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PeerJ2019; 7; e7689; doi: 10.7717/peerj.7689

Collisional mechanics of the diagonal gaits of horses over a range of speeds.

Abstract: One of the goals of the neuromotor control system is to minimize the cost of locomotion by reducing mechanical energy losses. Collisional mechanics, which studies the redirection of the downwards motion of the center of mass (COM) by ground reaction forces (GRF) generated by the limbs, represents an important source of energy loss. The primary objective of this study was to compare collisional mechanics and the associated mechanical energy losses in horses performing diagonally-synchronized gaits over a range of speeds. It is to be expected that collisional energy losses will be high when the COM velocity vector is closely aligned with the GRF vector. This condition is achieved in piaffe, an artificial gait performed in dressage competitions that has a diagonal limb coordination pattern similar to trot but performed with little or no forward velocity. Therefore, we hypothesized that collisional energy losses would be higher in piaffe than in trot. Synchronized kinematic and GRF data were collected from three highly-trained horses performing piaffe, passage and trot at a range of speeds. Derived variables were vertical excursion and velocity of the trunk COM, fore and hind limb compression expressed as percentage reduction of standing limb lengths, range of limb pro-retraction, GRF vector magnitude and vector angle, collision angle (Φ), and mechanical cost of motion (CoMotmech). Linear regression was used to investigate the relationship between CoMotmech and speed for each gait. Partial correlation was used to seek relationships between COM excursion and limb mechanics for each gait. Piaffe, passage and trot were clearly separated on the basis of speed. In all gaits the trunk was high at contact and lift off and descended to its lowest point in midstance following the pattern typical of spring mass mechanics. Mechanical cost was significantly (p < .05) and inversely related to speed in trot and piaffe with the value increasing steeply as speed approached zero due to a near vertical orientation of both the COM velocity vector and the GRF vector. Limb compression during stance was significantly (p < .05) linked to trunk COM vertical excursion in all gaits, with a stronger relationship in the forelimb. Hindlimb compression was, however, large in piaffe where the force magnitudes are notably smaller. The study illustrates the potential value of studying artificial gaits to provide data encompassing the entire range of locomotor capabilities. The results supported the experimental hypothesis by showing a threefold increase in collisional energy losses in piaffe compared with trot. In all gaits, dissociation between diagonal limb contacts and lift offs was thought to be an important strategy in reducing in collisional losses. Piaffe, the most costly gait, has similar characteristics to hopping on the spot. It appears that greater hindlimb compliance and a lower step frequency are important energy conservation strategies for piaffe.
©2019 Hobbs and Clayton.
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Publication Date: 2019-09-17 PubMed ID: 31576241PubMed Central: PMC6753918DOI: 10.7717/peerj.7689Google 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 focuses on understanding the energy costs associated with different horse gaits, specifically comparing energy loss in piaffe, passage, and trotting due to the redirection of a horse’s mass by ground reaction forces (GRF). The study suggests higher energy losses in piaffe compared to trot, and discusses how understanding these artificial gaits can provide valuable information about a horse’s locomotor abilities.

Study Objectives and Hypothesis

  • The main goal of the study was to evaluate the collisional mechanics and the mechanical energy losses involved in three different horse gaits – piaffe, passage, and trot – when performed at different speeds.
  • The anticipated result was that energy losses would be highest in piaffe, a dressage gait with a diagonal limb coordination pattern similar to trot but with almost no forward velocity.
  • The theory was that when the center of mass (COM) motion matches the GRF vector, more energy loss is likely due to higher collisional impact.

Methodology

  • Kinematic data and GRF data were collected from three horses performing these three gaits at different speeds.
  • The main variables evaluated were the horse’s trunk vertical motion and velocity, limb compression, limb protraction and retraction range, GRF vector magnitude and angle, collision angle, and mechanical cost of motion.
  • Linear regression was applied to examine the correlation between mechanical cost of motion and speed for each gait.
  • Partial correlation was used to identify links between trunk motion and limb mechanics for the gaits.

Findings and Conclusions

  • The gaits were clearly separated based on their speed, and all followed a pattern typical of spring mass mechanics – the trunk was at its highest position at the point of contact and lift-off and descended to the lowest point mid-stance.
  • There was a significant and inverse relationship between trot and piaffe speed and their mechanical costs, with costs sharply increasing as speed approached zero.
  • Limb compression during stance had a significant relation with the trunk’s vertical motion in all gaits, showing a stronger correlation in the forelimb. In piaffe, where force magnitudes are smaller, hindlimb compression was large.
  • The hypothesis of the study was supported as there was a threefold increase in energy losses in piaffe when compared to trot.
  • The study concluded that a strategic distinction between diagonal limb contacts and lift-offs in all gaits served as a valuable technique in reducing collisional losses.
  • The energy conservation strategies for piaffe included greater hindlimb compliance and a lower step frequency.

Cite This Article

APA
Hobbs SJ, Clayton HM. (2019). Collisional mechanics of the diagonal gaits of horses over a range of speeds. PeerJ, 7, e7689. https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.7689

Publication

PeerJ
ISSN: 2167-8359
NlmUniqueID: 101603425
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 7
Pages: e7689

Researcher Affiliations

Hobbs, Sarah Jane
  • University of Central Lancashire, Preston, United Kingdom.
Clayton, Hilary M
  • Sport Horse Science, Mason, MI, United States of America.

Conflict of Interest Statement

Hilary M. Clayton is the CEO of Sport Horse Science.

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Citations

This article has been cited 3 times.
  1. Panos KE, Morgan K, Gately R, Wilkinson J, Uden A, Reed SA. Short Communication: changes in gait after 12 wk of shoeing in previously barefoot horses. J Anim Sci 2023 Jan 3;101.
    doi: 10.1093/jas/skac374pubmed: 36383438google scholar: lookup
  2. Clayton HM, Hobbs SJ. Ground Reaction Forces of Dressage Horses Performing the Piaffe. Animals (Basel) 2021 Feb 8;11(2).
    doi: 10.3390/ani11020436pubmed: 33567549google scholar: lookup
  3. Clayton HM, Hobbs SJ. A Review of Biomechanical Gait Classification with Reference to Collected Trot, Passage and Piaffe in Dressage Horses. Animals (Basel) 2019 Oct 3;9(10).
    doi: 10.3390/ani9100763pubmed: 31623360google scholar: lookup
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