Topic:Proprioception
Proprioception in horses refers to the ability to sense the position, movement, and orientation of their body parts in space. This sensory feedback is integral to maintaining balance, coordination, and posture during various activities such as walking, running, and jumping. Proprioceptive input is gathered through receptors located in muscles, tendons, and joints, which send information to the central nervous system for processing. Understanding proprioception is important for assessing equine locomotion and rehabilitation following injury. This page compiles peer-reviewed research studies and scholarly articles that explore the mechanisms, assessment methods, and implications of proprioception in equine biomechanics and health.
Adult spinal Dmrt3 neurons receive direct somatosensory inputs from ipsi- and contralateral primary afferents and from brainstem motor nuclei. In the spinal cord, sensory-motor circuits controlling motor activity are situated in the dorso-ventral interface. The neurons identified by the expression of the transcription factor Doublesex and mab-3 related transcription factor 3 (Dmrt3) have previously been associated with the coordination of locomotion in horses (Equus caballus, Linnaeus, 1758), mice (Mus musculus, Linnaeus, 1758), and zebrafish (Danio rerio, F. Hamilton, 1822). Based on earlier studies, we hypothesized that, in mice, these neurons may be positioned to receive sensory and central inputs to relay processed commands to mo...
Muscle reaction function of individuals with intellectual disabilities may be improved through therapeutic use of a horse. Reaction time and muscle activation deficits might limit the individual's autonomy in activities of daily living and in participating in recreational activities. The aim of the present study was to assess the effects of a 14-week hippotherapy exercise program on movement reaction time and muscle activation in adolescents with intellectual disability (ID). Nineteen adolescents with moderate ID were assigned either to an experimental group (n=10) or a control group (n=9). The experimental group attended a hippotherapy exercise program, consisting of two 30-min sessions per week for 14 weeks. Rea...