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Home / Equine Research Bank / J R Soc Interface / A mathematical model of metacarpal subchondral bone adaptati...
Journal of the Royal Society, Interface2025; 22(231); 20250297; doi: 10.1098/rsif.2025.0297

A mathematical model of metacarpal subchondral bone adaptation, microdamage and repair in racehorses.

Abstract: Fractures of the distal limb in Thoroughbred racehorses primarily occur because of accumulation of bone microdamage from high-intensity training. Mathematical models of subchondral bone adaptation of the third metacarpal lateral condyles are capable of approximating existing data for Thoroughbred racehorses in training or at rest. To improve upon previous models, we added a dynamic resorption rate and microdamage accumulation and repair processes. Our ordinary differential equation model simulates the coupled processes of bone adaptation and microdamage accumulation, and is calibrated to data on racehorses in training and rest. Sensitivity analyses of our model suggest that joint loads and distances covered per day are among the most significant parameters for predicting microdamage accumulated during training. We also use the model to compare the impact of incrementally increasing training programmes as horses enter training from a period of rest, and maintenance workloads of horses that are race fit on bone adaptation. We find that high-speed training accounts for the majority of damage to the bone. Furthermore, for horses in race training, the estimated rates of bone repair are unable to offset the rate of damage accumulation under a typical Australian racing campaign, highlighting the need for regular rest from training.
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Publication Date: 2025-10-01 PubMed ID: 41027486PubMed Central: PMC12483640DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2025.0297Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

Overview

  • This research article presents a mathematical model that describes how the subchondral bone in the metacarpal region of Thoroughbred racehorses adapts, accumulates microdamage, and undergoes repair during training and rest periods.
  • The model aims to improve understanding of bone fracture mechanisms related to high-intensity training and to evaluate the effects of different training regimens on bone health.

Background and Motivation

  • Thoroughbred racehorses often suffer fractures in their distal limbs, primarily due to microdamage accumulation in the subchondral bone that occurs with repeated high-intensity training.
  • Previous mathematical models incorporated bone adaptation but lacked detailed representation of microdamage accumulation and repair processes.
  • Understanding these processes can help optimize training schedules to minimize injury risk and improve racehorse health.

Development of the Mathematical Model

  • The focus is on the subchondral bone of the third metacarpal lateral condyles, a critical load-bearing region implicated in fractures.
  • An ordinary differential equation (ODE) model was developed to simulate:
    • Bone adaptation to mechanical loading
    • Microdamage accumulation resulting from repeated stresses
    • Bone repair mechanisms that act to fix microdamage
  • The model includes a dynamic resorption rate, which allows bone breakdown to vary over time rather than remaining constant, adding biological realism.
  • Calibration of the model was performed using data from Thoroughbred racehorses during both training and rest periods, ensuring accurate representation of real-world scenarios.

Key Findings from Sensitivity Analyses

  • Joint loads (forces transmitted through the joints during movement) and the distance covered per day are the most significant parameters affecting microdamage accumulation.
  • This highlights the importance of mechanical load magnitude and training volume in influencing bone injury risk.

Impact of Different Training Regimens

  • The model was used to simulate:
    • Incrementally increasing training programs as horses transition from rest into active training
    • Maintenance workloads for horses already race fit
  • Findings indicate that:
    • High-speed training contributes disproportionately to subchondral bone microdamage compared to slower activities.
    • Bone repair rates estimated by the model are insufficient to keep pace with ongoing damage accumulation during a typical Australian racing campaign without substantial rest.
  • This suggests that regular rest periods are crucial to allow bone repair and minimize fracture risk.

Implications and Applications

  • The model provides a quantitative framework for predicting bone health outcomes under various training loads and schedules.
  • It supports evidence-based decision making for trainers and veterinarians aiming to reduce injury rates in racehorses.
  • The tool may guide the design of optimized training programs balancing performance gains against bone safety.

Conclusion

  • The research advances understanding of the biomechanics and biology underpinning racehorse bone health through a refined mathematical model.
  • It highlights that microdamage accumulation driven by high-intensity training outpaces repair, necessitating planned rest periods to maintain bone integrity.
  • Overall, this work contributes valuable insights for improving racehorse welfare and performance sustainability.

Cite This Article

APA
Pan M, Malekipour F, Pivonka P, Morrice-West AV, Flegg JA, Whitton RC, Hitchens PL. (2025). A mathematical model of metacarpal subchondral bone adaptation, microdamage and repair in racehorses. J R Soc Interface, 22(231), 20250297. https://doi.org/10.1098/rsif.2025.0297

Publication

Journal of the Royal Society, Interface
ISSN: 1742-5662
NlmUniqueID: 101217269
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 22
Issue: 231
Pages: 20250297
PII: 20250297

Researcher Affiliations

Pan, Michael
  • Equine Centre, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Werribee, Victoria 3030, Australia.
  • School of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia.
  • ARC Centre of Excellence for the Mathematical Analysis of Cellular Systems, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia.
Malekipour, Fatemeh
  • Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia.
Pivonka, Peter
  • School of Mechanical, Medical and Process Engineering, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland 4000, Australia.
Morrice-West, Ashleigh V
  • Equine Centre, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Werribee, Victoria 3030, Australia.
Flegg, Jennifer A
  • School of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia.
  • ARC Centre of Excellence for the Mathematical Analysis of Cellular Systems, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia.
Whitton, R Chris
  • Equine Centre, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Werribee, Victoria 3030, Australia.
Hitchens, Peta L
  • Equine Centre, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Werribee, Victoria 3030, Australia.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Horses / physiology
  • Metacarpal Bones / physiology
  • Metacarpal Bones / injuries
  • Models, Biological
  • Adaptation, Physiological
  • Physical Conditioning, Animal / physiology
  • Fractures, Bone / physiopathology
  • Fractures, Bone / veterinary

Grant Funding

  • Hong Kong Jockey Club Equine Welfare Research Foundation
  • Victorian Racing Industry Fund

Conflict of Interest Statement

We declare we have no competing interests.

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