Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 20, 2026
06:28
Biomechanical Changes Related to Low Back Pain: An Innovative Tool for Movement Pattern Assessment and Treatment Evaluation in Rehabilitation
Published on: December 13, 2024
Prevalence of Low Back Pain in Competitive Dressage Riders: A Cross-Sectional Study.
Dirkie M Landman1, Ashleigh Handley1, Cynthia Peterson1
1Chiropractic Department, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa.
Journal of Chiropractic Medicine
|May 19, 2026
Summary
Low back pain (LBP) affects many dressage riders, with 71% experiencing it currently and 56% lifetime. Specific horse gaits during training and riding are linked to this pain.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Equestrian Science
- Pain Research
Background:
- Low back pain (LBP) is a common ailment affecting athletes across disciplines.
- Dressage riders, due to the specific demands of their sport, may be at risk for LBP.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the point and lifetime prevalence of LBP in competitive dressage riders.
- To identify riding-related factors associated with the occurrence and exacerbation of LBP in this population.
Main Methods:
- A quantitative, cross-sectional study utilizing an online questionnaire.
- One hundred dressage riders from preliminary to higher levels were surveyed.
- Data analysis included frequencies, descriptive statistics, and Spearman correlations.
Main Results:
- 71% of riders reported current LBP (point prevalence), and 56% reported lifetime prevalence.
- A significant positive correlation was found between perceived LBP related to riding and the frequency/worsening of pain during competition (r=0.46, P=.00 and r=0.49, P=.00).
- No significant negative correlations were found between hours spent in sitting trot or cantering and increased LBP.
Conclusions:
- This study quantifies LBP prevalence in South African competitive dressage riders.
- Specific training and riding gaits in dressage are associated with LBP in riders.
