FREE SHIPPING over $40
OVER 9000 FIVE-STAR REVIEWS
5% OFF ALL SUBSCRIPTIONS
100% HAPPINESS GUARANTEE
Analyze Diet
0
Home / Equine Research Bank / Vet J / Compensatory load redistribution of horses with induced weig...
Veterinary journal (London, England : 1997)2004; 171(1); 135-146; doi: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2004.09.004

Compensatory load redistribution of horses with induced weight-bearing forelimb lameness trotting on a treadmill.

Abstract: The study was performed to obtain a detailed insight into the load and time shifting mechanisms of horses with unilateral weight-bearing forelimb lameness. Reversible lameness was induced in 11 clinically sound horses by applying a solar pressure model. Three degrees of lameness (subtle, mild and moderate) were induced and compared with sound control measurements. Vertical ground reaction force-time histories of all four limbs were recorded simultaneously on an instrumented treadmill. Four compensatory mechanisms could be identified that served to reduce structural stress, i.e. peak vertical force on the affected limb: (1) with increasing lameness, horses reduced the total vertical impulse per stride; (2) the diagonal impulse decreased selectively in the lame diagonal; (3) the impulse was shifted within the lame diagonal to the hindlimb and in the sound diagonal to the forelimb; (4) the rate of loading and the peak forces were reduced by prolonging the stance duration. Except in the diagonal hindlimb, where peak vertical forces increased slightly in the moderate lameness condition, no equivalent compensatory overload situation was observed in the other limbs. Specific force and time information of all four limbs allow the unequivocal identification of the affected limb.
Get Full Text
Publication Date: 2004-11-11 PubMed ID: 15974567DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2004.09.004Google Scholar: Lookup
The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
LinkedInCopy
  • 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 investigates how horses adjust their load-bearing mechanisms when experiencing different levels of lameness in a forelimb. The study notes four specific ways horses manage to mitigate structural stress on the affected limb.

Methodology

  • The team used 11 clinically healthy horses for this study.
  • They artificially induced lameness of varying degrees (subtle, mild, and moderate) in these horses using a solar pressure model.
  • The researchers then measured their vertical ground reaction forces (the forces exerted by the ground on a body in contact with it) for all four limbs while the horses trotted on a specially equipped treadmill.

Findings

  • The researchers identified four compensatory mechanisms that horses used to lessen the structural stress on the lameness-affected limb.
  • These included reducing the total vertical impulse per stride with increasing degrees of lameness to lessen the pressure on the lame limb.
  • They also observed a selective decrease in the diagonal impulse (the force exerted diagonally across the body) in the lame diagonal limb pair.
  • Moreover, there was an internal shift of impulse within the lame diagonal pair, diverting more of the load to the hindlimb, and in the sound (unaffected) diagonal pair, shifting the load to the forelimb.
  • Finally, horses reduced the rate of loading and peak forces by extending the stance duration, that is, the time during which the limb is in contact with the ground.
  • This redistribution was found to be efficient as no compensatory overload was observed in the other limbs, except for a slight increase in the peak vertical forces in the diagonal hindlimb under moderate lameness condition.

Importance and Applications

  • These findings provide detailed insights into the adaptive strategies of horses in response to lameness, which can inform better diagnostics and therapeutic interventions.
  • Particularly, the specific force and time measurements of all four limbs aid in unequivocal identification of the affected limb, thereby improving lameness detection and assessment.

Cite This Article

APA
Weishaupt MA, Wiestner T, Hogg HP, Jordan P, Auer JA. (2004). Compensatory load redistribution of horses with induced weight-bearing forelimb lameness trotting on a treadmill. Vet J, 171(1), 135-146. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2004.09.004

Publication

Veterinary journal (London, England : 1997)
ISSN: 1090-0233
NlmUniqueID: 9706281
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 171
Issue: 1
Pages: 135-146

Researcher Affiliations

Weishaupt, Michael A
  • Equine Hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland. mweishaupt@vetclinics.unizh.ch
Wiestner, Thomas
    Hogg, Hermann P
      Jordan, Patrick
        Auer, Jörg A

          MeSH Terms

          • Adaptation, Physiological
          • Animals
          • Exercise Test / veterinary
          • Forelimb
          • Horse Diseases / physiopathology
          • Horses / physiology
          • Lameness, Animal / physiopathology
          • Weight-Bearing / physiology

          Citations

          This article has been cited 35 times.
          1. Zaha C, Schuszler L, Dascalu R, Nistor P, Florea T, Imre K, Rujescu C, Sicoe B, Igna C. Evaluation of Thermal Changes of the Sole Surface in Horses with Palmar Foot Pain: A Pilot Study. Biology (Basel) 2023 Mar 10;12(3).
            doi: 10.3390/biology12030423pubmed: 36979115google scholar: lookup
          2. Parmentier JIM, Bosch S, van der Zwaag BJ, Weishaupt MA, Gmel AI, Havinga PJM, van Weeren PR, Braganca FMS. Prediction of continuous and discrete kinetic parameters in horses from inertial measurement units data using recurrent artificial neural networks. Sci Rep 2023 Jan 13;13(1):740.
            doi: 10.1038/s41598-023-27899-4pubmed: 36639409google scholar: lookup
          3. St George LB, Spoormakers TJP, Smit IH, Hobbs SJ, Clayton HM, Roy SH, van Weeren PR, Richards J, Serra Bragança FM. Adaptations in equine appendicular muscle activity and movement occur during induced fore- and hindlimb lameness: An electromyographic and kinematic evaluation. Front Vet Sci 2022;9:989522.
            doi: 10.3389/fvets.2022.989522pubmed: 36425119google scholar: lookup
          4. Hoffmann JR, Geburek F, Hagen J, Büttner K, Cruz AM, Röcken M. Bilateral Change in Vertical Hoof Force Distribution in Horses with Unilateral Forelimb Lameness before and after Successful Diagnostic Anaesthesia. Animals (Basel) 2022 Sep 19;12(18).
            doi: 10.3390/ani12182485pubmed: 36139345google scholar: lookup
          5. Bailey J, Redpath A, Hallowell G, Bowen M. An objective study into the effects of an incline on naturally occurring lameness in horses. Vet Med Sci 2022 Nov;8(6):2390-2395.
            doi: 10.1002/vms3.900pubmed: 35982535google scholar: lookup
          6. Madsen LM, Gutierrez-Nibeyro SD, Stewart MC, McCoy AM, Schaeffer DJ. Kinetic Analysis in Horses With Deep Digital Flexor Tendinopathy Within the Digit Diagnosed by Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Front Vet Sci 2022;9:893026.
            doi: 10.3389/fvets.2022.893026pubmed: 35711793google scholar: lookup
          7. Pfau T, Bolt DM, Fiske-Jackson A, Gerdes C, Hoenecke K, Lynch L, Perrier M, Smith RKW. Linear Discriminant Analysis for Investigating Differences in Upper Body Movement Symmetry in Horses before/after Diagnostic Analgesia in Relation to Expert Judgement. Animals (Basel) 2022 Mar 17;12(6).
            doi: 10.3390/ani12060762pubmed: 35327159google scholar: lookup
          8. Briggs EV, Mazzà C. Automatic methods of hoof-on and -off detection in horses using wearable inertial sensors during walk and trot on asphalt, sand and grass. PLoS One 2021;16(7):e0254813.
            doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0254813pubmed: 34310630google scholar: lookup
          9. Sapone M, Martin P, Ben Mansour K, Chateau H, Marin F. The Protraction and Retraction Angles of Horse Limbs: An Estimation during Trotting Using Inertial Sensors. Sensors (Basel) 2021 May 30;21(11).
            doi: 10.3390/s21113792pubmed: 34070859google scholar: lookup
          10. Serra Bragança FM, Hernlund E, Thomsen MH, Waldern NM, Rhodin M, Byström A, van Weeren PR, Weishaupt MA. Adaptation strategies of horses with induced forelimb lameness walking on a treadmill. Equine Vet J 2021 May;53(3):600-611.
            doi: 10.1111/evj.13344pubmed: 32888199google scholar: lookup
          11. Tijssen M, Hernlund E, Rhodin M, Bosch S, Voskamp JP, Nielen M, Serra Braganςa FM. Automatic hoof-on and -off detection in horses using hoof-mounted inertial measurement unit sensors. PLoS One 2020;15(6):e0233266.
            doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0233266pubmed: 32492034google scholar: lookup
          12. Muñoz A, Saitua A, Becero M, Riber C, Satué K, de Medina AS, Argüelles D, Castejón-Riber C. The Use of the Water Treadmill for the Rehabilitation of Musculoskeletal Injuries in the Sport Horse. J Vet Res 2019 Sep;63(3):439-445.
            doi: 10.2478/jvetres-2019-0050pubmed: 31572826google scholar: lookup
          13. Byström A, Egenvall A, Roepstorff L, Rhodin M, Bragança FS, Hernlund E, van Weeren R, Weishaupt MA, Clayton HM. Biomechanical findings in horses showing asymmetrical vertical excursions of the withers at walk. PLoS One 2018;13(9):e0204548.
            doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0204548pubmed: 30261019google scholar: lookup
          14. Hobbs SJ, Nauwelaerts S, Sinclair J, Clayton HM, Back W. Sagittal plane fore hoof unevenness is associated with fore and hindlimb asymmetrical force vectors in the sagittal and frontal planes. PLoS One 2018;13(8):e0203134.
            doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0203134pubmed: 30157249google scholar: lookup
          15. Vertz J, Deblanc D, Rhodin M, Pfau T. Effect of a unilateral hind limb orthotic lift on upper body movement symmetry in the trotting horse. PLoS One 2018;13(6):e0199447.
            doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0199447pubmed: 29928020google scholar: lookup
          16. Pitti L, Oosterlinck M, Díaz-Bertrana ML, Carrillo JM, Rubio M, Sopena J, Santana A, Vilar JM. Assessment of static posturography and pedobarography for the detection of unilateral forelimb lameness in ponies. BMC Vet Res 2018 May 2;14(1):151.
            doi: 10.1186/s12917-018-1462-8pubmed: 29716596google scholar: lookup
          17. Hobbs SJ, Robinson MA, Clayton HM. A simple method of equine limb force vector analysis and its potential applications. PeerJ 2018;6:e4399.
            doi: 10.7717/peerj.4399pubmed: 29492341google scholar: lookup
          18. Pfau T, Noordwijk K, Sepulveda Caviedes MF, Persson-Sjodin E, Barstow A, Forbes B, Rhodin M. Head, withers and pelvic movement asymmetry and their relative timing in trot in racing Thoroughbreds in training. Equine Vet J 2018 Jan;50(1):117-124.
            doi: 10.1111/evj.12705pubmed: 28548349google scholar: lookup
          19. Nauwelaerts S, Hobbs SJ, Back W. A horse's locomotor signature: COP path determined by the individual limb. PLoS One 2017;12(2):e0167477.
            doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0167477pubmed: 28196073google scholar: lookup
          20. Bragança FM, Bosch S, Voskamp JP, Marin-Perianu M, Van der Zwaag BJ, Vernooij JCM, van Weeren PR, Back W. Validation of distal limb mounted inertial measurement unit sensors for stride detection in Warmblood horses at walk and trot. Equine Vet J 2017 Jul;49(4):545-551.
            doi: 10.1111/evj.12651pubmed: 27862238google scholar: lookup
          21. Gorissen BMC, Wolschrijn CF, Serra Bragança FM, Geerts AAJ, Leenders WOJL, Back W, van Weeren PR. The development of locomotor kinetics in the foal and the effect of osteochondrosis. Equine Vet J 2017 Jul;49(4):467-474.
            doi: 10.1111/evj.12649pubmed: 27859501google scholar: lookup
          22. Hobbs SJ, Bertram JE, Clayton HM. An exploration of the influence of diagonal dissociation and moderate changes in speed on locomotor parameters in trotting horses. PeerJ 2016;4:e2190.
            doi: 10.7717/peerj.2190pubmed: 27413640google scholar: lookup
          23. Rhodin M, Roepstorff L, French A, Keegan KG, Pfau T, Egenvall A. Head and pelvic movement asymmetry during lungeing in horses with symmetrical movement on the straight. Equine Vet J 2016 May;48(3):315-20.
            doi: 10.1111/evj.12446pubmed: 25808700google scholar: lookup
          24. Wiggers N, Nauwelaerts SL, Hobbs SJ, Bool S, Wolschrijn CF, Back W. Functional locomotor consequences of uneven forefeet for trot symmetry in individual riding horses. PLoS One 2015;10(2):e0114836.
            doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0114836pubmed: 25646752google scholar: lookup
          25. Meijer E, Oosterlinck M, van Nes A, Back W, van der Staay FJ. Pressure mat analysis of naturally occurring lameness in young pigs after weaning. BMC Vet Res 2014 Aug 20;10:193.
            doi: 10.1186/s12917-014-0193-8pubmed: 25139245google scholar: lookup
          26. Bertuglia A, Bullone M, Rossotto F, Gasparini M. Epidemiology of musculoskeletal injuries in a population of harness Standardbred racehorses in training. BMC Vet Res 2014 Jan 10;10:11.
            doi: 10.1186/1746-6148-10-11pubmed: 24410888google scholar: lookup
          27. Boger B, Naraian M, Hernandez E, Eaton A, Rockburn R, Tillman I, Payne S, Yob C, Panek C, Manfredi JM. Effects of a rehabilitative whole-body resistance band wrap on equine gait, posture, cortisol, and muscular function. Front Vet Sci 2025;12:1738766.
            doi: 10.3389/fvets.2025.1738766pubmed: 41684718google scholar: lookup
          28. Kongsawasdi S, Wantanajittikul K, Jivacate T, Langkaphin W, Chansitthiwet S, Sombutputorn P, Namwongprom K, Kittisirikul N, Khammesri S, Angkawanish T. Improving Mobility: A Case Report on the Rehabilitation of a Gait Anomaly in an Asian Elephant at a Thai Elephant Conservation Center. Animals (Basel) 2025 Jun 2;15(11).
            doi: 10.3390/ani15111632pubmed: 40509098google scholar: lookup
          29. Clayton HM, Hobbs SJ, Rhodin M, Hernlund E, Peterson M, Bos R, Bragança FS. Vertical Movement of Head, Withers, and Pelvis of High-Level Dressage Horses Trotting in Hand vs. Being Ridden. Animals (Basel) 2025 Jan 16;15(2).
            doi: 10.3390/ani15020241pubmed: 39858241google scholar: lookup
          30. Mata F, Franca I, Araújo J, Paixão G, Lesniak K, Cerqueira JL. Investigating Associations between Horse Hoof Conformation and Presence of Lameness. Animals (Basel) 2024 Sep 17;14(18).
            doi: 10.3390/ani14182697pubmed: 39335286google scholar: lookup
          31. Gmel AI, Haraldsdóttir EH, Serra-Bragança F, Lamas LP, Rosa TV, Stefaniuk-Szmukier M, Klecel W, Neuditschko M, Weishaupt MA. Inertial sensor data of horses from four breeds at walk and trot in hand on a straight line. Data Brief 2024 Aug;55:110764.
            doi: 10.1016/j.dib.2024.110764pubmed: 39183964google scholar: lookup
          32. St George LB, Spoormakers TJP, Hobbs SJ, Clayton HM, Roy SH, Richards J, Serra Bragança FM. Classification performance of sEMG and kinematic parameters for distinguishing between non-lame and induced lameness conditions in horses. Front Vet Sci 2024;11:1358986.
            doi: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1358986pubmed: 38628939google scholar: lookup
          33. Andersen C, Walters M, Bundgaard L, Berg LC, Vonk LA, Lundgren-Åkerlund E, Henriksen BL, Lindegaard C, Skovgaard K, Jacobsen S. Intraarticular treatment with integrin α10β1-selected mesenchymal stem cells affects microRNA expression in experimental post-traumatic osteoarthritis in horses. Front Vet Sci 2024;11:1374681.
            doi: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1374681pubmed: 38596460google scholar: lookup
          34. Larsen EA, Williams MR, Schoonover MJ, Jurek KA, Young JM, Duddy HR. Navicular bone fracture and severe deep digital flexor tendinopathy after palmar digital neurectomy in two horses. Open Vet J 2023 Dec;13(12):1752-1759.
            doi: 10.5455/OVJ.2023.v13.i12.24pubmed: 38292704google scholar: lookup
          35. Dyson S, Pollard D. Application of the Ridden Horse Pain Ethogram to 150 Horses with Musculoskeletal Pain before and after Diagnostic Anaesthesia. Animals (Basel) 2023 Jun 9;13(12).
            doi: 10.3390/ani13121940pubmed: 37370450google scholar: lookup
          Subscribe to our newsletter
          Join 99,383 horse owners like you who receive our email updates on horse health and nutrition.