INFLUENCE OF SADDLE TYPE UPON THE INCIDENCE OF LOWER BACK PAIN IN EQUESTRIAN RIDERS

Objective-To investigate the possible influences of saddle type on the incidence of ''lower back pain'' in a cross section of equestrian rid ers. Methods-108 equestrian riders completed a questionnaire concernin g their riding habits and whether they suffered from lower back pain. In particular they were asked whether they used a traditional style/ge neral purpose saddle (GP) or a deep seated/Western style saddle (W). R esults-48% of the riders reported suffering from lower back pain, the incidence being higher in the GP saddle users (66%) than in W saddle u sers (23%) (P < 0.001). Female riders had a higher incidence of lower back pain than males, 58% v 27% (P < 0.005). When the genders were ana lysed separately for the effect of saddle type, males using the GP and W saddles had a 33% and 6% incidence of lower back pain respectively, while females using the GP and W saddles had a 72% and 33% incidence. The highest incidence of lower back pain occurred in the GP saddle us ers who had been riding for more than 15 years (P < 0.07). The data al so indicated a possible tendency for there to be more low back pain am ong riders using a short stirrup length. No other factors were found t o affect the incidence of lower back pain. Conclusions-The difference in the incidence of lower back pain between the users of the two saddl e types may be due to the additional comfort, cushioning, postural pos itioning, and stability offered by the design of the deep seated saddl e. The results suggest that, while a deep sated saddle is not suited t o all equestrian activities, where possible its use should be consider ed because of its effect in reducing the risk of lower back pain.