Prevalence of Low Back Pain in Competitive Dressage Riders: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Objective

The purpose of this study was to identify the point and lifetime prevalence of low back pain (LBP) among dressage riders and identify riding-related variables that may precipitate LBP.

Methods

A cross-sectional, exploratory, quantitative study was conducted using an online questionnaire. One hundred dressage riders competing at preliminary and higher levels were recruited at the South African Equestrian Federation’s registered shows. Frequencies and descriptive statistics were performed on each question in addition to cross-tabulations for associations between variables or differences between riding practices and experiences.

Results

Participants were between the ages of 18 and 66 years. The questionnaire identified that 71% of participants reported point prevalence of LBP and 56% reported lifetime prevalence of LBP. Spearman ρ correlations showed positive correlations between how often participants believed their LBP was horse riding–related and how often they experienced LBP while competing/riding (r[75] = 0.46, P = .00) and how often their pain got worse with competing/riding (r[75] = 0.49, P = .00) and negative correlations with the number of hours spent in sitting trot and an increase in LBP (r[75] = −0.13, P = .28) and the number of hours spent cantering and an increase in LBP (r[75] = −0.19, P = .94).

Conclusion

This study reports point and lifetime prevalence of LBP among competitive dressage riders in South Africa. Training/riding-specific horse gaits were associated with LBP in dressage riders.