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Home / Equine Research Bank / PLoS One / 3D kinematic of the thoracolumbar spine in Mangalarga Marcha...
PloS one2021; 16(7); e0253697; doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0253697

3D kinematic of the thoracolumbar spine in Mangalarga Marchador horses performing the marcha batida gait and being led by hand-A preliminary report.

Abstract: This study aimed to provide a preliminary description of the sagittal and transverse plane kinematics of the thoracolumbar spine of Mangalarga Marchador (MM) horses performing the marcha batida gait, led in-hand. We evaluated the pattern of angular movement and the mean amplitude of six specific angles. An optoelectronic system was used for 3D kinematic analysis (19 cameras, 250 Hz). They were positioned around the horses and an acquisition volume of 16 × 4.8 × 3 meters was used. Eight retroreflective markers were fixed on the spine of the animals over thoracic vertebrae 8 (T8), 12 (T12), 15 (T15) and 18 (T18); over the lumbar vertebrae 3 (L3) and 5 (L5); over the 1st sacral vertebra (S1); and over the 1st coccygeal vertebra (CD1). Five trials, led from a halter, with three complete gait cycles were evaluated for each marcha batida horse. The 3D coordinates of the markers were filtered with a second-order, low-pass, Butterworth filter (10 Hz). Six angles: T8-T12-T15, T12-T15-T18, T12-T18-L5, T15-T18-L3, T18-L3-L5, and L3-S1-CD1 were obtained and projected in the sagittal (Flexion and Extension) and transverse (Lateral bending) planes. We calculated, for each angle to represent the spine movements, the mean and standard deviation of the range of motion (ROM, difference between the maximum and minimum values in a stride cycle). In order to describe the movement over an average stride cycle we calculated the mean curve of angle variation. The T8-T12-T15 angle presented the largest ROM in the transverse plane, while in the sagittal plane the T8-T12-T15, T12-T15-T18 and T12-T18-L5 angles presented the largest ROMs. The L3-S1-CD1 angle (lumbosacral region) presented the lowest ROM in both planes. A reduced flexion close to a neutral spine was found, predominantly during the diagonal support and in the cranial thoracic region. At the same time, the thoracolumbar region remains in an extension which is highlighted in the lumbosacral region. During the change of the support phase, the cranial thoracic region moved from a flexion to a slight extent, and the thoracolumbar region was flexed which is emphasized in the lumbosacral region. The lateral bending of the spine followed the direction of the diagonal supports. The small amplitude in the latero-lateral and dorsoventral movements of the thoracolumbar spine of MM horses during the marcha batida gait could contribute to the smooth and natural sensations experienced when riding in this gait. The lower mobility of these angles should be considered during the clinical examination of marcha batida-gaited horses.
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Publication Date: 2021-07-06 PubMed ID: 34228737PubMed Central: PMC8259994DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0253697Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

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The research analyzes the 3D motion of the spine in Mangalarga Marchador horses performing a specific gait known as marcha batida. The study provides valuable insights into the movement patterns of these horses, which can guide future clinical examinations as well as contribute to understanding the unique sensory experience felt when riding these horses.

Study Design

The researchers carried out a descriptive analysis of the spine’s movement, specifically the thoracolumbar area, across two planes (sagittal and transverse) while the horses were being led by hand and executing the marcha batida gait.

  • An optoelectronic system made up of 19 cameras, operating at 250Hz, was used to record the motions in 3D. The cameras were positioned around a space measuring 16 × 4.8 × 3 meters where the horses moved.
  • The study used 8 retroreflective markers, placed on specific parts of the horse’s spine (T8, T12, T15, T18, L3, L5, S1, CD1) to aid in tracking and analyzing the movement.
  • They conducted five trials per horse, during which, three complete gait cycles were evaluated.

Analysis Procedure

The recording from the optoelectronic system was processed and analyzed for each horse’s gait cycle.

  • The 3D coordinates of the markers on the horse’s spine were transformed to digital format using a Butterworth filter with a low-pass setting at 10 Hz.
  • They derived six angles from the captured markers – T8-T12-T15, T12-T15-T18, T12-T18-L5, T15-T18-L3, T18-L3-L5, and L3-S1-CD1 – which were then projected onto the sagittal and transverse planes for further analysis
  • For each angle, the range of motion, which is the difference between the maximum and minimum possible values in a stride cycle, was calculated, and the researchers calculated the mean and standard deviation.
  • Similarly, the mean curve of angle variation was also calculated to illustrate the movement across a stride cycle.

Findings

The study found that the T8-T12-T15 angle exhibited the most significant range of motion in the transverse plane. In the sagittal plane, the maximum ranges of motion were found in the T8-T12-T15, T12-T15-T18, and T12-T18-L5 angles. Interestingly, the angle L3-S1-CD1 (located in the lumbosacral) had the least range of motion on both planes.

Other observations noted included:

  • During the diagonal support phase, the thoracolumbar spine was in a state of extension while a limited flexion, close to neutral, was observed in the cranial thoracic area.
  • During the change of the support phase, a shift in the thoracolumbar region from extension to flexion was observed, with this flexion more pronounced in the lumbosacral region.
  • The lateral bending of the spine seemed to follow the direction of the diagonal supports.

Conclusion and Implications

The researchers concluded that the minimally excessive dorsoventral and lateral movements of the Mangalarga Marchador horses’ thoracolumbar spine during the marcha batida gait might contribute to the subtle and natural feeling riders experienced. The limited mobility in some spinal regions should be taken into account during clinical evaluations of these horses. Understanding these movement patterns can guide practitioners in detecting and treating potential gait irregularities, spine disorders, or injuries in these horses.

Cite This Article

APA
Simonato SP, Bernardina GRD, Ferreira LCR, Silvatti AP, Barcelos KMC, da Fonseca BPA. (2021). 3D kinematic of the thoracolumbar spine in Mangalarga Marchador horses performing the marcha batida gait and being led by hand-A preliminary report. PLoS One, 16(7), e0253697. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0253697

Publication

PloS one
ISSN: 1932-6203
NlmUniqueID: 101285081
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 16
Issue: 7
Pages: e0253697
PII: e0253697

Researcher Affiliations

Simonato, Samuel P
  • Department of Veterinary, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, MG, Brazil.
Bernardina, Gustavo R D
  • School of Physical Education, Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.
Ferreira, Leandro C R
  • Department of Veterinary, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, MG, Brazil.
Silvatti, Amanda P
  • Department of Physical Education, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, MG, Brazil.
Barcelos, Kate M C
  • Department of Animal Science in the Veterinary and Animal Science School, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil.
da Fonseca, Brunna P A
  • Department of Veterinary, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, MG, Brazil.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Biomechanical Phenomena
  • Female
  • Gait
  • Horses / physiology
  • Lumbar Vertebrae / physiology
  • Male
  • Range of Motion, Articular
  • Thoracic Vertebrae / physiology

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

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Citations

This article has been cited 2 times.
  1. Martins NA, Fonseca BPA, Silvatti AP, Valente FL, Soares NL, Simonato SP, Rosa LP, Andrade MO, Barcelos KMDC. Head and Neck Positions Affect Equine Kinematic Variables in Marcha Batida Gait-A Pilot Study. Animals (Basel) 2025 Apr 9;15(8).
    doi: 10.3390/ani15081090pubmed: 40281924google scholar: lookup
  2. Bonilla Lemos Pizzi GL, Holz K, Kowalski ÉA, Fonseca Ribeiro P, Blake R, Ferreira Martins C. 2D Kinematic Analysis of the Esbarrada and Volta Sobre Patas Manoeuvres of Criollo Breed Horses Competing in Freio de Ouro. Animals (Basel) 2024 Aug 20;14(16).
    doi: 10.3390/ani14162410pubmed: 39199944google scholar: lookup
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