Consensus on a jockey's injury prevention framework for video analysis: a modified Delphi study

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Biomechanics
• Occupational Safety

Background:

• Horse racing has a high incidence of jockey falls and injuries, with limited understanding of injury mechanisms.
• Video analysis of falls is underutilized despite available footage, hindering injury prevention efforts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a standardized framework for video analysis of jockey falls in horse racing.
• To encourage consistent and high-quality application of video analysis for injury research.

Main Methods:

• An expert consensus-based approach using a modified Delphi method.
• Systematic literature review combined with expert steering committee input.
• Development and consensus on specific descriptors and definitions for jockey falls.

Main Results:

• Achieved consensus on 73 horse racing-specific descriptors and 268 associated definitions.
• Established a framework detailing six discrete phases of a jockey fall inciting event.
• Identified key features and risk factors contributing to jockey injuries.

Conclusions:

• The developed framework provides a foundation for future research and practical application of video analysis in horse racing.
• Recommendations aim to facilitate the use of video analysis for improved jockey safety and injury prevention strategies.