A study of correlation of closure of the distal radial physis with performance and injury in the Standardbred.
Abstract: The distal radial physes of 113 two-year-old Standardbreds were radiographed an average of 2.6 times each during an average of 4.72 +/- 1.7 months, beginning May 1, 1975. The radiograph of each physis was graded C, B-, B, B+, or A (closed), and the date of closure was determined by a method that proved to be reliable. The average age of closure of the distal radial physes was 29.8 +/- 1.6 months, with age of closure ranging from 26 to 35 months. There were no statistical differences between age of physeal closure of colts, geldings, or fillies; pacers or trotters; "well-bred" or other horses, or between horses by the same sires or from mares by the same sires. Most of the 2-year-old racing was done before physeal closure, the average date of closure being approximately Sept 25, 1975. The average birth date of the horses was March 30, 1973. Eighty of the horses raced an average of 10.5 times, and 46 of them won an average of 2.6 races. There was progressive increase of the number of horses in the more mature classifications (B-, B, B+, to A) as they; first raced, won their first race, went their fastest mile, won their fastest mile, and attained more spped. There was no correlation between age or month of closure of the physes and money won, races won, fastest mile, or fastest win mile during the 2-year-old year. Of the 113 horses, 62 (55%) had injuries--19 major and 57 minor injuries. A significant relationship was not found between physeal classification and the incidence of injury. The number of injuries was also found not to be related to the number of races, number of races won, money won, or to the fastest mile. There was a weak indication that horses with physes classified as C or B- (very immature) may not have raced quite as well as the more mature horses and may have had a slightly higher incidence of injury.
Publication Date: 1977-01-15 PubMed ID: 833043
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- Comparative Study
- Journal Article
Summary
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This research investigates the relationship between the maturity of the distal radial physis (part of the horse’s forearm) and athletic performance or injuries in two-year-old Standardbred horses. The study found no significant correlation between the timing of the physis closure, performance metrics, and injury incidence.
Methodology and Results
- The research used radiographs of the distal radial physis of 113 two-year-old Standardbred horses. The images were taken multiple times during a period of about 5 months, commencing from May 1, 1975.
- The radiographs were assessed and classified into grades A to C, based on the degree of physis closure observed. The date of closure was determined through a reliable technique
- The average closure age was around 30 months, with a range from 26 to 35 months.
- No statistical differences were found between the closure ages across different genders, gaits, pedigree, or parentage.
- Most racing activities occurred before the closure of the physis, with the average closure date being approximately Sept 25, 1975.
Performance and Injuries
- Out of the horses studied, 80 raced an average of 10.5 times, and 46 of these won approximately 2.6 races.
- A progressive increase of maturation stages was observed among horses that first raced, won their inaugural race, clocked fastest miles, and improved speed.
- No relationship was found between the age or month of physis closure and performance indicators such as races won, fastest mile run, money earned, or the win speed during their two-year-old year.
- Among the horses, 62 had sustained injuries, with 19 being major and 57 minor. The study did not find a significant link between the physis closure stage and incidence of injury. The frequency of injuries was also not associated with performance parameters such as number of races, victories, money won, or fastest mile time.
- There were weak indications that horses with distal radial physes considered as immature (graded C or B-) might not have performed as well as their more mature (graded B or A) counterparts and could have had a higher injury occurrence.
Cite This Article
APA
Gabel AA, Spencer CP, Pipers FS.
(1977).
A study of correlation of closure of the distal radial physis with performance and injury in the Standardbred.
J Am Vet Med Assoc, 170(2), 188-194.
Publication
Researcher Affiliations
MeSH Terms
- Age Factors
- Animals
- Female
- Horse Diseases / epidemiology
- Horses / growth & development
- Male
- Physical Conditioning, Animal
- Radius / growth & development
- Wounds and Injuries / epidemiology
- Wounds and Injuries / veterinary
Citations
This article has been cited 3 times.- Nocera I, Sorvillo B, Sgorbini M, Aliboni B, Citi S. Radiographic Appearance of the Fore Digit and Carpal Joint in the Mule Foal from Birth to 3 Months of Age. Animals (Basel) 2023 Jul 26;13(15).
- Rogers CW, Gee EK, Dittmer KE. Growth and Bone Development in the Horse: When Is a Horse Skeletally Mature?. Animals (Basel) 2021 Nov 29;11(12).
- Strand E, Braathen LC, Hellsten MC, Huse-Olsen L, Bjornsdottir S. Radiographic closure time of appendicular growth plates in the Icelandic horse. Acta Vet Scand 2007 Jul 17;49(1):19.
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