Abstract
Repetitive asymmetrical activity, heavy lifting, bending, and twisting movements occur when engaged in daily non-riding yards and stable duties
and have been suggested to potentially cause pain. This research aimed to explore the impact of yard and stable duties on pain experienced by
riders. An adapted short-form McGill pain questionnaire was used to measure the intensity and location of pain and time spent carrying out
stable duties. Eighty-one percent of the 512 participants in an online questionnaire reported pain. Riders had an increased likelihood of having
back and neck pain than no pain (17.9 OR, 95% CI 11.9-27.0). The majority (84%) of participants reported complete at least 1 hour of stable
duties every day. As the daily hours spent in stable duties increased more participants reported experiencing pain, with carrying associated with
the most severe pain. No significant differences were seen in pain levels between the recreational and the competitive amateur riders performing
yard duties (Mann Whitney U Test, p values > 0.05; grooming p=0.816; carrying p=0.819; sweeping p=0.629; mucking out p=0.770). The high
incidence of pain reported in competitive and recreational, amateur riders is concerning as pain negatively impacts wellbeing, enjoyment and
quality of life. As such further research to develop interventions aimed at reducing chronic pain in this population is warranted
and have been suggested to potentially cause pain. This research aimed to explore the impact of yard and stable duties on pain experienced by
riders. An adapted short-form McGill pain questionnaire was used to measure the intensity and location of pain and time spent carrying out
stable duties. Eighty-one percent of the 512 participants in an online questionnaire reported pain. Riders had an increased likelihood of having
back and neck pain than no pain (17.9 OR, 95% CI 11.9-27.0). The majority (84%) of participants reported complete at least 1 hour of stable
duties every day. As the daily hours spent in stable duties increased more participants reported experiencing pain, with carrying associated with
the most severe pain. No significant differences were seen in pain levels between the recreational and the competitive amateur riders performing
yard duties (Mann Whitney U Test, p values > 0.05; grooming p=0.816; carrying p=0.819; sweeping p=0.629; mucking out p=0.770). The high
incidence of pain reported in competitive and recreational, amateur riders is concerning as pain negatively impacts wellbeing, enjoyment and
quality of life. As such further research to develop interventions aimed at reducing chronic pain in this population is warranted
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Journal | Journal of Physical Fitness, Medicine & Treatment in Sports |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - Apr 2025 |