Physical activity and its relationship to rodeo injury and success.

The purpose of this study was to determine the interrelationship among physical activity, injury, and success of rodeo athletes. Seventy-two male Professional Rodeo Cowboys' Association members served as participants and were grouped into timed, steer-wrestling, saddle-bronc, bareback, bull-riding, and multiple rough-stock events. Participants completed demographic and overall physical activity questionnaires. Sixty-two percent of the subjects participated in regular exercise for a minimum of 2 days per week. Pearson bivariate correlation coefficients revealed weak correlations (r = 0.151, -0.188, and -0.074; p > 0.05) among metabolic (MET) level, earnings rate, and injury rate. A 1-way between-subjects analysis of variance indicated no differences in MET level among groups. Physical activity did not affect performance or injury rate, and competitors in various events did not have different levels of energy expenditure. Therefore, rodeo sports-medicine personnel should encourage athletes to engage in other sport-specific training activities to help prevent rodeo injuries.