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Veterinary journal (London, England : 1997)2013; 198 Suppl 1; e120-e123; doi: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2013.09.045

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

Abstract: There is a lack of evidence for the presumed beneficial effects of water treadmills on the movement of the horse's back. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of water treadmill exercise on axial rotation (AR), lateral bending (LB) and pelvic flexion (PF) in horses. The back kinematics of a group of riding horses were studied at the walk in a water treadmill at different depths of water (hoof, fetlock, carpus, elbow and shoulder joint levels) over a period of 10 days. Skin markers were placed at anatomical locations on the back. AR, LB and PF were measured on days 1 and 10 using two high-speed video cameras. There was a significant increase in AR compared to baseline at the level of the carpus and at higher water levels, whereas LB was significantly lower than baseline values at water levels that reached the elbow and shoulder joints. PF was significantly higher than baseline values at each water depth other than hoof water depth. At increasing water depths, there were significant increases in flexion and rotation of the back. At the highest water levels, there was reduced bending of the back. After 10 days, horses exhibited more bending of the back.
Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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Publication Date: 2013-09-26 PubMed ID: 24360735DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2013.09.045Google 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 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.

Cite This Article

APA
Mooij MJ, Jans W, den Heijer GJ, de Pater M, Back W. (2013). Biomechanical responses of the back of riding horses to water treadmill exercise. Vet J, 198 Suppl 1, e120-e123. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2013.09.045

Publication

Veterinary journal (London, England : 1997)
ISSN: 1532-2971
NlmUniqueID: 9706281
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 198 Suppl 1
Pages: e120-e123

Researcher Affiliations

Mooij, M J W
  • Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 112-114, NL-3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands.
Jans, W
  • Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 112-114, NL-3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands.
den Heijer, G J L
  • Rehabilitation Centre 'De Hofstede', Postweg 9, NL-3831 SE Leusden, The Netherlands.
de Pater, M
  • Rehabilitation Centre 'De Hofstede', Postweg 9, NL-3831 SE Leusden, The Netherlands.
Back, W
  • Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 112-114, NL-3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands; Department of Surgery and Anaesthesiology of Domestic Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, B-9820 Merelbeke, Belgium. Electronic address: W.Back@uu.nl.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Back / physiology
  • Biomechanical Phenomena
  • Exercise Test
  • Horses / physiology
  • Movement / physiology
  • Pelvis / physiology
  • Physical Conditioning, Animal
  • Walking / physiology
  • Water

Citations

This article has been cited 15 times.
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