of riders by competition level are prevalent in equestrian coaching practice and research. This study explored sagittal pelvic tilt in 35 competitive dressage riders to analyse the relationship between static and dynamic postures and assess the interaction of competition level. Riders were assessed using optical motion capture on a riding simulator at halt and in walk, trot, and left and right canter. Mean, minimum and maximum pelvic tilt, and range of motion (ROM) were measured as the pitch rotation of a rigid body formed by markers placed on the rider's left/right anterior and posterior superior iliac spines and sacrum, averaged over six time-normalised strides. Three key results emerged: (1) there are correlations between the rider's mean pelvic tilt in simulated walk, trot and canter, but not at halt; (2) mean pelvic tilt values are not significantly influenced by competition level (p = 0.233); and (3) the minimum and maximum pelvic tilt values illustrate individual strategies between gaits. Therefore, results from static assessment and grouping of riders by competition level should be interpreted with caution. Riders should be assessed as individuals, during dynamic riding-specific tasks, to understand their postural strategies.

Asymmetry and Tightness of Lower Limb Muscles in Equestrian Athletes: Are They Predictors for Back Pain?

Athletes may suffer from low back pain (LBP). Some studies have considered restricted range of motion (ROM) as a risk factor for LBP in athletes; however, ROM has not been evaluated in equestrian athletes (EAs) with LBP. The aims of this research in EAs were (I) to analyze the relationship between lower limb ROM (tightness and asymmetry) and LBP and (II) to determine the reference values for lower limb ROM indicating high risk of LBP. Forty-three young (9–18 years old) EAs were voluntarily recruited in technical training camps. The EAs were assessed for 11 passive lower limb ROMs using the ROM-SPORT I Battery. LBP data were taken at the end of a 1-year period through a questionnaire. Binary logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic curves were calculated. Sixty-seven percent of EA had suffered LBP. Hip adduction (OR = 1.347, medium; p = 0.015) and knee flexion (OR = 1.109, small; p = 0.023) were predictors of LBP in EAs. A hip adduction of 26° and knee flexion of 128° were found to be the optimal cutoff values for predictive screening of EAs at high risk of LBP.

Trunk Lateral Flexor Endurance and Body Fat: Predictive Risk Factors for Low Back Pain in Child Equestrian Athletes

Low back pain (LBP) is the most common overuse musculoskeletal injury suffered by child equestrian athletes (CEA). Despite this, little is known about the risk factors related to LBP in these athletes, and very limited research has been conducted on this topic. This study was designed to investigate predictive risk factors for LBP in CEA. The purposes of this research were to determine whether anthropometric, range of motion (ROM), core endurance and sagittal spinal morphotype measures are risk factors for LBP and to establish a diagnostic cutoff value for those factors associated with LBP. Nineteen CEA between the ages of 12 and 17 years were voluntarily recruited. Potential risk factors evaluated included corporal composition, lower limb ROM, core endurance and sagittal spinal measures. Associations and predictions were calculated between these risk factors and the LBP during the last 12 months. Almost half of the CEA have suffered at least one episode of LBP. Two risk factors and cutoff values were identified as predictors of LBP in CEA: having a high body fat higher than 23% (p = 0.01) and trunk lateral flexor endurance lower to 65 s (p = 0.021), body fat being the strongest predictor.