Centre of mass movement and mechanical energy fluctuation during gallop locomotion in the Thoroughbred racehorse.
Abstract: During locomotion cyclical interchange between different forms of mechanical energy enhances economy; however, 100% efficiency cannot be achieved and ultimately some mechanical work must be performed de novo. There is a metabolic cost associated with fluctuations in mechanical energy, even in the most efficient animals. In this study we investigate the exchanges between different forms of mechanical energy involved in high-speed gallop locomotion in Thoroughbred race horses during over-ground locomotion using innovative, mobile data collection techniques. We use hoof-mounted accelerometers to capture foot contact times, a GPS data logger to monitor speed and an inertial sensor mounted over the dorsal spinous processes of the fourth to sixth thoracic vertebrae (the withers) of the horse to capture trunk movement with six degrees of freedom. Trunk movement data were used to estimate the movement of the centre of mass (CoM). Linear (craniocaudal, mediolateral and dorsoventral) and rotational (roll, pitch and heading) kinematic parameters (displacement, velocity and acceleration) were calculated for seven horses at gallop speeds ranging from 7 to 17 m s(-1) during their regular training sessions. These were used to estimate external mechanical energy (potential energy and linear kinetic energy of the CoM) as well as selected components of internal energy (angular kinetic energy). Elastic energy storage in the limbs was estimated from duty factor, sine wave assumptions and published leg stiffness values. External mechanical energy changes were dominated by changes in craniocaudal velocity. Potential energy change, which was in phase with craniocaudal energy during the front limb stances, was small. Elastic energy storage in the limbs was small compared to the overall amplitude of fluctuation of external mechanical energy. Galloping at high speeds does not therefore fit classical spring mass mechanics.
Publication Date: 2006-09-21 PubMed ID: 16985191DOI: 10.1242/jeb.02439Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Comparative Study
- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
Summary
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The research article explores the movements and energy usage of Thoroughbred racehorses during high-speed gallop. It uses innovative data collection methods to study different mechanical energy forms, how these energies interchange, and their effect on the horse’s metabolic cost.
Methodology
The exchanges of mechanical energy in Thoroughbred horse racing were studied during over-ground locomotion. The research methodology involved the use of advanced, mobile data collection techniques:
- They used hoof-mounted accelerometers to capture the times the horse’s foot made contact with the ground.
- A GPS data logger monitored the speed of the horse.
- The trunk movement of the horse was captured with an inertial sensor mounted over the dorsal spinous processes of the fourth to sixth thoracic vertebrae, otherwise known as the withers of the horse.
These methods were applied to estimate the movement of the centre of mass (CoM). The data collected from the horse’s trunk movement were used for this.
Calculations
Next, they calculated linear (displacement, velocity, and acceleration in different directions) and rotational (roll, pitch, and heading) kinematic parameters for seven Thoroughbred horses during their regular training sessions. Gallop speeds for the horses ranged from 7 to 17 m s(-1).
These parameters helped researchers estimate the horse’s external mechanical energy – including potential energy and linear kinetic energy of the CoM, as well as selected components of internal energy like angular kinetic energy.
Insights
Research findings showed that:
- The elastic energy stored in the limbs was small compared to the total amplitude of external mechanical energy fluctuation. Therefore, the idea of galloping fitting classical spring mass mechanics was questioned.
- The changes in an external mechanical energy were mostly determined by changes in the horse’s craniocaudal velocity or the head-to-tail velocity.
- A significant insight from this research is that the potential energy change, which was in phase with craniocaudal energy during the front limb stances, was small.
In conclusion, this research helped reveal and understand the intricate mechanisms behind the energy fluctuations and movements when a Thoroughbred horse gallops, which may be different than previously assumed theories.
Cite This Article
APA
Pfau T, Witte TH, Wilson AM.
(2006).
Centre of mass movement and mechanical energy fluctuation during gallop locomotion in the Thoroughbred racehorse.
J Exp Biol, 209(Pt 19), 3742-3757.
https://doi.org/10.1242/jeb.02439 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Structure and Motion Laboratory, The Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, AL9 7TA, UK. tpfau@rvc.ac.uk
MeSH Terms
- Acceleration
- Animals
- Biomechanical Phenomena
- Body Weight
- Gait / physiology
- Horses / physiology
- Locomotion / physiology
- Telemetry
Citations
This article has been cited 22 times.- Horan K, Coburn J, Kourdache K, Day P, Carnall H, Brinkley L, Harborne D, Hammond L, Peterson M, Millard S, Pfau T. Hoof Impact and Foot-Off Accelerations in Galloping Thoroughbred Racehorses Trialling Eight Shoe-Surface Combinations. Animals (Basel) 2022 Aug 23;12(17).
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- Parkes RSV, Pfau T, Weller R, Witte TH. The effect of curve running on distal limb kinematics in the Thoroughbred racehorse. PLoS One 2020;15(12):e0244105.
- Ricard A, Dumont Saint Priest B, Chassier M, Sabbagh M, Danvy S. Genetic consistency between gait analysis by accelerometry and evaluation scores at breeding shows for the selection of jumping competition horses. PLoS One 2020;15(12):e0244064.
- Hayati H, Mahdavi F, Eager D. Analysis of Agile Canine Gait Characteristics Using Accelerometry. Sensors (Basel) 2019 Oct 10;19(20).
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- Legg KA, Cochrane DJ, Gee EK, Chin YY, Rogers CW. Relationship between experience and head kinematics in race riding jockeys. Sci Rep 2025 Apr 26;15(1):14686.
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