Are kinematics of the walk related to the locomotion of a warmblood horse at the trot?

This research study investigates the correlation between the movements of warmblood horses during walking and trotting on a treadmill, using a gait analysis system. The findings suggest that the kinematic aspects recorded while the horses walk could potentially predict their locomotion when trotting, taking into account the increased speed and shorter stance duration during trotting.

Methodology and Experiment Setup

• The researchers used a sample group of 24 warmblood horses, all around 26 months old.
• Fore and hind limb movements of these horses were recorded while the horses walked and trotted on a treadmill.
• An adjusted CODA-3 gait analysis system was utilised to measure their locomotion.
• The horses were made to walk and trot at different speeds (1.6 and 4 m/s respectively) on the treadmill.

Comparative Analysis of the Walk and Trot

• The researchers compared the coordination patterns of limbs at walk and trot.
• Spatial and temporal variables of these gaits were correlated.
• The stride and stance durations were shorter while trotting, but the stance distance and swing duration remained consistent between both gaits.
• Even though the joint angle-time curves in both gaits looked similar, there was a shift to the left in trotting due to the shorter relative stance duration.

Joint Flexibility

• During stance phase, the shoulder, stifle, and tarsal joints were more flexed regardless of gait.
• The carpal and fetlock joints were more maximally extended while trotting as compared to walking.
• During the swing phase, the elbow, carpal, stifle, and tarsal joints were more flexed because of the higher speed required for trotting.

Conclusions and Key Findings

• All other kinematic variables at the trot could be anticipated from the values recorded at the walk.
• Nearly all kinematic variables at the walk correlated well with those at the trot.
• Variables indicating the quality of gait during walking were similar to those identified previously for trotting.
• The kinematics recorded at walk in the group of horses were similar to and thus predictive for locomotion at the trot, provided the increased speed and shorter stance duration of trotting are considered.