Valoración del morfotipo sagital del raquis, extensibilidad de la musculatura de la extremidad inferior y la fuerza resistencia del tronco en jinetes de doma clásica y salto de obstáculos

Abstract

The present study aims to identify and describe the possible physical adaptations that the continued practice of dressage and show jumping can produce in the locomotor system of athletes, and establish the predictive risk factors derived from sports practice associated with low back pain of the rider. The objectives of the study were: 1) to describe the sagittal morphotype of the spine; 2) to describe the "integral sagittal morphotype" of the rider; 3) analyze anthropometric values; 4) to describe the flexibility profile of the lower limb; 5) evaluate the strength-resistance of the trunk muscles; 6) to identify the prevalence of back pain; and 6) Establish relationships between the possible risk factors derived from equestrian sports in relation to low back pain.A total of 44 dressage and show jumping riders aged between 9 and 17 years old belonging to different levels of competition who participated in the Sport Technification Plans of the Region of Murcia and Castilla y León, were part of the study . The findings showed a high incidence of riders who presented spinal angles outside the normal ranges, with sagittal imbalances for the thoracic and lumbar curve. When describing the "sagittal integral morphotype", differences by discipline were observed for thoracic curvature. Almost half of the equestrian athletes evaluated have suffered at least one episode of low back pain in the past 12 months. Two risk factors and cut-off values were identified as predictors of low back pain in equestrian athletes: have a high body fat greater than 23% (p = 0.01), and a resistance of the lateral flexor of the trunk less than or equal to 65 s (p = 0.021), with body fat being the strongest predictor. Among the recommendations on prevention of lumbar pain in the rider, the initial assessment of the locomotor system is proposed, the improvement of body composition, the increase of the muscular resistance of the trunk, especially of the lateral flexors, the increase of the extensibility of the muscles with tendency to muscle shortness and improvement of the rider's postures during equestrian practice. In addition, it is recommended to educate athletes, parents and trainers about the importance of the specific physical preparation of the equestrian athlete. The continued practice of the equestrian sports analyzed can produce specific adaptations in the locomotor system of athletes that affect their health and performance. This study represents a first step in the field of health and the prevention of low back pain in equestrian athletes. It is necessary to carry out new studies that provide knowledge about the characteristics of these sports disciplines and that help establish prevention measures to reduce risk factors for low back pain in riders.