Biomechanical responses of the back of riding horses to water treadmill exercise.

This research study investigated how exercise on a water treadmill affects the motion of a horse’s back. It found significant changes in axial rotation, lateral bending and pelvic flexion depending on water levels, with higher water levels showing increased flexion and rotation, but decreased bending.

Objective of Study

The objective of the study was to resolve the lack of evidence about the potential benefits of water treadmill exercise for horses. The study specifically observed changes in horses’ axial rotation (AR), lateral bending (LB), and pelvic flexion (PF), which are movements associated with the horse’s back, while using a water treadmill.

Methodology

• The study was conducted over a 10-day period and involved a group of riding horses.
• The horses were required to walk on a water treadmill at varied water levels – from those that reach the hoof, fetlock, carpus, elbow, to shoulder joint levels.
• Anatomical markers were placed on the horses’ backs to allow for detailed kinematic monitoring.
• Two high-speed video cameras were used to observe and measure changes in AR, LB, and PF on the first and tenth days of the study.

Results

• AR increased significantly at water levels above carpus and at higher levels compared to baseline measurements.
• LB was significantly decreased in comparison to initial measured values at water levels that reached the elbow and the shoulder.
• PF exhibited higher markings than baseline at all water depths except the hoof level.
• In general, exercising on the water treadmill led to significant increases in flexion and rotation of the horses’ back as the depth reached greater levels.
• The bending of the back was reduced at the highest water levels, but after 10 days, the horses showed more bending of the back.

Implications

The results suggest that water treadmill workouts can affect the biomechanics of the horses’ back. Different water depths bring about various changes in back movements, providing potential therapeutic or conditioning opportunities when appropriately applied. However, further study is needed to determine the long-term effects of these treatments and the biological significance of these changes.