Development and validation of a one-tube, nested real-time PCR method suitable for routine detection of Mycobacterium bovis in animal tissue.

AIMS: Development and validation of a real-time PCR test for high-throughput routine screening of animal tissue for Mycobacterium bovis and other Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) members. METHODS AND RESULTS: A preliminary study compared the results of a combination of five tissue preparation/DNA extraction methods and nine PCR assays on a panel of 92 cattle tissue samples of known M. bovis culture status (55 positive and 37 negative). The combination of DNA extraction and PCR was found to be important in achieving optimal detection of M. bovis. The optimal combination of a simple tissue preparation/DNA extraction method and a one-tube, nested real-time PCR to maximize the sensitivity of detection of an M. bovis-specific RD4 deletion and an IS1081 MTBC-specific target was selected for further evaluation. In total, tissue samples collected from 981 cattle and 366 non-bovine animals and submitted for routine TB culture were parallel tested with the selected method, as well as tissue samples obtained from 156 animals in certified TB-free cattle herds. CONCLUSION: For cattle, the optimized RD4-IS1081 PCR test exhibited a diagnostic sensitivity of 96% (95% CI: 94-97%) and specificity of 97% (95% CI: 95-98%) compared to culture. Specificity was 100% when testing the 156 samples from known TB-free cattle. For non-bovine species, the PCR had a diagnostic sensitivity of 93% (95% CI: 83-98%) and a specificity of 99% (95% CI: 97-100%).

Physical Preparation Strategies of Professional Jockeys.

ABSTRACT: Kiely, M, Warrington, G, McGoldrick, A, and Cullen, S. Physical preparation strategies of professional jockeys. J Strength Cond Res 36(11): 3184-3189, 2022-Professional horse racing is a physically demanding sport. The aim of the study was to examine the physical preparation strategies of jockeys for racing. A questionnaire was developed and validated which comprised of 4 sections; (a) background information, (b) making weight and current associated exercise habits, (c) current physical activity practices, and (d) jockey perceptions of strength and conditioning (S&C) and current practices. Eighty-five jockeys ( n = 38 professional flat, n = 47 professional jump) completed the questionnaire in race course weighing rooms representing 80% of the professional athlete population. In total, 77.6% of jockeys participate in physical activity outside of riding. Jockeys that participated in S&C (42.4%) reported their most frequent type of S&C practice; cardio (52.8%), high-intensity interval training (33.3%), flexibility and mobility training (8.3%), resistance training (5.6%). There was no significant difference in S&C participation between total flat and total jump licenses ( p = 0.530; [PHI] = 0.068). Difficulty making weight was reported by 55.3% of jockeys. Exercise alone was used by 29.4% of jockeys to rapidly reduce weight. There was no significant difference ( p = 0.201, [PHI] = 0.357) between the frequency of rapid weight loss per month for total flat (1.7 ± 1.7) and total jump jockeys (1.6 ± 0.5). This study represents the only published data on the physical preparation strategies of jockeys. Jockeys do not partake in physical activity, which mimics the repeated high-intensity demands of racing. Future research is required to examine the effects of specific S&C interventions on riding performance.

Concussion History, Reporting Behaviors, Attitudes, and Knowledge in Jockeys.

OBJECTIVE: To examine concussion history, knowledge, and attitudes among Irish professional and amateur jockeys. DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey. SETTING: Questionnaire was distributed through e-mails sent to all licensed jockeys, over social media and during professional and amateur race meetings. PARTICIPANTS: An average of 23.6% (12%-44%) Irish professional and amateur jockeys (n = 119) holding a license in 2017. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Jockeys reported their previous concussion history, actions after their most recent concussion and responded to questions examining their knowledge and attitudes toward concussion. RESULTS: Amateur (32.4%) and professional (19.6%) jockeys, who were never medically diagnosed over their career, suspected that they had sustained a concussion. Jockeys displayed good knowledge of concussion signs and symptoms; yet, one in 2 jockeys would continue to ride out the same day if they suspected they had a concussion. They were less likely if they had a race that day. Reasons for continuing to ride include not considering a concussion as serious (85.7%); risk of losing the ride (84.0%); not wanting to let anyone down (77.8%); and considered it a sign of weakness (74.1%). Risky behavior was more common after a suspected concussion than a medically diagnosed concussion. CONCLUSIONS: Underreporting of concussions is proposed as a serious concern, and concussion understanding and attitudes can impact reporting. To address the issue of underreporting of concussions in Irish horseracing, there is a need to educate jockeys and the wider racing community on the importance of timely concussion assessments and access to appropriate management systems.

Physiological Demands of Professional Flat and Jump Horse Racing.

Kiely, M, Warrington, GD, McGoldrick, A, Pugh, J, and Cullen, S. Physiological demands of professional flat and jump horse racing. J Strength Cond Res 34(8): 2173-2177, 2020-No information is currently available on the effect of race distance on the physiological demands of jockeys. This study aimed to quantify the respective demands of short and long flat and jump race distances. Twenty professional jockeys (10 flat and 10 jump) participated in the study. The subjects initially performed a graded incremental exercise test to volitional exhaustion on a treadmill to determine the peak heart rate (HR) and blood lactate concentrations. Two competitive races (short and long) were then monitored on 2 separate occasions for each jockey type to obtain hydration, HR, blood lactate concentration, and rating of perceived exertion data. Mean distances for the 4 races were: 1,247.2 ± 184.7 m (short flat race), 2,313.4 ± 142.2 m (long flat race), 3,480.2 ± 355.3 m (short jump race), and 4,546.4 ± 194.3 m (long jump race). The mean HR for the long flat race was 151 ± 19 b·min (79 ± 11% of HRpeak), which was significantly lower than all other race distances (p = 0.000, effect size [ES] = 0.469). A longer jump race resulted in a significantly higher reported rate of perceived exertion (RPE) (14 ± 2.8) than the short jump race (11.0 ± 1.5) (p = 0.009, ES = 0.271), whereas no significant difference was revealed between peak HR responses or blood lactate concentrations when comparing other race distances (p < 0.05). The finding of this study supports previous limited research, which suggests that horse racing is a high-intensity sport, whereas RPE and mean HR fluctuate according to the race distance.

Medicine in the Sport of Horse Racing.

Horseracing is among the most popular and increasingly lucrative industry sports in the nation. The average jockey must control a thoroughbred horse 10 times their weight that may act unpredictably whether at rest or full gallop resulting in falls, kicks, or even biting injuries. Despite the risks, jockeys do not have access to the same quality of medical care that is standard in similarly profitable sports organizations. Beyond the mental and physical demands of training and performance endured by any professional athlete, jockeys are confronted with health challenges unique to their sport. In this review of the literature, we aim to educate sports medicine physicians regarding the underlying causes of injuries, describe injury management, and make recommendations for appropriate preventive strategies. Overall, there is a void of literature, and so our authors offer expert opinion and encourage others to get involved in making this a safer sport.

Multilaboratory Evaluation of a Novel Lateral Flow Immunochromatographic Assay for Confirming Isolation of Mycobacterium bovis from Veterinary Diagnostic Specimens.

A novel lateral flow immunochromatographic device (LFD) was evaluated in several veterinary diagnostic laboratories. It was confirmed to be specific for Mycobacterium bovis and M.caprae cells. The performance of the novel LFD was assessed relative to the confirmatory tests routinely applied after culture (spoligotyping or quantitative PCR [qPCR]) in each laboratory; liquid (MGIT or BacT/Alert) and/or solid (Stonebrink, Coletsos, or Lowenstein-Jensen) cultures were tested. In comparison to spoligotyping of acid-fast-positive MGIT cultures, percent agreement between positive LFD and spoligotyping results was excellent in two United Kingdom laboratories (97.7 to 100%) but lower in the Spanish context (76%), where spoligotyping was applied to MGIT cultures previously confirmed to be positive for M. tuberculosis complex (MTBC) by qPCR. Certain spoligotypes of M. bovis and M. caprae were not detected by the LFD in Spanish MGIT cultures. Compared to qPCR confirmation, the agreement between positive LFD and qPCR results was 42.3% and 50% for BacT/Alert and MGIT liquid cultures, respectively, and for solid cultures, it ranged from 11.1 to 89.2%, depending on the solid medium employed (Coletsos, 11.1%; Lowenstein-Jensen, 55.6%; Stonebrinks, 89.2%). Correlation between the novel LFD and BD MGIT TBc Identification test results was excellent when 190 MGIT cultures were tested (r = 0.9791; P < 0.0001), with the added benefit that M. bovis was differentiated from another MTBC species in one MGIT culture by the novel LFD. This multilaboratory evaluation demonstrated the novel LFD's potential utility as a rapid test to confirm isolation of M. bovis and M. caprae from veterinary specimens following culture.

The impact of making-weight on cognitive performance in apprentice jockeys.

Jockeys regularly engage in rapid weight-loss practices in preparation for competition. These practices are thought to impair cognitive function, although the evidence in support of this theory remains inconclusive. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of making-weight on cognitive function in apprentice jockeys in a simulated and competitive environment. Apprentice jockeys (n = 12) reduced their body mass by 4% in 48 h in a simulated environment using weight-loss methods typically adopted in preparation for racing. Simple and choice reaction time, attention, learning and memory were assessed before and after the weight loss. A further 10 apprentice jockeys performed the cognitive function assessment in a competitive racing environment at both a self-reported "normal" and "light" body mass. Hydration status and body mass were assessed in all trials. In the simulated environment, body mass was reduced by 4.2 ± 0.3%, yet no change in cognitive function was observed. Cognitive function also remained unchanged in the competitive environment after a body mass loss of 5.7 ± 1.9%. Typical reductions in body mass in preparation for racing have no effect on cognitive function in apprentice jockeys in a simulated and competitive environment. Further research is required to investigate the physiological mechanisms preventing the adverse effects of making-weight on cognitive function in jockeys.

Physiological Demands of Flat Horse Racing Jockeys.

The physiological demands of jockeys during competition remain largely unknown, thereby creating challenges when attempting to prescribe sport-specific nutrition and training guidelines. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the physiological demands and energy requirements of jockeys during flat racing. Oxygen uptake (V[Combining Dot Above]O2) and heart rate (HR) were assessed in 18 male trainee jockeys during a race simulation trial on a mechanical horse racing simulator for the typical time duration to cover a common flat race distance of 1,400 m. In addition, 8 male apprentice jockeys participated in a competitive race, over distances ranging from 1,200 to 1,600 m, during which HR and respiratory rate (RR) were assessed. All participants performed a maximal incremental cycle ergometer test. During the simulated race, peak V[Combining Dot Above]O2 was 42.74 ± 5.6 ml·kg·min (75 ± 11% of V[Combining Dot Above]O2peak) and below the mean ventilatory threshold (81 ± 5% of V[Combining Dot Above]O2peak) reported in the maximal incremental cycle test. Peak HR was 161 ± 16 b·min (86 ± 7% of HRpeak). Energy expenditure was estimated as 92.5 ± 18.8 kJ with an associated value of 9.4 metabolic equivalents. During the competitive race trial, peak HR reached 189 ± 5 b·min (103 ± 4% of HRpeak) and peak RR was 50 ± 7 breaths per minute. Results suggest that horse racing is a physically demanding sport, requiring jockeys to perform close to their physiological limit to be successful. These findings may provide a useful insight when developing sport-specific nutrition and training strategies to optimally equip and prepare jockeys physically for the physiological demands of horse racing.

A proof of concept study to assess the potential of PCR testing to detect natural Mycobacterium bovis infection in South American camelids.

BACKGROUND: Cases of Mycobacterium bovis infection South American camelids have been increasing in Great Britain. Current antemortem immunological tests have some limitations. Cases at post mortem examination frequently show extensive pathology. The feasibility of detecting Mycobacterium bovis DNA in clinical samples was investigated. FINDINGS: A sensitive extraction methodology was developed and used on nasal swabs and faeces taken post-mortem to assess the potential for a PCR test to detect Mycobacterium bovis in clinical samples. The gross pathology of the studied South American camelids was scored and a significantly greater proportion of South American camelids with more severe pathology were positive in both the nasal swab and faecal PCR tests. A combination of the nasal swab and faecal PCR tests detected 63.9% of all the South American camelids with pathology that were tested. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that antemortem diagnosis of Mycobacterium bovis in South American camelids may be possible using a PCR test on clinical samples, however more work is required to determine sensitivity and specificity, and the practicalities of applying the test in the field.

Temporal dynamics of the early immune response following Mycobacterium bovis infection of cattle.

Bovine tuberculosis is an infectious disease of global significance that remains endemic in many countries. Mycobacterium bovis infection in cattle is characterized by a cell-mediated immune response (CMI) that precedes humoral responses, however the timing and trajectories of CMI and antibody responses determined by newer generation assays remain undefined. Here we used defined-antigen interferon-gamma release assays (IGRA) and an eleven-antigen multiplex ELISA (Enferplex TB test) alongside traditional tuberculin-based IGRA and IDEXX M. bovis antibody tests to assess immune trajectories following experimental M. bovis infection of cattle. The results show CMI responses developed as early as two-weeks post-infection, with all infected cattle testing positive three weeks post-infection. Interestingly, 6 of 8 infected animals were serologically positive with the Enferplex TB assay as early as 4 weeks post-infection. As expected, application of the tuberculin skin test enhanced subsequent serological reactivity. Infrequent M. bovis faecal shedding was observed but was uncorrelated with observed immune trajectories. Together, the results show that early antibody responses to M. bovis infection are detectable in some individuals and highlight an urgent need to identify biomarkers that better predict infection outcomes, particularly for application in low-and-middle income countries where test-and-slaughter based control methods are largely unfeasible.

The impact of making weight on physiological and cognitive processes in elite jockeys.

PURPOSE: To examine the impact of making weight on aerobic work capacity and cognitive processes in a group of professional jockeys. METHODS: Nine male jockeys and 9 age-, gender-, and BMI-matched controls were recruited to take part in two experimental trials, conducted 48 hr apart. The jockeys were asked to reduce their body mass by 4% in the 48 hr between trials, and controls maintained usual dietary and physical activity habits between trials. Aerobic work capacity was assessed by performance during an incremental cycle ergometer test. Motor response, decision making, executive function, and working memory were assessed using a computerized cognitive test battery. RESULTS: The jockey group significantly reduced their body mass by 3.6 ± 0.9% (p < .01). Mean urine specific gravity (Usg) readings increased from 1.019 ± 0.004-1.028 ± 0.005 (p < .01) following this reduction in body mass. Peak work capacity was significantly reduced between trials in the jockey group (213 ± 27 vs. 186 ± 23 W, p < .01), although VO2peak (46.4 ± 3.7 vs. 47.2 ± 6.3 ml·kg·min-1) remained unchanged. No changes were identified for any cognitive variable in the jockey group between trials. CONCLUSION: Simulation of race day preparation, by allocating a weight that is 4% below baseline body mass caused all jockeys to report for repeat testing in a dehydrated state, and a reduction in aerobic work capacity, both of which may impact on racing performance.

Weight regulation and bone mass: a comparison between professional jockeys, elite amateur boxers, and age, gender and BMI matched controls.

The aim of this study was to compare bone mass between two groups of jockeys (flat: n = 14; national hunt: n = 16); boxers (n = 14) and age, gender and BMI matched controls (n = 14). All subjects underwent dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scanning for assessment of bone mass, with measurements made of the total body, vertebra L2-4 and femoral neck. Body composition and the relative contribution of fat and lean mass were extrapolated from the results. Data were analysed in accordance with differences in body composition, in particular, height, lean mass, fat mass and age. Both jockey groups were shown to display lower bone mass than either the boxers or control group at a number of sites including total body bone mineral density (BMD) (1.019 ± 0.06 and 1.17 ± 1.05 vs. 1.26 ± 0.01 and 1.26 ± 0.06 g cm(-2) for flat, national hunt, boxer and control, respectively), total body bone mineral content (BMC) less head, L2-4 BMD and femoral neck BMD and BMC (p < 0.05). Regression analysis revealed that lean mass and height were the primary predictors of total body BMC, although additional group-specific influences were present which reduced bone mass in the flat jockey group and enhanced it in the boxers (R (2) = 0.814). Reduced bone mass in jockeys may be a consequence of reduced energy availability in response to chronic weight restriction and could have particular implications for these athletes in light of the high risk nature of the sport. In contrast, the high intensity, high impact training associated with boxing may have conveyed an osteogenic stimulus on these athletes.

An altered hormonal profile and elevated rate of bone loss are associated with low bone mass in professional horse-racing jockeys.

Horse-racing jockeys are a group of weight-restricted athletes, who have been suggested as undertaking rapid and extreme weight cycling practices in order to comply with stipulated body-mass standards. The aim of this study was to examine bone mass, turnover and endocrine function in jockeys and to compare this group with age, gender and body mass index matched controls. Twenty male professional jockeys and 20 healthy male controls participated. Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry scans and early morning fasting blood and urine samples were used to measure bone mass, turnover and a hormonal profile. Total body bone mineral density (BMD) was significantly lower in jockeys (1.143 ± 0.05 vs. 1.27 ± 0.06 g cm(-3), p < 0.01). Bone resorptive activity was elevated in the jockey group as indicated by significantly higher urinary NTx/creatinine (76.94 ± 29.52 vs. 55.9 ± 13.9 nmol mmol(-1), p < 0.01), resulting in a significantly negative uncoupling index between bone resorption and formation. Sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) levels were significantly higher in jockeys (41.21 ± 9.77 vs. 28.24 ± 9.98 nmol L(-1), p < 0.01) with a lower percentage of bioavailable testosterone (48.89 ± 7.38 vs. 59.18 ± 6.74 %, p < 0.01). SHBG and insulin-like growth factor-1 were independent predictors of total body and femoral neck BMD, respectively (p < 0.05). In conclusion, it appears that professional jockeys have an elevated rate of bone loss and reduced bone mass that appears to be associated with disrupted hormonal activity. It is likely that this may have occurred in response to the chronic weight cycling habitually experienced by this group.

Body Composition and Bone Health Status of Jockeys: Current Findings, Assessment Methods and Classification Criteria.

Jockeys are unlike other weight-making athletes as the sport of horse racing requires strict weight management to meet the racing stipulations, protracted working hours and an extended racing season with limited downtime. Several studies have reported on the body composition and bone status of male and female professional and retired jockeys, yet the variety of assessment techniques, lack of standardised testing protocols and classification inconsistency make interpretation and comparison between studies problematic. This review aimed to appraise the existing body composition and bone health evidence in jockeys and evaluate the assessment methods and classification criteria used. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) has been used most frequently in jockey research to assess body composition and bone status, while various generic skinfold equations have been used to predict body fat percentage. Evidence indicates flat jockeys are now taller and heavier than the data reported in earlier studies. Absolute fat mass has steadily increased in male jockeys in the last decade. The bone status of male jockeys remains a concern as constant low bone density (BMD) is evident in a large percentage of young and experienced professional jockeys. Due to limited studies and variations in assessment methods, further research is required to investigate bone turnover markers in male and female jockeys. A standardised testing protocol using internationally recognised assessment guidelines is critical for the accurate interpretation and evaluation of body composition and bone health measurements. Furthermore, establishing jockey-specific BMD and bone turnover reference ranges should be considered using existing and future data.

Nutritional, lifestyle, and weight control practices of professional jockeys.

In this study, we describe diet and lifestyle practices of professional jockeys. Participants completed a 59-item nutrition, lifestyle, and health questionnaire (n = 21) and a 7-day estimated food diary (n = 18). Acute weight loss strategies included the use of saunas (86%), exercising to induce sweating (81%), and restricted energy intake (71%). Of the smokers (38%), 56% used smoking to control weight. Most (86%) jockeys reported attaining a 2-kg weight loss for racing (if required) 24-48 h before or on the designated race-day. Mean daily energy intake (1803 ± 564 kcal) was low and appeared to provide an insufficient availability of energy for sustainment of usual daily and metabolic processes. Carbohydrate intake (3.7 ± 1.3 g · kg⁻¹) was below recommendations for athletes. A substantial proportion of jockeys failed to meet the estimated average requirement and lower threshold intake for a number of micronutrients. Jockeys consumed well below (0-2) the recommended five daily servings of fruit and vegetables set by the World Health Organization. Pressures of the jockey lifestyle and rigid weight limits appear to encourage unhealthy weight management practices in this group and may risk long term-health.

A Cross Sectional Survey of International Horse-Racing Authorities on Injury Data Collection and Reporting Practices For Professional Jockeys.

Jockey injuries are common in professional horse-racing and can result in life-threatening or career-ending outcomes. Robust injury data are essential to understand the circumstances of injury occurrence and ultimately identify prevention opportunities. This study aimed to identify jockey injury surveillance practices of international horse-racing authorities (HRAs) and the specific data items collected and reported by each HRA. A cross-sectional survey of representatives (e.g. Chief Medical Officer) from international HRAs was conducted. An online and paper questionnaire was designed comprised of 32 questions. Questions considered the barriers and facilitators to data collection within each HRA, and where available, what data were collected and reported by HRAs. Representatives from 15 international racing jurisdictions were included, of which 12 reported collection of race day injuries or falls, using varied definitions of medical attention and time loss. Six HRAs did not have a definition for a jockey injury, and eight HRAs had no parameters for describing injury severity. Race day exposure was collected by two HRAs. Results were commonly presented by HRAs as the number of injuries (n = 9/15) or proportion of injured jockeys (n = 6/15). The lack of a designated role for collection, collation and reporting of data was the main barrier for injury surveillance. Twelve HRAs agreed that mandatory collection would be a strong facilitator to improving practice. Enhancement and standardization of international jockey injury surveillance is required to move forward with evidence informed prevention. Concurrent investigation of how reporting practices can be best supported within existing HRA structures is recommended.

Mental health difficulties among professional jockeys: a narrative review.

INTRODUCTION: Emerging academic literature and high-profile disclosures of mental health difficulties and mental illness from current and former professional jockeys suggest that further exploration of the mental health of jockeys is required. To date, a comprehensive review of jockeys' mental health has yet to be conducted. OBJECTIVES: To examine the existing literature related to jockeys' mental health, including the prevalence of symptoms associated with mental health difficulties and help-seeking. DESIGN: A narrative review of the literature was conducted with articles screened from inception until January 2021. RESULTS: Sixteen studies were included in the narrative review. Studies covered a range of mental health difficulties which included mood (depression), anxiety, distress, disordered eating and substance misuse. Rates of help-seeking among jockeys were also explored. Results indicated that jockeys reported higher levels of depressive and anxiety symptoms compared with other elite athletes. Substance misuse, in particular adverse alcohol use, also appears greater among jockeys than other elite athletes. Distress symptoms appear comparable with other elite athletes. Risk factors for mental health difficulties included injury, perceived stress, athlete burnout, career dissatisfaction and the contemplation of retirement. Weight-making negatively impacts jockeys' mood and attitudes towards eating, with lower competitive riding weights associated with more disordered eating attitudes. Moreover, help-seeking from mental health professionals appears low. CONCLUSION: The review identifies a high prevalence of symptoms of mental health difficulties among professional jockeys. Applied recommendations and future research considerations are proposed throughout the review article.

Injuries outside of horseracing: is it time to focus on injury prevention of jockeys outside of races?

Objectives: Falls and injuries are frequent in professional horseracing. However, professional jockeys spend a large part of their week in horse-related activities outside of racing such as schooling, exercise riding, and yard-related activities. The injury risk related to these activities remains largely unknown internationally. This study aimed to identify the injury prevalence and injury profile of flat and jump jockeys during non-racing activities. Methods: In total 45.6% and 38.5% of all licensed Irish professional flat and jump jockeys completed a cross-sectional self-recall questionnaire examining injuries that occurred outside of racing during 2018. Injury proportion, repeat incidence proportion, and descriptive statistics were calculated. Results: Fifteen percent of professional jockeys sustained an injury outside of a race, half of those injured receiving at least another injury in 2018 and 66.52 injuries per 1,000 falls were noted. Injuries frequently occurred to the upper limb (36.67%), with fractures common (32.00%). Most injuries occurred due to a fall (60.00%) and 77.27% occurred in the gallops. Half of injuries resulted in the jockey missing racing, with 31.00 ± 47.18 (4-180) days lost on average. Twenty-three percent of jockeys attended hospital and 16.67% required surgery due to injury. Interestingly, just under a third did not report their injury to anyone. Conclusion: Injuries to professional jockeys, whilst not as frequent outside of racing, tend to be serious and can affect jockeys financially and impact their availability to ride. Prioritizing injury prevention strategies to maximize availability of jockeys to race is important. Education on the importance of reporting all injuries regardless of where they occur is important to ensure their management and rehabilitation.

Physical and Lifestyle Factors Influencing Bone Density in Jockeys: A Comprehensive Update of the Bone Density Status of Irish Jockeys.

Compromised bone density in jockeys has previously been identified as an important health and safety concern in horseracing. Despite this, no update on the bone density status in Irish jockeys has been provided in the past decade. The study aimed to conduct a comprehensive update of the current bone density status in professional Irish jockeys and identify possible contributory physical and lifestyle factors. Eighty-five professional male jockeys (flat n = 39; national hunt (NH) n = 46) completed a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan for the assessment of body composition and bone mineral density (BMD) at the lumbar spine (LS), femoral neck (FN) and hip, 24-hour food recall, bone-specific physical activity questionnaire (BPAQ) and lifestyle questionnaire on weight making practices and injury history. Z-scores were interpreted to assess current bone density status. Correlation analysis was used to identify physical and lifestyle factors associated with bone mineral apparent density (BMAD). Results revealed a high prevalence of low BMD (Z-score < - 1.0) at the LS (44%), FN (15%) and hip (29%) in Irish jockeys. Analysis of jockeys physical characteristics found a positive relationship with the LS but not FN BMAD. Riding experience and timing of weight cut in NH and the practice of cutting weight in flat jockeys negatively influenced BMAD sites, while supplement use in flat jockeys displayed a positive effect on LS BMAD. Findings indicate the need for targeted individualised support strategies. Further investigation is required into jockey-specific intervention strategies that promote the development of optimal bone health in professional jockeys.

Racehorse Trainer Mental Health: Prevalence and Risk Factors.

Racehorse trainers play an important role within the horseracing industry. Despite this, scarce empirical information exists regarding the mental health of this population. Thus, the purpose of the present study was to explore the prevalence of symptoms related to common mental disorders (CMDs) and their associations with specific risk factors for CMD. Participants completed an anonymous online questionnaire. CMDs were assessed including distress, depression, generalized anxiety and adverse alcohol use. The risk factors examined included career dissatisfaction, social support and financial difficulties. 124 participants (28% response rate) completed the questionnaire. In total, 45% met the threshold indicative of at least one CMD. Specifically, prevalence of symptoms associated with depression (41%), adverse alcohol use (38%), psychological distress (26%), and generalized anxiety (18%) was observed. Career dissatisfaction (28%) and financial difficulties (64%) were identified. Career dissatisfaction, lower levels of social support and financial difficulties all increased the likelihood of trainers meeting the criteria for at least one of distress, depression or generalized anxiety. The study was the first to highlight prevalence rates of symptoms associated with CMDs among racehorse trainers in Ireland and identify certain risk factors which may increase the likelihood of racehorse trainers meeting the criteria for a CMD. Assessment of risk factors can aid early identification of CMDs among racehorse trainers. Such benefits may include early diagnosis or signposting to professional support. Further research is required in examining other occupational stressors experienced by trainers and the impact these may have on symptoms of CMDs.