A method of signal processing in motion analysis of the trotting horse.

This research paper revolves around the development of an improved method for signal processing to enhance the motion analysis in trotting horses, particularly for assessing lameness.

Introduction

• This paper introduces and develops an improved approach to signal processing for more precise motion analysis in trotting horses.
• The primary aim of this research is to better evaluate lameness in horses, which is determined when the movements of either the fore or hind limbs differ during the stance phases.

Research Methods

• The researchers utilized a motion recording system known as SELSPOT II User Manual, Selcom, 1983 to capture the horse’s movement.
• They focused on the vertical motion of the horse’s head during both stance phases.
• The research involved analyzing the symmetry by comparing the values of Fourier coefficients. It particularly noticed ‘single events’ or additional head movements that potentially posed a challenge.
• The authors proposed a data processing mode that uses a system matched filter. This filter eliminates non-periodic, additional movements, enabling calculation of representative Fourier coefficients.

Findings and Conclusion

• The research indicates that the newly proposed method is more advantageous compared to previous filtering methods used in motion analysis.
• This method allowed for an increased precision in symmetry comparison, hence improving the accuracy of detecting lameness in trotting horses.