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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.
Core Training and Rehabilitation in Horses. The central body axis or core is a key component in controlling body posture and providing a stable platform for limb movements and generation of locomotor forces. Persistent dysfunction of the deep stabilizing muscles seems to be common in horses indicating a need for core training exercises to restore normal function. Core training should be performed throughout the horse's athletic career to maintain a healthy back and used therapeutically when back pain is identified. This article reviews the structure and function of the equine thoracolumbar spine with special reference to function, dysfu...
Ex Vivo Biomechanical Comparison of 4 Suture Materials for Laparoscopic Bladder Closure in the Horse. To compare a knotless, barbed suture to standard suture using laparoscopic suturing methods in an ex vivo model of equine bladder repair. Methods: Cadaveric study. Methods: Equine cadaver bladders (n=42). Methods: A 5-cm incision was created and repaired in a laparoscopic training box with 4 different suture materials. Groups 1 and 2 used 2-0 poliglecaprone and 2-0 glycomer knotless, barbed suture, respectively, placed using laparoscopic instruments. Groups 3 and 4 used 0 and 2-0 polyglyconate knotless, barbed suture, respectively, placed using an automated laparoscopic suturing device. All gr...
Experimental investigation of the biomechanics of urethral tissues and structures. What is the central question of this study? Prostheses for treatment of urinary incontinence elicit complications associated with an inadequate mechanical action. This investigation aimed to define a procedure addressed to urethral mechanical characterization. Experimental tests are the basis for constitutive formulation, with a view to numerical modelling for investigation of the interaction between the tissues and a prosthesis. What is the main finding and its importance? Horse urethra, selected for its histomorphometric similarity to human urethra, was characterized by integrated histologic...
Ex Vivo Mechanical Evaluation of a Sternal ZipFix(®) Implant for Prosthetic Laryngoplasty in Horses. To evaluate the properties of a ZipFix(®) (ZipFix) implant in equine laryngeal cartilages. Methods: Ex vivo biomechanical study. Methods: Equine arytenoid (n=36) and cricoid cartilages (n=18). Methods: Suture bites were placed in arytenoid or cricoid cartilages using a ZipFix(®) implant or a single strand of USP 5 braided polyester (TiCron™), and arytenoid and cricoid cartilages were separately subjected to single load to failure (25 N preload) or cyclic loading for 1,000 cycles, followed by single load to failure. Load, distraction, and stiffness were recorded. Results: Four arytenoid-Zip...
Evaluation of a wireless activity monitoring system to quantify locomotor activity in horses in experimental settings. Methods of evaluating locomotor activity can be useful in efforts to quantify behavioural activity in horses objectively. Objective: To evaluate whether an accelerometric device would be adequate to quantify locomotor activity and step frequency in horses, and to distinguish between different levels of activity and different gaits. Methods: Observational study in an experimental setting. Methods: Dual-mode (activity and step count) piezo-electric accelerometric devices were placed at each of 4 locations (head, withers, forelimb and hindlimb) in each of 6 horses performing different controlled ...
Simulating forensic casework scenarios in experimental studies: The generation of footwear marks in blood. A study was designed to investigate the effects of external variables, including blood type, flooring surface, footwear tread depth and blood dryness, on the appearance of blood-based footwear marks, with particular reference to simulating a specific casework scenario. Results showed that footwear marks left in human blood tended to be of greater quality than those in equine blood, highlighting a potential issue in applying data generated with equine blood to human bloodstains in casework. Footwear tread effects were also dependent on blood type, but the type of flooring surface did not affect...
Introduction to Equine Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation. Physical therapy (physiotherapy, or PT) can be broadly defined as the restoration of movement and function and includes assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation. This review outlines the history, definition, and regulation of PT, followed by the core scientific principles of PT. Because musculoskeletal physiotherapy is the predominant subdiscipline in equine PT, encompassing poor performance, back pain syndromes, other musculoskeletal disorders, and some neuromuscular disorders, the sciences of functional biomechanics, neuromotor control, and the sensorimotor system in the spine, pelvis, and ...
Effect of the rider position during rising trot on the horse׳s biomechanics (back and trunk kinematics and pressure under the saddle). Knowledge about the horse-saddle-rider interaction remains limited. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of the rider׳s position at rising trot on the pressure distribution, spine movements, stirrups forces and locomotion of the horse. The horse׳s back movements were measured using IMUs fixed at the levels of thoracic (T6, T12, T16) and lumbar (L2, L5) vertebrae, the pressure distribution using a pressure mat and stirrups forces using force sensors. The horse׳s and rider׳s approximated centres of mass (COM) were calculated using 2D reflective markers. To compare both trot phases...
Femoral epiphyseal cartilage matrix changes at predilection sites of equine osteochondrosis: Quantitative MRI, second-harmonic microscopy, and histological findings. Osteochondrosis is an ischemic chondronecrosis of epiphyseal growth cartilage that results in focal failure of endochondral ossification and osteochondritis dissecans at specific sites in the epiphyses of humans and animals, including horses. The upstream events leading to the focal ischemia remain unknown. The epiphyseal growth cartilage matrix is composed of proteoglycan and collagen macromolecules and encases its vascular tree in canals. The matrix undergoes major dynamic changes in early life that could weaken it biomechanically and predispose it to focal trauma and vascular failure. Subre...
Motor ability of forelimb both on- and off-riding during walk and trot cadence of horse. The aim of this study was to investigate the motor ability of forelimb according to on- or off-riding during cadences (walk and trot) of horse. Horses and rider selected as subject consisted of total 37 heads of Jeju native horse and 1 female rider. The variables analyzed composed of 1 stride length, 1 step length, elapsed time of stance, elapsed time of swing, elapsed time of 1 step, and forward velocity (x-axis). Two-way analysis of variance of variables was employed for the statistical analysis with the level of significance set at 5% (P<0.05). Trot cadence showed significant difference ...
Regional heterogeneity in the reactivity of equine small pulmonary blood vessels. Regional differences in large equine pulmonary artery reactivity exist. It is not known if this heterogeneity extends into small vessels. The hypothesis that there is regional heterogeneity in small pulmonary artery and vein reactivity to sympathomimetics (phenylephrine and isoproterenol) and a parasympathomimetic (methacholine) was tested using wire myography on small vessels from caudodorsal (CD) and cranioventral (CV) lung of 12 horses [9 mares, 3 geldings, 8.67 ± 0.81 (age ± SE) yr, of various breeds that had never raced]. To study relaxation, vessels were precontracted with U46619 (10(-...
Removing movement artifacts from equine ECG recordings acquired with textile electrodes. This study reports on the implementation of a novel system to detect and reduce movement artifact (MA) contribution in electrocardiogram (ECG) recordings acquired from horses in free movement conditions. The system comprises both integrated textile electrodes for ECG acquisition and one triaxial accelerometer for movement monitoring. Here, ECG and physical activity are continuously acquired from seven horses through the wearable system and a model that integrates cardiovascular and movement information to estimate the MA contribution is implemented. Moreover, in this study we propose a new alg...
The benefits and limitations of animal models for translational research in cartilage repair. Much research is currently ongoing into new therapies for cartilage defect repair with new biomaterials frequently appearing which purport to have significant regenerative capacity. These biomaterials may be classified as medical devices, and as such must undergo rigorous testing before they are implanted in humans. A large part of this testing involves in vitro trials and biomechanical testing. However, in order to bridge the gap between the lab and the clinic, in vivo preclinical trials are required, and usually demanded by regulatory approval bodies. This review examines the in vivo models ...
Stride-related rein tension patterns in walk and trot in the ridden horse. The use of tack (equipment such as saddles and reins) and especially of bits because of rein tension resulting in pressure in the mouth is questioned because of welfare concerns. We hypothesised that rein tension patterns in walk and trot reflect general gait kinematics, but are also determined by individual horse and rider effects. Six professional riders rode three familiar horses in walk and trot. Horses were equipped with rein tension meters logged by inertial measurement unit technique. Left and right rein tension data were synchronized with the gait. Results: Stride split data (0-100 %) ...
Effect of various testing conditions on results for a handheld reference point indentation instrument in horses. To compare results obtained with a handheld reference point indentation instrument for bone material strength index (BMSi) measurements in the equine third metacarpal bone for various testing conditions. Methods: 24 third metacarpal bones. Methods: Third metacarpal bones from both forelimbs of 12 horses were obtained. The dorsal surface of each bone was divided into 6 testing regions. In vivo and ex vivo measurements of BMSi were obtained through the skin and on exposed bone, respectively, to determine effects of each testing condition. Difference plots were used to assess agreement between BM...
Effect of repeated therapeutic horse riding sessions on the trunk movement of the rider. To assess the rider's movement during walking the horse in repeated therapeutic horse riding sessions and to determine the relationship between movements of the horse's back and the rider's trunk. Methods: A total of 12 healthy females (age: 23.3±2.8 years; height: 167.3±4.2 cm; weight: 59.2±5.3 kg) participated in 10 therapeutic horse riding sessions. Two English Thoroughbreds with similar body constitution (aged 19 and 14 years) were used in the experiment. Nine markers were placed on the rider's body and the horse's back, and four video cameras with a 25 Hz frequency were used. Colle...
Comparison of a standalone consumer grade smartphone with a specialist inertial measurement unit for quantification of movement symmetry in the trotting horse. Equine inertial measurement unit (IMU) gait analysis has gained in popularity for use in horses. Similar transducers are now found in consumer grade smartphones. However, to date there are no scientific data evaluating their use for assessment of movement (a)symmetry in the horse. Objective: To establish limits of agreement (LoA, mean difference ±2 s.d.) between a validated specialist IMU system and IMU data collected with a consumer grade smartphone for quantification of movement symmetry and range of motion (ROM) of pelvic movement in the trotting horse. Methods: Method comparison study bas...
Water depth modifies back kinematics of horses during water treadmill exercise. Water treadmill exercise can be incorporated into the rehabilitation programmes of horses recovering from back pathology, yet little is known about the effect of this type of exercise on thoracolumbar movement ranges. Objective: To measure the flexion-extension range of motion (FE ROM) of the thoracolumbar spine and pelvic vertical displacement during water treadmill walking at 3 water depths and compare these with the control condition. Methods: Within-subject trial using a crossover design in healthy horses. Methods: A total of 14 horses walked at 0.8 m/s on a water treadmill for 3 min at ea...
Comparison of limb loading and movement of Icelandic horses while tölting and trotting at equal speeds. To compare gait mechanics and limb loading in Icelandic horses tölting and trotting at equal speeds and estimate their impact on orthopedic health. Methods: 12 orthopedically normal Icelandic horses. PROCEDURES Kinetic and kinematic gait variables were simultaneously recorded as each horse was ridden at a tölt and trot on an instrumented treadmill at 3.4 m/s and 3.9 m/s. Differences between gaits were tested via 1-factor repeated-measures ANOVA. Results: Horses had a higher stride rate and lower stride impulses at a tölt than at a trot. For forelimbs at a tölt, shorter relative stance dura...
Biomechanical and biochemical properties of the thoracic aorta in warmblood horses, Friesian horses, and Friesians with aortic rupture. Thoracic aortic rupture and aortopulmonary fistulation are rare conditions in horses. It mainly affects Friesian horses. Intrinsic differences in biomechanical properties of the aortic wall might predispose this breed. The biomechanical and biochemical properties of the thoracic aorta were characterized in warmblood horses, unaffected Friesian horses and Friesians with aortic rupture in an attempt to unravel the underlying pathogenesis of aortic rupture in Friesian horses. Samples of the thoracic aorta at the ligamentum arteriosum (LA), mid thoracic aorta (T1) and distal thoracic aorta (T2) we...
A 2.5 year study on health and locomotion symmetry in young Standardbred horses subjected to two levels of high intensity training distance. The aim of this study was to document effects of two high-intensity training regimes on horse health. Sixteen Standardbred horses in training from September as 1-year-olds with the goal to race as 3-year-olds were used in a 2.5 year study. Horses were trained in either a control training program (C-group) or in a program with 30% reduced high intensity distance compared to the C-group (R-group). Clinical examinations were performed nine times. Locomotion asymmetry was registered with a sensor-based system 17 times. There was no difference in health scores, locomotion asymmetry or veterinary tr...
A Novel Algorithm for Movement Artifact Removal in ECG Signals Acquired from Wearable Systems Applied to Horses. This study reports on a novel method to detect and reduce the contribution of movement artifact (MA) in electrocardiogram (ECG) recordings gathered from horses in free movement conditions. We propose a model that integrates cardiovascular and movement information to estimate the MA contribution. Specifically, ECG and physical activity are continuously acquired from seven horses through a wearable system. Such a system employs completely integrated textile electrodes to monitor ECG and is also equipped with a triaxial accelerometer for movement monitoring. In the literature, the most used techn...
A test of the universal applicability of a commonly used principle of hoof balance. This study used a UK trimming protocol to determine whether hoof balance is achieved (as defined by equivalence of geometric proportions) in cadaver limbs (n = 49) and two cohorts of horses (shod, n = 6, and unshod, n = 20; three trimming cycles). To determine equivalence, dorsal hoof wall length (DHWL), distance from the heel buttress to the centre of pressure (HBUT-COP) and distance from dorsal toe to centre of rotation (DT-COR) were calculated as a proportion of bearing border length (BBL) using digital photography. Geometric proportions were tested using Fieller's test of equiv...
The effect of perineural anaesthesia and handler position on limb loading and hoof balance of the vertical ground reaction force in sound horses. The effects of handler position and perineural anaesthesia in sound horses need investigation to facilitate interpretation of pressure plate analysis in lame horses. Objective: To evaluate the effect of handler position and perineural anaesthesia on limb loading and particularly hoof balance in sound horses. Methods: Nonrandomised crossover study. Methods: Six sound horses were walked and trotted over a pressure plate, with the handler on the left and subsequently on the right side, and finally after a bilateral low palmar digital nerve block. One week later this procedure was repeated before ...
The potential and limitations of quantitative electromyography in equine medicine. This review discusses the scope of using (quantitative) electromyography (EMG) in diagnosing myopathies and neuropathies in equine patients. In human medicine, many EMG methods are available for the diagnosis, pathophysiological description and evaluation, monitoring, or rehabilitation of patients, and some of these techniques have also been applied to horses. EMG results are usually combined with other neurophysiological data, ultrasound, histochemistry, biochemistry of muscle biopsies, and clinical signs in order to provide a complete picture of the condition and its clinical course. EMG tec...
Clinical Research Abstracts of the British Equine Veterinary Association Congress 2015. Injury to the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) is common in equids, with a high risk of re-injury associated with changes in tendon stiffness. In vivo measurement of limb stiffness has been shown to correlate with tendon stiffness after injury [1] but requires kinematic analysis which is impractical in a clinical setting. We have developed a simple system for measuring limb stiffness statically, which could be used as a tool for monitoring SDFT healing. Objective: To validate a goniometric measurement of limb stiffness. Methods: Cross sectional study. Methods: Initially, forelimb stiff...
Clinical Research Abstracts of the British Equine Veterinary Association Congress 2015. Training and rehabilitation techniques which improve core muscle strength are beneficial for improvement of dynamic stability of the equine vertebral column. The Equiband™ system, consisting of resistance bands attached to a customised saddle pad, is suggested to provide constant proprioceptive feedback during motion to encourage recruitment of abdominal and hindquarter musculature. Objective: To quantify the effect of the Equiband™ system on back kinematics and movement symmetry. Methods: Longitudinal intervention study. Methods: Quantitative analysis of back movement and gait symmetry be...
