A horse’s locomotor signature: COP path determined by the individual limb.

This research article investigates how anatomical asymmetry in a horse’s limbs affects its gait. Specifically, the study measures the correlation between differences in hoof geometry and the path taken by the center of pressure (COP) under their hoofs as they move. The research uncovered a unique and repeatable COP path for each limb, but didn’t find a consistent relationship between the hoof-dorsal wall angle and COP path asymmetry. The study concludes that applying this approach could provide early detection methods for changes in a horse’s musculoskeletal system.

Objective

The purpose of this research is to understand whether anatomical asymmetry, specifically differences in the dorsal wall angle of a horse’s front limbs, correlates with the way the center of pressure (COP) path is distributed between the limbs when the horse is in motion. The repeatability of the COP path was also studied.

Methods used in the study

• A group of 31 horses with varying degrees of dorsal hoof wall asymmetry participated in the study. They were trotted over a pressure mat three times each.
• The COP path was determined in a hoof-bound coordinate system, which quantifies the dynamic load distribution under the hoof of a moving horse.
• The researchers investigated the correlation between the COP paths of the left and the right hooves and the degree of their asymmetry.

Research Findings

• The researchers identified unique and repeatable COP paths for each of the horse’s limbs.
• They found patterns in the alignment of the path from front to back (craniocaudal) shared between the left and right limbs, unlike the patterns from side to side (mediolateral).
• The team also identified some patterns between the COP path and the angle of the dorsal hoof wall. However, they observed that asymmetry (or symmetry) in the dorsal wall angle does not necessarily result in corresponding asymmetry (or symmetry) in the COP path.

Implications and Conclusion

The methodology presented in this research offers an in-depth way to quantify the net effect of various forces, torques, and inertial properties on a horse’s limb. This approach could be used to detect minor changes in motor control, muscle force, inertial properties, as well as the kinematics and kinetics of a horse at an early stage. In conclusion, this method could potentially serve as an early detection method for musculoskeletal changes in horses.