Elite male Flat jockeys display lower bone density and lower resting metabolic rate than their female counterparts: implications for athlete welfare

Appl Physiol Nutr Metab. 2015 Dec;40(12):1318-20. doi: 10.1139/apnm-2015-0354. Epub 2015 Sep 14.

Abstract

To test the hypothesis that daily weight-making is more problematic to health in male compared with female jockeys, we compared the bone density and resting metabolic rate (RMR) in weight-matched male and female Flat jockeys. RMR (kcal·kg(-1) lean mass) was lower in males compared with females as well as lower bone-density Z scores at the hip and lumbar spine. Data suggest the lifestyle of male jockeys compromise health more severely than females, possibly because of making weight more frequently.

Keywords: atteinte du poids; blessure; bone; hydratation; hydration; injury; jockey; metabolism; métabolisme; os; weight-making.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Absorptiometry, Photon
  • Adult
  • Animals
  • Athletes*
  • Basal Metabolism*
  • Body Composition
  • Body Weight*
  • Bone Density*
  • Calorimetry, Indirect
  • Female
  • Health Status
  • Horses*
  • Humans
  • Life Style*
  • Lumbar Vertebrae / diagnostic imaging
  • Male
  • Occupational Diseases / diagnosis
  • Occupational Diseases / etiology*
  • Occupational Diseases / physiopathology
  • Occupational Health*
  • Pelvic Bones / diagnostic imaging
  • Physical Fitness
  • Risk Factors
  • Sex Factors
  • Young Adult