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The efficacy of an eight-week exercise program for the management of chronic low back pain in the equestrian population
Journal article   Peer reviewed

The efficacy of an eight-week exercise program for the management of chronic low back pain in the equestrian population

Rachel A Weeks, Patrick A McLAUGHLIN and Brett R Vaughan
The Journal of sports medicine and physical fitness, Vol.64(11), pp.1188-1193
01/11/2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.23736/S0022-4707.24.15830-6
PMID: 39017581
Appears in  Recent Faculty of Health Publications

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Abstract

Low back pain Exercise Cumulative trauma disorders
Equestrians (horse riders) are more susceptible to low back pain than the general population due to loads placed on their bodies during the activity. A specific eight-week exercise intervention program targeting the muscles used during horse riding was implemented for a group of equestrians with low back pain.BACKGROUNDEquestrians (horse riders) are more susceptible to low back pain than the general population due to loads placed on their bodies during the activity. A specific eight-week exercise intervention program targeting the muscles used during horse riding was implemented for a group of equestrians with low back pain.Volunteers were invited to participate in the study through social media posts in Melbourne, Australia. The participants were required to complete an exercise screening test prior to enrolment in the study to ensure they were suitable to participate in the iteration program. Participants then completed the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) (Short Form) and Patient Specific Functional Scale (PSFS) before commencing the exercise program. These outcome measures were completed again by participants after completing the 8-week exercise program.METHODSVolunteers were invited to participate in the study through social media posts in Melbourne, Australia. The participants were required to complete an exercise screening test prior to enrolment in the study to ensure they were suitable to participate in the iteration program. Participants then completed the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) (Short Form) and Patient Specific Functional Scale (PSFS) before commencing the exercise program. These outcome measures were completed again by participants after completing the 8-week exercise program.Nine equestrians (23-65 years of age; mean=43±14: average worst back pain on riding=7/10 with a range of 3-10/10) completed all outcome measures and the 8-week exercise intervention. Data indicate that all achieved improved pain severity, pain interference and riding functionality (P<0.01).RESULTSNine equestrians (23-65 years of age; mean=43±14: average worst back pain on riding=7/10 with a range of 3-10/10) completed all outcome measures and the 8-week exercise intervention. Data indicate that all achieved improved pain severity, pain interference and riding functionality (P<0.01).An eight-week exercise program may be beneficial in improving a sample of equestrians' chronic LBP symptoms. From a practitioner's perspective, the findings provide an indication as to suitable exercises to prescribe to an equestrian to help reduce their LBP.CONCLUSIONSAn eight-week exercise program may be beneficial in improving a sample of equestrians' chronic LBP symptoms. From a practitioner's perspective, the findings provide an indication as to suitable exercises to prescribe to an equestrian to help reduce their LBP.

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