[Injuries during Equestrian Vaulting]

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Equine Science
• Biomechanics

Background:

• Vaulting is an understudied equestrian discipline concerning injury occurrence.
• Its unique movements necessitate separate injury analysis from traditional horse riding.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the overall frequency and types of injuries in equestrian vaulters.
• To specifically examine the incidence and characteristics of knee injuries within this population.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective survey-based study was conducted.
• Questionnaires were distributed to 60 vaulting clubs across Germany, achieving a 63% response rate.
• Data were collected from 624 athletes (95% female, mean age 15) detailing their injury history.

Main Results:

• Athletes reported an average of 4.1 injuries over their careers.
• Lower extremities were most affected (45%), followed by spine/head (30%) and upper extremities (25%).
• Contusions were most common, with significant rates of muscle strain, fractures (upper extremity), and ligament damage (lower extremity).
• 14% of participants sustained knee injuries, with medial collateral ligament (27%), anterior cruciate ligament (23%), and medial meniscus (22%) being most affected.
• Half of knee injuries occurred during dismounts, often due to improper landings.

Conclusions:

• Lower extremity injuries are prevalent in equestrian vaulting, frequently linked to dismounts.
• Ligamentous injuries, particularly in the knee, are common and often result from landing errors.
• Implementing specific training focused on improving landing mechanics may reduce injury rates.
• The incidence of contusions and upper extremity fractures suggests a significant risk associated with falls in the sport.