Abstract
Our aim was to use Peripheral Quantitative Computed Tomography (pQCT) to assess the
bone health of male and female apprentice jockeys and age- and sex-matched peers.
2 groups of 25 young adults (n=50) (age range 15–38 years) were comprised of male
and female apprentice jockeys, and male and female controls. We used pQCT to measure
the distal tibia and distal radius. After covarying for weight and limb length, apprentice
jockeys displayed less tibial cortical area and lower strength strain index at 14%
distal shaft, 38% mid shaft and 66% proximal sites measured distally than controls
(p=0.001). No between group differences were found in cortical density, trabecular
area, and trabecular density at the tibia. Compared with controls, apprentice jockeys
displayed greater trabecular density at the distal radial site (p=0.001), greater
strength strain index at 66% proximal site measured distally (p=0.01), and a lower
strength strain index at the distal radius (p=0.006). In conclusion, only trabecular
density at the distal radius and strength strain index at the proximal radius were
greater in apprentice jockeys than controls. Strategies to increase bone density and
bone strength in apprentice jockeys should be considered by relevant industry stakeholders
and their health providers.
Key words
bone strength - jockey - musculoskeletal
