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Topic:Biomechanics
Biomechanics in horses refers to the study of the mechanical principles that govern movement and physical function in equine species. This field encompasses the analysis of gait, locomotion, and the forces exerted by and upon the horse's musculoskeletal system. Biomechanical studies often involve the use of motion capture technology, force plates, and computer modeling to assess how horses move and how various factors, such as conformation, training, and health status, influence their performance and soundness. Research in equine biomechanics contributes to understanding injury prevention, rehabilitation, and performance optimization. This page compiles peer-reviewed research studies and scholarly articles that explore the mechanics of movement, the impact of external and internal forces, and the applications of biomechanical analysis in equine care and management.
Influence of seating styles on head and pelvic vertical movement symmetry in horses ridden at trot. Detailed knowledge of how a rider's seating style and riding on a circle influences the movement symmetry of the horse's head and pelvis may aid rider and trainer in an early recognition of low grade lameness. Such knowledge is also important during both subjective and objective lameness evaluations in the ridden horse in a clinical setting. In this study, inertial sensors were used to assess how different rider seating styles may influence head and pelvic movement symmetry in horses trotting in a straight line and on the circle in both directions. A total of 26 horses were subjected to 15 dif...
Structural Model for Viscoelastic Properties of Pericardial Bioprosthetic Valves. The benefit of bioprosthetic aortic valve over mechanical valve replacements is the release of thromboembolism and digression of long-term anticoagulation treatment. The function of bioprostheses and their efficiency is known to depend on the mechanical properties of the leaflet tissue. So it is necessary to select a suitable tissue for the bioprosthesis. The purpose of the present study is to clarify the viscoelastic behavior of bovine, equine, and porcine pericardium. In this study, pericardiums were compared mechanically from the viscoelastic aspect. After fixation of the tissues in glutara...
Immediate effects of an artificial change in hoof angulation on the dorsal metacarpophalangeal joint angle and cross-sectional areas of both flexor tendons. Corrective shoeing is used to change hoof angulation with the intention to influence the angulation of the digital joints to reduce strain on associated tendons. The objective of this study is to examine how gradual changes in hoof angulation affect the dorsal metacarpophalangeal joint (DMPJ) angulation and cross-sectional areas (CSAs) of the deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT) and superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) concerning the individual toe conformation. Forelimbs of 30 horses were examined barefoot and equipped with 5°, 10° and 20° toe wedges (TWs) and heel wedges (HWs). Phalangea...
Physiological demands of daily riding gaits in jockeys. Jockeys should maintain a high level of physical fitness to meet the physical demands of horse racing. The aim of this study was to determine the physiological requirements of the riding gaits used regularly in training. Methods: Eleven trainee jockeys performed a maximal incremental Wattbike cycle ergometer test. Mean absolute and relative oxygen uptake (VO2) and heart rate (HR) were recorded for the steady-state period during a walk, trot and canter. Energy expenditure (EE) and associated metabolic equivalent (MET) were also estimated. Results: During a walk, trot and canter, relative mean V...
EquiMoves: A Wireless Networked Inertial Measurement System for Objective Examination of Horse Gait. In this paper, we describe and validate the EquiMoves system, which aims to support equine veterinarians in assessing lameness and gait performance in horses. The system works by capturing horse motion from up to eight synchronized wireless inertial measurement units. It can be used in various equine gait modes, and analyzes both upper-body and limb movements. The validation against an optical motion capture system is based on a Bland-Altman analysis that illustrates the agreement between the two systems. The sagittal kinematic results (protraction, retraction, and sagittal range of motion) sh...
Structure-Function relationships of equine menisci. Meniscal pathologies are among the most common injuries of the femorotibial joint in both human and equine patients. Pathological forces and ensuing injuries of the cranial horn of the equine medial meniscus are considered analogous to those observed in the human posterior medial horn. Biomechanical properties of human menisci are site- and depth- specific. However, the influence of equine meniscus topography and composition on its biomechanical properties is yet unknown. A better understanding of equine meniscus composition and biomechanics could advance not only veterinary therapies for meni...
Changes in hoof kinetics and kinematics at walk in response to hoof trimming: pressure plate assessment. Appropriate hoof preparation and symmetry are linked to the well-being of the horse. Previous studies have shown the efficacy of pressure plates (PPs) in delivering objective biomechanical analysis. We aimed to assess the effect of hoof trimming on hoof biomechanics using a PP. Nine clinically sound Arabian horses were walked across a PP while foot strike was recorded by a digital camera. Kinetic and kinematic parameters were recorded before and after trimming. Changes were considered significant when ＜ 0.05. Vertical force ( = 0.026) and contact pressure ( = 0.006) increased after trimming...
Trabecular and subchondral bone development of the talus and distal tibia from foal to adult in the warmblood horse. Horses are precocial animals and able to stand and walk within hours after birth. To cope with associated loading, intrauterine bone development has shown to be anticipative. This study provides further insight into the post-natal development of structurally important features of trabecular and subchondral bone of the talus and sagittal ridge of the tibia of warm-blooded horses. In all areas studied, the average bone volume fraction showed a gradual increase over time, which was the result of a significant increase in trabecular thickness, without significant changes in the degree of anisotrop...
Progenitor cells in auricular cartilage demonstrate cartilage-forming capacity in 3D hydrogel culture. Paramount for the generation of auricular structures of clinically-relevant size is the acquisition of a large number of cells maintaining an elastic cartilage phenotype, which is the key in producing a tissue capable of withstanding forces subjected to the auricle. Current regenerative medicine strategies utilize chondrocytes from various locations or mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs). However, the quality of neo-tissues resulting from these cell types is inadequate due to inefficient chondrogenic differentiation and endochondral ossification, respectively. Recently, a subpopulation of stem/pr...
A simple method of equine limb force vector analysis and its potential applications. Ground reaction forces (GRF) measured during equine gait analysis are typically evaluated by analyzing discrete values obtained from continuous force-time data for the vertical, longitudinal and transverse GRF components. This paper describes a simple, temporo-spatial method of displaying and analyzing sagittal plane GRF vectors. In addition, the application of statistical parametric mapping (SPM) is introduced to analyse differences between contra-lateral fore and hindlimb force-time curves throughout the stance phase. The overall aim of the study was to demonstrate alternative methods of eva...
Variations during ageing in the three-dimensional anatomical arrangement of fascicles within the equine superficial digital flexor tendon. BiTendons are constructed from collagenous fascicles separated by endotenon/interfascicular matrix (IFM). Tendons may be specialised for precision movement or to store energy during locomotion and for the latter the elasticity of the endotenon/IFM is particularly important. The equine superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) is a dedicated energy-storing tendon with a similar function to the human Achilles tendon. Classical anatomical descriptions portray fascicles as longitudinally arranged distinct anatomical structures. In the present study, using three-dimensional reconstruction from whole...
Mouldable, thermoplastic, glue-on frog-supportive shoes change hoof kinetics in normal and obese Shetland ponies. Obesity and hyperinsulinaemia are frequently encountered in the equine population and risk factors for the development of laminitis. There are many options for hoof support that claim a beneficial effect, but often the scientific evidence is scarce. Objective: To quantify the effect of frog-supportive shoes on hoof kinetics in normal and obese ponies. Methods: Controlled in vivo trial. Methods: Ten Shetland mares (n = 10) with a normal (n = 5) or obese (n = 5) body condition were led over a dynamically calibrated pressure plate before (T0), immediately after (T1) and 72 h (T2) after ap...
Morphofunctional diversity of equine of varied genetic compositions raised in the Pantanal biome of Brazil. Evaluating phenotypic diversity makes it possible to identify discrepancies in aptitudes among animals of different genetic bases, which is an indicator of adaptive or selective differences between populations. The objective of this work was to evaluate the morphofunctional diversity of 452 male and female adult equines (Arabian, Quarter Mile, Pantaneiro, and Criollo breeds, and undefined crossbreeds of horses and mules) raised in the Pantanal biome (Brazil). Linear measurements were performed to estimate conformation indexes. Initially, a discriminant analysis was performed, regardless of the...
Comparison of incisional bursting strength of 2-strand continuous crossing and simple continuous patterns for closure of the equine linea alba. The objective of this study was to assess and compare the bursting pressure and mode of failure of a 2-strand continuous crossing suture pattern and a simple continuous suture pattern for closure of the equine linea alba. No difference in bursting strength or mode of failure was found between the 2 suture patterns. Comparaison de la force d’éclatement des incisions des sutures simples continues et des sutures croisées continues à deux fils pour la fermeture de la linea alba des équidés. Cette étude avait pour objectif d’évaluer et de comparer la pression d’éclatement et le mode d...
Structure and collagen crimp patterns of functionally distinct equine tendons, revealed by quantitative polarised light microscopy (qPLM). Structure-function relationships in tendons are directly influenced by the arrangement of collagen fibres. However, the details of such arrangements in functionally distinct tendons remain obscure. This study demonstrates the use of quantitative polarised light microscopy (qPLM) to identify structural differences in two major tendon compartments at the mesoscale: fascicles and interfascicular matrix (IFM). It contrasts functionally distinct positional and energy storing tendons, and considers changes with age. Of particular note, the technique facilitates the analysis of crimp parameters, in w...
Quantification of Equine Sacral and Iliac Motion During Application of Manual Forces and Comparison Between Motion Capture With Skin-Mounted and Bone-Fixated Sensors. Diagnosis of sacroiliac dysfunction in horses includes manual motion palpation of the equine ilium and sacrum. Motion of the ilium and sacrum during manual force application to the equine pelvis has been measured previously in vitro. The aim of this study was to measure the amount and direction of motion in vivo, including comparison of bone-fixated and skin-mounted inertial sensors. Sensors were skin-mounted over tuber sacrale (TS) and third sacral spinous process of six Thoroughbred horses and later attached via Steinmann pins inserted into the same bony landmarks. Orientations of each TS ...
On the brink of daily clinical application of objective gait analysis: What evidence do we have so far from studies using an induced lameness model? Quantitative gait analysis has the potential to offer objective and unbiased gait information that can assist clinical decision-making. In recent years, a growing number of gait analysis systems have come onto the market, highlighting the demand for such technology in equine orthopaedics. However, it is imperative that the measured variables which are used as outcome parameters are supported by scientific evidence and that the interpretation of such measurements is backed by a proper understanding of the biomechanical principles of equine locomotion. This review, which is based on studies on e...
Effect of trotting speed on kinematic variables measured by use of extremity-mounted inertial measurement units in nonlame horses performing controlled treadmill exercise. OBJECTIVE To assess effects of speed on kinematic variables measured by use of extremity-mounted inertial measurement units (IMUs) in nonlame horses performing controlled exercise on a treadmill. ANIMALS 10 nonlame horses. PROCEDURES 6 IMUs were attached at predetermined locations on 10 nonlame Franches Montagnes horses. Data were collected in triplicate during trotting at 3.33 and 3.88 m/s on a high-speed treadmill. Thirty-three selected kinematic variables were analyzed. Repeated-measures ANOVA was used to assess the effect of speed. RESULTS Significant differences between the 2 speeds were ...
Repeatability of gait analysis measurements in Thoroughbreds in training. With the view of implementing gait symmetry measurements in Thoroughbreds in training for early detection of injuries, repeatability of inertial measurement unit (IMU) gait parameters needs to be established. Objective: To assess the variation of head and pelvis movement symmetry in Thoroughbreds in training. Methods: Repeated observations in horses in race training. Methods: Daily and weekly repeat gait assessments were conducted in 14 Thoroughbreds equipped with IMUs on poll, sacrum and right (RTC) and left (LTC) tuber coxae. Gait was assessed in trot, in-hand, on a level concrete surface. D...
The impact of artificial selection on morphological integration in the appendicular skeleton of domestic horses. The relationships between the different component parts of organisms, such as the sharing of common development or function, produce a coordinated variation between the different traits. This morphological integration contributes to drive or constrain morphological variation and thus impacts phenotypic diversification. Artificial selection is known to contribute significantly to phenotypic diversification of domestic species. However, little attention has been paid to its potential impact on integration patterns. This study explores the patterns of integration in the limb bones of different ho...
Comparison of hand-sewn and oversewn stapled jejunojejunal anastomoses in horses. The objective of this study was to compare the biomechanical properties of hand-sewn jejunojejunal anastomoses to those of oversewn stapled jejunojejunal anastomoses. Jejunojejunal anastomoses were constructed from harvested jejunal segments using a single-layer Lembert technique (1HS), double-layer simple continuous/Cushing technique (2HS), stapled side-to-side technique oversewn with Cushing pattern (SS), and closed 1-stage stapled functional end-to-end technique oversewn with Cushing pattern (FEE). Anastomosed segments were distended with fluid until the point of biomechanical failure. The ...
Numerical time-domain modelling of hoof-ground interaction during the stance phase. Hoof-ground interaction impacts on the health and performance characteristics of horses. Due to complex interactions between hoof and ground during the stance phase, previous experimentally dominated studies concentrated on subproblems of the phenomena observed. A multidisciplinary methodology with mathematical modelling, material testing and in vivo experimental measurements seems promising. Objective: With the help of a mathematical approach, this contribution aims to explain from a biomechanical point of view the phenomena observed during experimental investigations (hoof acceleration, inte...
The effects of Kinesio Taping on the trajectory of the forelimb and the muscle activity of the Musculus brachiocephalicus and the Musculus extensor carpi radialis in horses. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of Kinesio Taping on the trajectory of the forelimb and the muscle activity of the M. brachiocephalicus and the M. extensor carpi radialis in horses. 19 horses and ponies of different breeds (body weight: 496±117 kg), gender (8 mares, 10 geldings and 3 stallions) and ages (14.9±6.9 years old) were analysed without Kinesio Tape ("no tape"), with Kinesio Tape (muscle facilitation application on both muscles of both sides, "with tape") and immediately after Kinesio Taping ("post tape") through kinematic motion analysis and surface electromyogra...
The biomechanical construction of the horse’s body and activity patterns of three important muscles of the trunk in the walk, trot and canter. The activity patterns of trunk muscles are commonly neglected, in spite of their importance for maintaining body shape. Analysis of the biomechanics of the trunk under static conditions has led to predictions of the activity patterns. These hypotheses are tested experimentally by surface electromyography (EMG). Five horses, with and without a rider, were examined in the walk, trot and canter. Footfall was synchronised with EMG by an accelerometer. Averages of ten consecutive cycles were calculated and compared by statistical methods. The start and stop times of the muscle activities of 5-10 un...
Quantification of the effect of instrumentation error in objective gait assessment in the horse on hindlimb symmetry parameters. Objective gait analysis is becoming more popular as a tool assisting veterinarians during the clinical lameness exam. At present, there is only limited information on the effect of misplacement of markers/motion-sensors. Objective: To investigate and describe the effect of marker misplacement on commonly calculated pelvic symmetry parameters. Methods: Experimental study. Methods: Each horse was equipped with custom-made devices consisting of several reflective markers arranged in a predefined manner with a reference marker correctly positioned regarding the anatomical landmark and several misp...
Histological and functional characterizations of the digital cushion in Quarter horses. The digital cushion (DC) plays a role in absorbing and dampening forces applied to the foot and therefore supports internal structures such as navicular bone; yet, its architecture is not well-known. The goal of this study was to characterize the microanatomical structure of the DC in horses with clinically sound hooves. Both forefeet from the cadavers of 12 adult Quarter horses were cut and sectioned and samples of the following 4 regions of the DC were obtained: axial proximal (AxProx), axial distal (AxDis), abaxial lateral (AbxLat), and abaxial medial (AbxMed). The samples were processed an...
