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A large proportion of jockeys report symptoms associated with mental health difficulties (MHDs), yet most do not seek help from professional mental health support services. Due to the paucity of literature in this field, this study sought to explore jockeys' barriers to, and facilitators of, help-seeking for MHDs. Twelve jockeys participated in semistructured interviews, subsequently analyzed via reflexive thematic analysis. Barriers to help-seeking included the negative perceptions of others (stigma and career implications), cultural norms (masculinity and self-reliance), and low mental health literacy (not knowing where to seek help, minimization of MHDs, negative perceptions of treatment, and recognizing symptoms). Facilitators to help-seeking included education (exposure to psychological support at a younger age), social support (from professionals, jockeys, family, and friends), and media campaigns (high-profile disclosures from jockeys). Findings are consistent with barrier and facilitator studies among general and athletic populations. Applied recommendations and future research considerations are presented throughout the manuscript. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kiely, M, Warrington, G, McGoldrick, A, and Cullen, S. Physical preparation strategies of professional jockeys. J Strength Cond Res 36(11): 3184–3189, 2022—Professional horse racing is a physically demanding sport. The aim of the study was to examine the physical preparation strategies of jockeys for racing. A questionnaire was developed and validated which comprised of 4 sections; (a) background information, (b) making weight and current associated exercise habits, (c) current physical activity practices, and (d) jockey perceptions of strength and conditioning (S&C) and current practices. Eighty-five jockeys (n = 38 professional flat, n = 47 professional jump) completed the questionnaire in race course weighing rooms representing 80% of the professional athlete population. In total, 77.6% of jockeys participate in physical activity outside of riding. Jockeys that participated in S&C (42.4%) reported their most frequent type of S&C practice; cardio (52.8%), high-intensity interval training (33.3%), flexibility and mobility training (8.3%), resistance training (5.6%). There was no significant difference in S&C participation between total flat and total jump licenses (p = 0.530; [PHI] = 0.068). Difficulty making weight was reported by 55.3% of jockeys. Exercise alone was used by 29.4% of jockeys to rapidly reduce weight. There was no significant difference (p = 0.201, [PHI] = 0.357) between the frequency of rapid weight loss per month for total flat (1.7 ± 1.7) and total jump jockeys (1.6 ± 0.5). This study represents the only published data on the physical preparation strategies of jockeys. Jockeys do not partake in physical activity, which mimics the repeated high-intensity demands of racing. Future research is required to examine the effects of specific S&C interventions on riding performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: "Ice-mile" swimming presents significant physiological challenges and potential safety issues, but few data are available. This study examined deep body temperature (BT), respiratory rate (RR), and swim performance in 2 swimmers completing an ice-mile swim of 1 mile (1600 m) in water less than 5°C. Methods: Two male cold-water-habituated swimmers completed a 1-mile lake swim in 3.9°C water. For comparative purposes, they completed an indoor 1-mile swim in 28.1°C water. The Equivital physiological monitoring system was used to record BT and RR before, during, and after each swim. Total time to complete the swims and 400-m splits were recorded. Results: One swimmer became hypothermic after 27 min while swimming, reaching BT of 33.7°C at swim's end. On exiting the water the swimmers experienced large BT after-drops of -3.6°C and -2.4°C, reaching low points of 33.2°C and 31.3°C 38 and 23 min postswim, respectively. Respiratory rate and swim pace decreased over the course of the ice-mile swim for both swimmers. Swim pace for 1 swimmer declined sharply in the final 400-m lap of the ice mile when he was hypothermic. Both swimmers remained hypothermic 60 min postswim (34.2°C and 33.4°C). Conclusions: Ice-mile swimmers may become hypothermic while swimming, and the postswim BT after drop may expose them to dangerous levels of hypothermia. Pace and RR should be monitored as proxies for a swimmer's physiological state. Postswim recovery should also be monitored for hypothermia for at least 1 h. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quantifying body composition is central to monitoring performance and training in athletes, however limited sportspecific anthropometric reference data, assessed and reported in a standardised manner, is available. This study provides anthropometric profiles in elite male athletes from different sports. Elite male athletes (n = 73) from National squads of boxing (n = 10), cricket (n = 21), swimming (n = 23), hockey (n = 10) and eventing (n = 9) were assessed for body mass, height, eight skinfolds (triceps, subscapular, biceps, iliac crest, supraspinal, abdominal, thigh and medial calf), body circumferences (arm, waist, hip, thigh and calf) and muscle circumferences (arm, thigh, calf) using ISAK standardised guidelines. For all athletes, large variability exists for measures of skinfold thickness at each skinfold site. Swimming (64.6 ± 16.1 mm) and boxing (63.5 ± 16.1 mm) were similar for the sum of eight skinfolds (S8SKF) but swimming had lower S8SKF compared to cricket (86.1 ± 21.3 mm; p = .011) and eventing (89.9 ± 30.7 mm; p = .028). Hockey (81.9 ± 26.3 mm) and eventing had the most varied S8SKF. Thigh body (p=.006) and muscle circumferences (p = .005) were significantly reduced in boxing compared to hockey. No differences were seen between sports for arm (p = .346; ES = .06) and calf (p = .382; ES = .06) muscle circumferences. The anthropometric profiles for elite athletes from various sports during pre-season training will be a useful resource for sports professionals when monitoring and interpreting body composition data. Large variation exists in anthropometric profiles between the different athletes and different sports, highlighting the necessity to have sport-specific normative ranges available to allow optimal monitoring of individual athletes particularly varying across sports as well as age, training status and position. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Compromised bone density in jockeys has previously been identified as an important health and safety concern in horseracing. Despite this, no update on the bone density status in Irish jockeys has been provided in the past decade. The study aimed to conduct a comprehensive update of the current bone density status in professional Irish jockeys and identify possible contributory physical and lifestyle factors. Eighty-five professional male jockeys (flat n = 39; national hunt (NH) n = 46) completed a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan for the assessment of body composition and bone mineral density (BMD) at the lumbar spine (LS), femoral neck (FN) and hip, 24-hour food recall, bone-specific physical activity questionnaire (BPAQ) and lifestyle questionnaire on weight making practices and injury history. Z-scores were interpreted to assess current bone density status. Correlation analysis was used to identify physical and lifestyle factors associated with bone mineral apparent density (BMAD). Results revealed a high prevalence of low BMD (Z-score < - 1.0) at the LS (44%), FN (15%) and hip (29%) in Irish jockeys. Analysis of jockeys physical characteristics found a positive relationship with the LS but not FN BMAD. Riding experience and timing of weight cut in NH and the practice of cutting weight in flat jockeys negatively influenced BMAD sites, while supplement use in flat jockeys displayed a positive effect on LS BMAD. Findings indicate the need for targeted individualised support strategies. Further investigation is required into jockey-specific intervention strategies that promote the development of optimal bone health in professional jockeys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Balance and anaerobic performance are key attributes related to horse-racing performance, but research on the impact of making weight for racing on these parameters remains unknown. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of rapid weight loss in preparation for racing on balance and anaerobic performance in a group of jockeys. Methods: Twelve apprentice male jockeys and 12 age- and gender-matched controls completed 2 trials separated by 48 h. In both trials, body mass, hydration status, balance, and anaerobic performance were assessed. Between the trials, the jockeys reduced body mass by 4% using weight-loss methods typically adopted in preparation for racing, while controls maintained body mass through typical daily dietary and physical activity habits. Results: Apprentice jockeys decreased mean body mass by 4.2% ± 0.3% (P < .001) with a subsequent increase in dehydration (P < .001). The controls maintained body mass and a euhydrated state. No differences in balance, on the left or right side, or in peak power, mean power, or fatigue index were reported between the trials in either group. Conclusion: Results from this study indicate that a 4% reduction in body mass in 48 h through the typical methods employed for racing, in association with an increase in dehydration, resulted in no impairments in balance or anaerobic performance. Further research is required to evaluate performance in a sport-specific setting and to investigate the specific physiological mechanisms involved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Falls and injuries are frequent in professional horseracing. However, professional jockeys spend a large part of their week in horse-related activities outside of racing such as schooling, exercise riding, and yard-related activities. The injury risk related to these activities remains largely unknown internationally. This study aimed to identify the injury prevalence and injury profile of flat and jump jockeys during non-racing activities. Methods: In total 45.6% and 38.5% of all licensed Irish professional flat and jump jockeys completed a cross-sectional self-recall questionnaire examining injuries that occurred outside of racing during 2018. Injury proportion, repeat incidence proportion, and descriptive statistics were calculated. Results: Fifteen percent of professional jockeys sustained an injury outside of a race, half of those injured receiving at least another injury in 2018 and 66.52 injuries per 1,000 falls were noted. Injuries frequently occurred to the upper limb (36.67%), with fractures common (32.00%). Most injuries occurred due to a fall (60.00%) and 77.27% occurred in the gallops. Half of injuries resulted in the jockey missing racing, with 31.00 ± 47.18 (4–180) days lost on average. Twenty-three percent of jockeys attended hospital and 16.67% required surgery due to injury. Interestingly, just under a third did not report their injury to anyone. Conclusion: Injuries to professional jockeys, whilst not as frequent outside of racing, tend to be serious and can affect jockeys financially and impact their availability to ride. Prioritizing injury prevention strategies to maximize availability of jockeys to race is important. Education on the importance of reporting all injuries regardless of where they occur is important to ensure their management and rehabilitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To examine the impact of making weight on aerobic work capacity and cognitive processes in a group of professional jockeys. Methods: Nine male jockeys and 9 age-, gender-, and BMI-matched controls were recruited to take part in two experimental trials, conducted 48 hr apart. The jockeys were asked to reduce their body mass by 4% in the 48 hr between trials, and controls maintained usual dietary and physical activity habits between trials. Aerobic work capacity was assessed by performance during an incremental cycle ergometer test. Motor response, decision making, executive function, and working memory were assessed using a computerized cognitive test battery. Results: The jockey group significantly reduced their body mass by 3.6 ± 0.9% (p < .01). Mean urine specific gravity (Usg) readings increased from 1.019 ± 0.004-1.028 ± 0.005 (p < .01) following this reduction in body mass. Peak work capacity was significantly reduced between trials in the jockey group (213 ± 27 vs. 186 ± 23 W, p < .01), although VO2peak (46.4 ± 3.7 vs. 47.2 ± 6.3 ml·kg·min-1) remained unchanged. No changes were identified for any cognitive variable in the jockey group between trials. Conclusion: Simulation of race day preparation, by allocating a weight that is 4% below baseline body mass caused all jockeys to report for repeat testing in a dehydrated state, and a reduction in aerobic work capacity,both of which may impact on racing performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The assessment of body composition in horse racing, a unique weight-restricted sport, provides an important health and performance indicator. The accuracy of skinfold prediction equations at estimating % body fat (% BF) was compared with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) data in a group of professional Irish jockeys (age 27.5 ± 7.7 years). Body composition was assessed in seventy-two male professional jockeys (flat n=35 and national hunt n=37) using standardised guidelines for skinfold thickness at 8 sites and DXA body fat assessment. Hydration status was assessed using urine specific gravity (Usg) to determine if participants were euhydrated and male specific prediction equations (Durnin and Womersley, Evans, Lohman, Reilly, Withers and Zemski) were selected to estimate % BF. Jockeygroup specific equations were developed using the collected dataset. The selected equations underestimated % BF with variability between equations ranging from 7% to 10% compared to the DXA % BF of 15%. Flat jockeys were significantly lighter and shorter (p < 0.05) compared to national hunt jockeys resulting in the need for individual jockey-specific equations. The Flat and National Hunt Jockey specific equations demonstrated overall agreement accounting for 84% and 83% variance, respectively. Caution must be taken when using existing prediction equations due to the variability of % BF relative to DXA. Jockey-specific equations offer an alternative method for interpreting estimated body fat %. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) is the gold standard for assessing environmental heat stress during physical activity. Many manufacturers of commercially available instruments fail to report WBGT accuracy. Objective: To determine the accuracy of several commercially available WBGT monitors compared with a standardized reference device. Design: Observational study. Setting: Field test. Patients or Other Participants: Six commercially available WBGT devices. Main Outcome Measure(s): Data were recorded for 3 sessions (1 in the morning and 2 in the afternoon) at 2-minute intervals for at least 2 hours. Mean absolute error (MAE), root mean square error (RMSE), mean bias error (MBE), and the Pearson correlation coefficient (r) were calculated to determine instrument performance compared with the reference unit. Results: The QUESTemp8 34 (MAE ± 0.248C, RMSE ± 0.448C, MBE±-0.64%) and Extech HT30 Heat Stress Wet Bulb Globe Temperature Meter (Extech; MAE ± 0.618C, RMSE ± 0.798C, MBE±0.44%) demonstrated the least error in relation to the reference standard, whereas the General WBGT8778 Heat Index Checker (General; MAE±1.188C, RMSE±1.348C, MBE± 4.25%) performed the poorest. The QUESTemp8 34 and Kestrel 4400 Heat Stress Tracker units provided conservative measurements that slightly overestimated the WBGT provided by the reference unit. Finally, instruments using the psychrometric wet bulb temperature (General, REED Heat Index WBGT Meter, and WBGT-103 Heat Stroke Checker) tended to underestimate the WBGT, and the resulting values more frequently fell into WBGTbased activity categories with fewer restrictions as defined by the American College of Sports Medicine. Conclusions: The QUESTemp8 34, followed by the Extech, had the smallest error compared with the reference unit. Moreover, the QUESTemp8 34, Extech, and Kestrel units appeared to offer conservative yet accurate assessments of the WBGT, potentially minimizing the risk of allowing physical activity to continue in stressful heat environments. Instruments using the psychrometric wet bulb temperature tended to underestimate WBGT under low wind-speed conditions. Accurate WBGT interpretations are important to enable clinicians to guide activities in hot and humid weather conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To examine concussion history, knowledge, and attitudes among Irish professional and amateur jockeys., Design: Cross-sectional survey., Setting: Questionnaire was distributed through e-mails sent to all licensed jockeys, over social media and during professional and amateur race meetings., Participants: An average of 23.6% (12%-44%) Irish professional and amateur jockeys (n = 119) holding a license in 2017., Main Outcome Measures: Jockeys reported their previous concussion history, actions after their most recent concussion and responded to questions examining their knowledge and attitudes toward concussion., Results: Amateur (32.4%) and professional (19.6%) jockeys, who were never medically diagnosed over their career, suspected that they had sustained a concussion. Jockeys displayed good knowledge of concussion signs and symptoms; yet, one in 2 jockeys would continue to ride out the same day if they suspected they had a concussion. They were less likely if they had a race that day. Reasons for continuing to ride include not considering a concussion as serious (85.7%); risk of losing the ride (84.0%); not wanting to let anyone down (77.8%); and considered it a sign of weakness (74.1%). Risky behavior was more common after a suspected concussion than a medically diagnosed concussion., Conclusions: Underreporting of concussions is proposed as a serious concern, and concussion understanding and attitudes can impact reporting. To address the issue of underreporting of concussions in Irish horseracing, there is a need to educate jockeys and the wider racing community on the importance of timely concussion assessments and access to appropriate management systems.