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PeerJ2016; 4; e2190; doi: 10.7717/peerj.2190

An exploration of the influence of diagonal dissociation and moderate changes in speed on locomotor parameters in trotting horses.

Abstract: Background. Although the trot is described as a diagonal gait, contacts of the diagonal pairs of hooves are not usually perfectly synchronized. Although subtle, the timing dissociation between contacts of each diagonal pair could have consequences on gait dynamics and provide insight into the functional strategies employed. This study explores the mechanical effects of different diagonal dissociation patterns when speed was matched between individuals and how these effects link to moderate, natural changes in trotting speed. We anticipate that hind-first diagonal dissociation at contact increases with speed, diagonal dissociation at contact can reduce collision-based energy losses and predominant dissociation patterns will be evident within individuals. Methods. The study was performed in two parts: in the first 17 horses performed speed-matched trotting trials and in the second, five horses each performed 10 trotting trials that represented a range of individually preferred speeds. Standard motion capture provided kinematic data that were synchronized with ground reaction force (GRF) data from a series of force plates. The data were analyzed further to determine temporal, speed, GRF, postural, mass distribution, moment, and collision dynamics parameters. Results. Fore-first, synchronous, and hind-first dissociations were found in horses trotting at (3.3 m/s ± 10%). In these speed-matched trials, mean centre of pressure (COP) cranio-caudal location differed significantly between the three dissociation categories. The COP moved systematically and significantly (P = .001) from being more caudally located in hind-first dissociation (mean location = 0.41 ± 0.04) through synchronous (0.36 ± 0.02) to a more cranial location in fore-first dissociation (0.32 ± 0.02). Dissociation patterns were found to influence function, posture, and balance parameters. Over a moderate speed range, peak vertical forelimb GRF had a strong relationship with dissociation time (R = .594; P < .01) and speed (R = .789; P 0.05) or speed (R = .223; P = .023). Discussion. The results indicate that at moderate speeds individual horses use dissociation patterns that allow them to maintain trunk pitch stability through management of the cranio-caudal location of the COP. During the hoof-ground collisions, reduced mechanical energy losses were found in hind-first dissociations compared to fully synchronous contacts. As speed increased, only forelimb vertical peak force increased so dissociations tended towards hind-first, which shifted the net COP caudally and balanced trunk pitching moments.
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Publication Date: 2016-06-30 PubMed ID: 27413640PubMed Central: PMC4933092DOI: 10.7717/peerj.2190Google Scholar: Lookup
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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.

This research explores the impact of varying timing between pairs of diagonal hoof contacts during the trot gait of horses. It reveals that even slight changes in this timing can affect the animal’s dynamic movement and balance. The study also examines how these patterns change with different trotting speeds.

Research Methodology

  • The research was carried out in two parts. In the first, 17 horses were observed performing trotting trials at speed-matched levels. In the second phase, a subset of five horses completed multiple trotting trials at a range of individually preferred speeds.
  • The experiment utilized standard motion capture techniques to collect kinematic data. This data was synchronized with ground reaction force (GRF) measurements gathered by a series of force plates.
  • Analyzed data included parameters like temporal, speed, GRF, postural, mass distribution, moment, and collision dynamics.

Results and Findings

  • The study found that horses demonstrated fore-first, synchronous, and hind-first dissociation patterns when trotting at speeds matched to 3.3 m/s ± 10%.
  • Mean centre of pressure (COP) cranio-caudal location varied significantly between the dissociation categories. COP shifted considerably, moving more caudal in hind-first dissociation, to a more cranial location in fore-first dissociation.
  • Variations in dissociation patterns were found to influence the horses’ function, posture, and balance.
  • There was a strong relationship between the peak vertical forelimb GRF and dissociation time and speed. However, the association was not significant for the peak vertical hindlimb GRF over a moderate speed range.

Discussion and Implications

  • The study shows that individual horses adopt dissociation patterns that enhance their stability by managing the cranio-caudal location of the COP, particularly at moderate speeds.
  • In terms of energy efficiency, the research found reduced mechanical energy losses in hooves’ hind-first dissociation compared to fully synchronous contacts.
  • As speed increased, horses tended to use a hind-first dissociation pattern, which prompted the net COP to shift caudally, thus balancing out trunk pitching moments.

Cite This Article

APA
Hobbs SJ, Bertram JE, Clayton HM. (2016). An exploration of the influence of diagonal dissociation and moderate changes in speed on locomotor parameters in trotting horses. PeerJ, 4, e2190. https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.2190

Publication

PeerJ
ISSN: 2167-8359
NlmUniqueID: 101603425
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 4
Pages: e2190
PII: e2190

Researcher Affiliations

Hobbs, Sarah Jane
  • Centre for Applied Sport and Exercise Sciences, University of Central Lancashire , Preston , Lancashire , United Kingdom.
Bertram, John E A
  • Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary , Calgary , Alberta , Canada.
Clayton, Hilary M
  • Sport Horse Science , LC , MI , United States.

Conflict of Interest Statement

Hilary M. Clayton is President of Sport Horse Science, LC, Michigan and Sport Horse Publications. The authors declare there are no competing interests.

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Citations

This article has been cited 11 times.
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