LA SALUD DE LOS NIÑOS EN DIÁLOGO DE SABERES

Despite the generally small stature of jockeys, they often have difficulty meeting the low body weights required for races (Apted, 1988). Previous research indicated that jockeys engaged in unhealthy short-term and long-term weight-loss practices (Atkinson et al., 2001; Hill et al., 1998; M. B. King & Mezey, 1987;

Labadarios et al., 1993; Leydon & Wall, 2002; Moore et al., 2002; Speed et al., 2001). These weight-loss behaviours include food restriction (Apted, 1988; Atkinson et al., 2001; Hill et al., 1998; M. B. King & Mezey, 1987; Labadarios et al., 1993; Leydon & Wall, 2002; Speed et al., 2001), fluid restriction (Hill et al., 1998; Labadarios et al., 1993; Leydon & Wall, 2002; Speed et al., 2001), sauna use (Atkinson et al., 2001; Hill et al., 1998; M. B. King & Mezey, 1987; Leydon & Wall, 2002; Speed et al., 2001), hot baths (Labadarios et al., 1993; Leydon & Wall, 2002), exercise (Atkinson et al., 2001; Hill et al., 1998; M. B. King & Mezey, 1987; Leydon & Wall, 2002), diuretic use (Hill et al., 1998; M. B. King & Mezey, 1987; Labadarios et al., 1993; Leydon & Wall, 2002; Speed et al., 2001), laxative use (M. B. King & Mezey, 1987; Speed et al., 2001), appetite suppressant use (M. B. King & Mezey, 1987; Labadarios et al., 1993), self-induced vomiting (M. B. King & Mezey, 1987; Speed et al., 2001) and excessive smoking (Labadarios et al., 1993; Leydon & Wall, 2002).

When considering the possible physical, psychological and social effects of jockeys’ weight-loss practices, a review of the literature revealed little research on these topics. Nevertheless, research involving other athletes and individuals using extreme weight-loss behaviours provides insight into the effects of wasting on jockeys’ physical and psychological wellbeing. Weight-loss behaviour has been linked to increased negative mood (Keys et al., 1950; Landers et al., 2001; Lane,

2001; Terry et al., 1999), risk of heat illness symptoms (Hassanien et al., 1992; Pruscino et al., 2005; Sparling, 2000) and decreased social interaction (Keys et al., 1950). Research examining other athletes also raised concerns that the pressure for jockeys to maintain a low body weight could increase the risk of developing eating disorders (Haase et al., 1999; Sundgot-Bogen, 1993; Sundgot-Bogen & Klungland, 2002).

Study 1 investigated the weight-management and weight-loss techniques used by currently licensed and apprenticed jockeys. The study aimed to provide further insight into the weight-loss practices jockeys use to maintain riding weight. It also aimed to explore the effects of weight-loss behaviours on the psychological health and wellbeing of jockeys, paying particular attention to mood, disordered eating and social interactions.

Method

Participants

Licensed jockeys.

At the time of the study there were 189 flat-race jockeys licensed in the state of Victoria. Each of these riders were approached to participate in the research. Their names and contact details were obtained from Inside Racing, an official monthly publication of the Victorian Horseracing Industry.

In Australia, flat-race jockeys are licensed under four categories, Jockey “A” (licensed to ride in flat races at professional meetings in Victoria), Jockey “B” (licensed to ride in flat races at professional meetings outside the suburban radius),

Jockey “A” Cross Country (licensed to ride in jumping races and/or any flat races at professional meetings outside the suburban radius) and Jockey “B” Cross Country (licensed to ride in jumping races and/or any flat races at professional meetings outside the suburban radius; Racing Victoria Limited, 2006c). Only group A and B flat-race jockeys were included in the study because these two categories of riders generally ride at lower weights than riders classified as either A or B Cross Country. Thirty-five licensed flat-race jockeys (30 male and 5 female) completed and returned the questionnaire (see “Measures” below), giving a response rate of 18.5%. A similar low response rate was observed by Speed et al. (2001) and this may be explained by the private nature of jockeys (Beadman & Young, 2003; DeBenedette, 1987; Hislop, 2002; Schmidt, 2004; Speed et al., 2001) and the demands on their time (Speed, et al., 2001). Other factors such as negative moods (Caulfield et al., 2003; M. B. King & Mezey, 1987) and jockeys’ low levels of education may have also played a role (Speed, et al, 2001; Wilmoth, 2007).

The average age of jockeys was 31.2 years (SD=8.4) with a range of 20 to 56 years. The jockeys had an average riding career of 14.6 years (SD=9.0), with the longest career spanning 42 years and the shortest career spanning 2.5 years. On average, the participating jockeys rode in 10 races (SD=6.5) per week and spent 44.1 hours (SD=18.6) involved in jockey duties (e.g., track work, race trials). Four jockeys were injured at the time of the study and were not able to ride.

Apprentice jockeys.

In addition to A and B group jockeys, all apprentice jockeys (n=63) who were enrolled in the Certificate IV in Racing (Thoroughbred) at Racing Victoria’s

Education and Training Centre (see Appendix B) were approached to participate in the research. The names and contact details of apprentice jockeys were obtained from Racing Victoria.

Before becoming licensed jockeys, apprentices complete a 3 year nationally accredited Certificate IV in Racing (Thoroughbred) Jockey program and a 4 year indenture period supervised by licensed racehorse trainers who provide on-the-job training. Jockeys must also meet specific riding requirements to ride track work, official race trials, provincial, country and metropolitan races (Racing Victoria, 2006).

Seven apprentice jockeys (two male and five female) completed and returned questionnaires, giving a response rate of 11.1%. At the time of the research, four apprentice jockeys were in the third year of their apprenticeship and spent an average of 56.6 hours (SD=14.4) per week involved in jockey duties and rode in an average of 12.3 races (SD= 4.7) each week. Three of the apprentice jockeys were in the second year of their apprenticeships and spent an average of 48.3 hours (SD=9.6) involved in jockey duties (e.g., riding track work, stable duties, apprenticeship studies) and rode in an average of five races (SD=6.8) each week. At the time of the study, a single second year apprentice jockey was not riding due to weight problems.

Total sample: licensed jockeys and apprentice jockeys.

The total sample consisted of 42 flat-race jockeys (32 male and 10 female) currently riding in the state of Victoria, Australia. Gender representation was

proportional to the jockey population. The average age of participants was 29.6 years (SD=8.6) with ages ranging from 17 years to 56 years.

Jockeys varied widely in the amount of time they spent on professional tasks. However, on average jockeys rode in 10.5 (SD=6.9) races per week and spent

between 10 to 91 hours (M=46.8, SD=19.1) per week undertaking duties as a jockey. The duration of their riding careers also varied widely, ranging from 1 to 42 years, with an average of 12.9 years (SD=9.7). At the time of the research, five jockeys were not riding, four due to injury and one due to weight problems. Given that they were still endeavouring to manage their weight during time away from race riding, their responses were included in the analysis.

Given that the research examined the effects of wasting on jockeys’ social interactions, they were asked to report on their family situations. Participants involved in married or de facto relationships accounted for just less than half (46%) of the sample population. One jockey had divorced his partner and another was separated. Thirty-one percent of jockeys had one or more children, with just over half (15.2%) having two children.

Measures

A questionnaire package (see Appendix C) consisting of three questionnaires was used to assess jockeys’ weight-management behaviours and the perceived effects of these practices on physical, psychological and social wellbeing. The first two questionnaires were developed specifically for the current study based on previous research on jockeys by Labadarios et al. (1993), Moore et al. (2002) and Speed et al. (2001) and on comparative research in other sports that include weight categories (e.g., wrestling and boxing; Coris, Ramirez, & Van Durme 2004; Daee et al. 2002).

The Eating Disorders Inventory - 2 (EDI-2; Garner, 1991) was included as the third