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Home / Equine Research Bank / J Am Vet Med Assoc / Comparison of results for body-mounted inertial sensor asses...
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association2020; 256(5); 590-599; doi: 10.2460/javma.256.5.590

Comparison of results for body-mounted inertial sensor assessment with final lameness determination in 1,224 equids.

Abstract: To compare results for initial body-mounted inertial sensor (BMIS) measurement of lameness in equids trotting in a straight line with definitive findings after full lameness evaluation. Methods: 1,224 equids. Methods: Lameness measured with BMIS equipment while trotting in a straight line was classified into categories of none, forelimb only, hind limb only, and 8 patterns of combined forelimb and hind limb lameness (CFHL). Definitive findings after full lameness evaluation were established in most horses and classified into types (no lameness, forelimb- or hind limb-only lameness, CFHL, or lameness not localized to the limbs). Observed proportions of lameness type in equids with definitive findings for each initial BMIS-assessed category were compared with hypothetical expected proportions through χ goodness-of-fit analysis. Results: The most common initial BMIS-assessed lameness category was CFHL (693/1,224 [56.6%]), but this was the least common definitive finding (94/ 862 [10.9%]). The observed frequency of no lameness after full lameness evaluation was greater than expected only when initial BMIS measurements indicated no lameness. The observed frequency of forelimb-only lameness was greater than expected when initially measured as forelimb-only lameness and for CFHL categories consistent with the diagonal movement principle of compensatory lameness. Observed frequency of hind limb-only lameness was greater than expected when initially measured as hind limb-only lameness and for CFHL categories consistent with the sagittal movement principle of compensatory lameness. Equids initially assessed as having no lameness had the highest (103/112 [92%]) and those assessed as CFHL pattern 7 (forelimb with contralateral hind limb impact-only lameness) had the lowest (36/66 [55%]) rates of definitive findings. Conclusions: In equids, results of initial straight-line trotting evaluations with a BMIS system did not necessarily match definitive findings but may be useful in planning the remaining lameness evaluation.
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Publication Date: 2020-02-19 PubMed ID: 32068513DOI: 10.2460/javma.256.5.590Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

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The research article discusses a comparative study performed to measure the reliability of initial body-mounted inertial sensor (BMIS) in evaluating lameness of horses, compared to final lameness assessments conducted after a full thorough evaluation.

Methods Used

  • The study was conducted on 1,224 equids (Equidae family members like horses, zebras, and donkeys). The horses were made to trot in a straight line and lameness was measured using a body-mounted inertial sensor (BMIS) system.
  • The lameness detected was classified into categories: none, forelimb only, hind limb only, and 8 patterns of mixed forelimb and hind limb lameness.
  • A full lameness evaluation was done on most horses and the findings were compared against the initial BMIS readings. The final lameness determination also included types that were not localized to the limbs.
  • Observed lameness proportions for each initial BMIS category were compared with hypothetical expected proportions using a chi-square goodness-of-fit analysis tool.

Findings of the Study

  • The most common lameness identified by initial BMIS was combined forelimb and hind limb lameness (56.6%). But in the final determination, this was the least prevalent (10.9%).
  • There was a higher frequency of no lameness observed after the full evaluation, only when initial BMIS measurements showed no lameness.
  • The frequency of forelimb-only lameness was higher than expected, both when initially evaluated as forelimb-only lameness and for combined front-and-rear limb categories, in line with the diagonal movement principle of compensatory lameness.
  • Similarly, the frequency of hind limb-only lameness was greater than expected when initially measured as hind limb-only lameness and for combined front-and-rear limb categories, in sync with the sagittal movement principle of compensatory lameness.
  • Horses initially assessed with no lameness the highest rates of definitive findings (92%), and those evaluated with a particular pattern of combined lameness showed the lowest definitive findings (55%).

Conclusions Drawn

  • Results from initial trotting evaluations with the BMIS system did not always match the results from detailed evaluations. However, initial evaluations could be useful in planning the comprehensive lameness evaluation, giving insights about the possible pattern of lameness.

Cite This Article

APA
Reed SK, Kramer J, Thombs L, Pitts JB, Wilson DA, Keegan KG. (2020). Comparison of results for body-mounted inertial sensor assessment with final lameness determination in 1,224 equids. J Am Vet Med Assoc, 256(5), 590-599. https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.256.5.590

Publication

Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
ISSN: 1943-569X
NlmUniqueID: 7503067
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 256
Issue: 5
Pages: 590-599

Researcher Affiliations

Reed, Shannon K
    Kramer, Joanne
      Thombs, Lori
        Pitts, Jael B
          Wilson, David A
            Keegan, Kevin G

              MeSH Terms

              • Animals
              • Biomechanical Phenomena
              • Forelimb
              • Gait
              • Hindlimb
              • Horse Diseases
              • Horses
              • Lameness, Animal

              Citations

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