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American journal of veterinary research2000; 61(4); 399-406; doi: 10.2460/ajvr.2000.61.399

Basic three-dimensional kinematics of the vertebral column of horses walking on a treadmill.

Abstract: To determine kinematic movements of the vertebral column of horses during normal locomotion. Methods: 5 Dutch Warmblood horses without apparent lameness or problems associated with the vertebral column. Methods: Kinematics of 8 vertebrae (T6, T10, T13, T17, L1, L3, L5, and S3) and both tuber coxae were determined, using bone-fixated markers. Horses were recorded while walking on a treadmill at a constant speed of 1.6 m/s. Results: Flexion-extension was characterized by 2 periods of extension and flexion during 1 stride cycle, whereas lateral bending and axial rotation were characterized by 1 peak and 1 trough. The range of motion for flexion-extension was fairly constant for vertebrae caudal to T10 (approximately 7 degrees). For lateral bending, the cranial thoracic vertebrae and segments in the pelvic region had the maximal amount of motion, with values of up to 5.6 degrees. For vertebrae between T17 and L5, the amount of lateral bending decreased to <4 degrees The amount of axial rotation increased gradually from 4 degrees for T6 to 13 degrees for the tuber coxae. Conclusions: This direct measurement method provides 3-dimensional kinematic data for flexion-extension, lateral bending, and axial rotation of the thoracolumbar portion of the vertebral column of horses walking on a treadmill. Regional differences were observed in the magnitude and pattern of the rotations. Understanding of the normal kinematics of the vertebral column in healthy horses is a prerequisite for a better understanding of abnormal function.
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Publication Date: 2000-04-20 PubMed ID: 10772104DOI: 10.2460/ajvr.2000.61.399Google 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.

The study examines the movement of the vertebral column in horses during a normal walking motion. Using fixed markers on certain vertebrae, researchers gathered data on horse’s spine flexion, extension, lateral bending, and axial rotation while walking on a treadmill.

Study Methods

  • Five Dutch Warmblood horses without any apparent lameness or issues with their vertebral column were used for the research.
  • Specific bones of the spine (T6, T10, T13, T17, L1, L3, L5, and S3) and the pelvis (tuber coxae) were marked with fixed markers to track motion and rotation.
  • The horses were observed and recorded while walking on a treadmill at a set speed of 1.6 meters per second.

Findings

  • The flexion-extension of the spine (bending forwards and backwards) showed two periods of extension and flexion in one walking cycle.
  • Lateral bending (side to side movement) and axial rotation (rotation around the spine) each showed one peak and one trough in a stride cycle.
  • The range of motion for flexion-extension was fairly constant in the vertebrae caudal to T10 (towards the tail), staying around 7 degrees.
  • The cranial thoracic vertebrae (towards the head) and the pelvic region showed the most amount of movement during lateral bending, with values of up to 5.6 degrees.
  • For the vertebrae between T17 and L5, lateral bending decreased to less than 4 degrees.
  • The amount of axial rotation increased gradually from 4 degrees at T6 to 13 degrees at the pelvis (tuber coxae).

Conclusion

This study provides detailed information about the three-dimensional movement of a horse’s thoracolumbar portion of the vertebral column during a walking motion on a treadmill. It also revealed regional differences in terms of the magnitude and pattern of rotations. Understanding normal movements in the vertebral column in healthy horses will provide a solid basis for studying abnormal function, paving the way for improved veterinary diagnosis and treatment.

Cite This Article

APA
Faber M, Schamhardt H, van Weeren R, Johnston C, Roepstorff L, Barneveld A. (2000). Basic three-dimensional kinematics of the vertebral column of horses walking on a treadmill. Am J Vet Res, 61(4), 399-406. https://doi.org/10.2460/ajvr.2000.61.399

Publication

American journal of veterinary research
ISSN: 0002-9645
NlmUniqueID: 0375011
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 61
Issue: 4
Pages: 399-406

Researcher Affiliations

Faber, M
  • Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, The Netherlands.
Schamhardt, H
    van Weeren, R
      Johnston, C
        Roepstorff, L
          Barneveld, A

            MeSH Terms

            • Animals
            • Biomechanical Phenomena
            • Exercise Test / veterinary
            • Female
            • Horses / physiology
            • Male
            • Spine / physiology

            Citations

            This article has been cited 23 times.
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