Abstract

Introduction. Women involved in amateur equestrian activities may encounter spine pain and discomfort in the lower pelvic region.

Aim of the Study. A research hypothesis was established, suggesting that training the muscles responsible for stabilising the lumbar spine may have a positive impact on reducing both lumbar spine pain sensations and gynaecological disorders among female horse riders. The study aimed to validate the hypothesis and compare the Revised Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Scale Questionnaire in the Polish version and the author’s questionnaire on gynaecological complaints between the study and the control group.

Material and methodology. The study involved women (n = 23) engaged in equestrian activities with an age range of 22.23 ± 2.78 years, research group n = 11 and n = 12 control group. Questionnaires used: Revised Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Scale and the author’s on gynaecological ailments. Questionnaires were completed before and after a training session focused on exercising the stabilising muscles. Daily exercise training was conducted in the afternoon for six weeks (30 repetitions for each exercise).

Results. The results were presented in the form of graphs.

Conclusions. The six-week training of the stabilising muscles has a positive impact on reducing lumbar back pain and a slight effect on gynaecological complaints.

Key words:

horse riding, pain, stabilising muscles, gynaecological dysfunctions