Changes due to age in the kinematics of trotting Andalusian foals.

The research investigates how the trotting patterns of Andalusian foals change as they grow, from 12 to 36 months old. The study helps in predicting the horses’ mature kinematic parameters based on their trotting patterns at younger ages.

Methodology:

• The researchers examined the trotting patterns of 9 Andalusian foals, tracking their growth from 12 to 36 months.
• The biokinematic analysis was performed using a computer-assisted videography system, operating at a frame rate of 25 Hz.

Observations:

• They observed an increase in stride length and duration for both fore and hindlimb.
• As they gait, there was an observed trend of increasing flexion in the shoulder, elbow, and carpal joints, while the forelimb fetlock increased its range of maximal extension.
• In the hindlimb, most observable differences were found in the hip and stifle joints, which showed a tendency to reduce flexion as the foals aged. Despite this, the extension of these joints was greater at landing.
• The researchers also noted that the hindlimb fetlock, similar to its forelimb counterpart, showed increased extension in older foals, with a concurrent decrease in flexion.

Peculiar Findings:

• No significant changes were noted in the maximal extension and flexion timings in the forelimb joints, except in the elbow joint.
• The angular range of motion (ARM) remained constant across the timespan for the scapula inclination and the shoulder and forelimb fetlock joints.
• The retraction-protraction angles in both fore and hindlimbs didn’t show much alteration, and the ARM values for these parameters were similar across the different ages.

Conclusion:

• The study concluded that Andalusian horses undergo changes in their trotting patterns between the ages of 12 and 36 months.
• The modifications are more pronounced up to 24 months and include an increase in stride length and flexion in the shoulder, elbow, and carpal joints, while showing a decrease in flexion in hip and stifle joints and greater extension of hindlimb joints during the stance phase.
• Notably, the retraction and protraction angles remained practically unchanged in the foals aged 12-36 months in both fore and hindlimbs.
• The results of these findings are useful in predicting future mature kinematic parameters in Andalusian horses based on data acquired at earlier ages.