Self-Reported Neck and Low Back Disability in Female Show Jumping Riders: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Show jumping involves repetitive biomechanical loading of the rider's spine. This study compared lumbar and cervical spine- related disability between amateur and advanced female show jumpers. Methods: This cross-sectional observational study included 353 female show jumping athletes aged 12-25 years. Data were collected using an anonymous online survey distributed during major international equestrian competitions in Poland. Participants were stratified by age (12-17 and 18-25 years) and competitive level (amateur vs. advanced riders) to examine differences in lumbar and cervical spine-related disability. Data were analyzed using non-parametric statistical tests, including the Mann-Whitney U test for continuous variables and the Chi-square test for categorical comparisons, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Advanced athletes reported higher ODI scores compared with amateurs, particularly in the younger age group, although this did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.053). No significant differences were observed in the older age group. Similarly, no significant differences were found between amateur and advanced athletes regarding cervical spine-related disability (NDI) in either age group. Advanced athletes in both age groups reported significantly greater weekly training volume and longer training experience. Body mass did not differ between groups. Conclusions: Competitive level is associated with higher training loads, which may contribute to lumbar spine-related disability in younger female show jumpers. Further longitudinal studies are needed to explain the impact of cumulative loading on spinal health and to develop targeted preventive strategies.