ENGLISH TEXTS
entire sector be created?
M. C. There are a thousand things to do! Both individual and institutional solutions. And even more so in racing, where mental health needs to be demystified.
G. Could you explain your mission within the FFE in more detail?
M. C. The FFE contacted me a few years ago to create a list of professionals with whom there would be no risk of influence or dependence( whether voluntary or involuntary) and the guarantee of moral integrity. We verify the backgrounds of applicants and select practitioners who are capable of being in a helping relationship. This requires solid training and experience. Above all, we aim to protect the riders.
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ERIC LABOUTE
� PAGE 73
By Serge Okey
“ WHEN CAN I RIDE AGAIN, DOCTOR?”
Head physician at the European Center for Sports Rehabilitation( CERS) in Capbreton, Dr. Éric Laboute specializes in the recovery of high-level athletes. Among his patients are mainly rugby and football players, but also skiers, handball, basketball and judo athletes, as well as jockeys, who are not exactly the type to take convalescence lightly.
Galorama. What differences and similarities do you see between jockeys and other high-level athletes?
Eric Laboute. The great peculiarity of jockeys is that they want to get back in the saddle immediately. For them, it feels like an imperative. That need must be respected, but it’ s also essential to make them understand healing times. Of course, it depends on the individual, but generally a rugby player will be more attentive to his body, while a tennis player tends to be more centered and less inclined to take risks.
G. Does the fact that jockeys are“ featherweights” help them recover from injuries more quickly?
E. L. It mostly changes their rehabilitation program. We adapt workloads and training intensity to the patient’ s weight. In the gym, a jockey will perform better than a rugby prop. But since running isn’ t part of his usual training, we won’ t ask him for the same effort as a footballer or a long-distance runner by definition. Instead, we emphasize specific exercises: balance, semi-flexed positions, rhythm ladder drills.
G. What do they tell you?
E. L. They’ re passionate. Once again, the first question is always:“ When can I ride again, doctor?” We also support them mentally by rais- ing awareness of the risks of relapse. The goal is to return as safely as possible to be well in both mind and body. To ease the mental burden of injury, we set clear recovery goals. In cases of depression or anxiety, a psychologist is available to support them.
G. Compared to other athletes, what do you think about the pace of jockeys, who race at such a relentless rhythm?
E. L. It’ s a crucial factor. In football, if we look at PSG’ s schedule last season, after such an extended campaign, it’ s no surprise to see how many players ended up in the infirmary. The question is: how far can you push the limits before the body suffers? Overall, federations, doctors and unions watch over this balance, but it’ s true that the jockey profession is subjected to intense schedules, sporting and financial pressures, all of which increase the risk of injury. A recent study on psychological profiles linked to reinjury risk shows a connection with anxiety and depression. Those who are more cautious are more prone to anxiety; those who are less cautious are more likely to relapse, and as a result, risk depression.
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