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Home / Equine Research Bank / Front Bioeng Biotechnol / Center of Mass Offset Enhances the Selection of Transverse G...
Frontiers in bioengineering and biotechnology2022; 10; 825157; doi: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.825157

Center of Mass Offset Enhances the Selection of Transverse Gallop in High-Speed Running by Horses: A Modeling Study.

Abstract: Horses use the transverse gallop in high-speed running. However, different animals use different gaits, and the gait preference of horses remains largely unclear. Horses have fore-aft asymmetry in their body structure and their center of mass (CoM) is anteriorly located far from the center of the body. Since such a CoM offset affects the running dynamics, we hypothesize that the CoM offset of horses is important in gait selection. In order to verify our hypothesis and clarify the gait selection mechanisms by horses from a dynamic viewpoint, we developed a simple model with CoM offset and investigated its effects on running. Specifically, we numerically obtained periodic solutions and classified these solutions into six types of gaits, including the transverse gallop, based on the footfall pattern. Our results show that the transverse gallop is optimal when the CoM offset is located at the position estimated in horses. Our findings provide useful insight into the gait selection mechanisms in high-speed running of horses.
Copyright © 2022 Yamada, Aoi, Adachi, Kamimura, Higurashi, Wada, Tsuchiya and Matsuno.
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Publication Date: 2022-02-28 PubMed ID: 35295643PubMed Central: PMC8919080DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.825157Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article

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 research explores how the structure and center of mass of a horse’s body influences its gait during high-speed running and asserts that the offset center of mass is a key factor in horses’ use of the transverse gallop gait.

Research Objective

  • The study aimed to clarify the gait selection mechanisms in horses, particularly in relation to high-speed running. The researchers hypothesized that the anteriorly located center of mass (CoM) of horses, a feature of their fore-aft asymmetrical body structure, has a major impact on their chosen running gait.

Methodology

  • To test their hypothesis, the researchers created a simple model that incorporates CoM offset.
  • They then applied this model to a running scenario and numerically derived periodic solutions.
  • With these solutions, they were able to categorize various gaits or running styles, including the transverse gallop, by examining the footfall pattern.

Findings

  • The research outcomes indicated that the transverse gallop is the optimal gait for horses when the CoM offset is located in a position comparable to that in real horses.
  • This suggested that the center of mass offset does indeed play a substantial role in the gait choices horses make during high-speed running.

Conclusions

  • The study adds valuable insight into understanding the gait selection mechanisms in horses’ high-speed running.
  • Knowing how a horse’s physical structure influences its locomotive choices can contribute to equine-related sports and activities, such as horse racing or show jumping, where gait efficiency may impact performance.

Cite This Article

APA
Yamada T, Aoi S, Adachi M, Kamimura T, Higurashi Y, Wada N, Tsuchiya K, Matsuno F. (2022). Center of Mass Offset Enhances the Selection of Transverse Gallop in High-Speed Running by Horses: A Modeling Study. Front Bioeng Biotechnol, 10, 825157. https://doi.org/10.3389/fbioe.2022.825157

Publication

Frontiers in bioengineering and biotechnology
ISSN: 2296-4185
NlmUniqueID: 101632513
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 10
Pages: 825157

Researcher Affiliations

Yamada, Takumi
  • Department of Mechanical Engineering and Science, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan.
Aoi, Shinya
  • Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan.
Adachi, Mau
  • Department of Mechanical Engineering and Science, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan.
Kamimura, Tomoya
  • Department of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, Nagoya Institute of Technology, Nagoya, Japan.
Higurashi, Yasuo
  • Laboratory of System Physiology, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi, Japan.
Wada, Naomi
  • Laboratory of System Physiology, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi, Japan.
Tsuchiya, Kazuo
  • Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan.
Matsuno, Fumitoshi
  • Department of Mechanical Engineering and Science, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan.

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

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Citations

This article has been cited 2 times.
  1. Adachi M, Aoi S, Kamimura T, Tsuchiya K, Matsuno F. Fore-Aft Asymmetry Improves the Stability of Trotting in the Transverse Plane: A Modeling Study. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022;10:807777.
    doi: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.807777pubmed: 35721869google scholar: lookup
  2. Kamimura T, Sato K, Aoi S, Higurashi Y, Wada N, Tsuchiya K, Sano A, Matsuno F. Three Characteristics of Cheetah Galloping Improve Running Performance Through Spinal Movement: A Modeling Study. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022;10:825638.
    doi: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.825638pubmed: 35497345google scholar: lookup
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