Determination of vertebral range of motion using inertial measurement units in 27 Franches-Montagnes stallions and comparison between conditions and with a mixed population.
Abstract: The diagnosis of equine back disorders is challenging. Objectively determining movement of the vertebral column may therefore be of value in a clinical setting. Objective: To establish whether surface-mounted inertial measurement units (IMUs) can be used to establish normal values for range of motion (ROM) of the vertebral column in a uniform population of horses trotting under different conditions. Methods: Vertebral ROM was established in Franches-Montagnes stallions and a general population of horses and the variability in measurements compared between the two groups. Repeatability and the influence of specific exercise condition (on ROM) were assessed. Finally, attempts were made to explain the findings of the study through the evaluation of factors that might influence ROM. Methods: Dorsoventral (DV) and mediolateral (ML) vertebral ROM was measured at a trot under different exercise conditions in 27 Franches-Montagnes stallions and six general population horses using IMUs distributed over the vertebral column. Results: Variability in the ROM measurements was significantly higher for general population horses than for Franches-Montagnes stallions (both DV and ML ROM). Repeatability was strong to very strong for DV measurements and moderate for ML measurements. Trotting under saddle significantly reduced the ROM, with sitting trot resulting in a significantly lower ROM than rising trot. Age is unlikely to explain the low variability in vertebral ROM recorded in the Franches-Montagnes horses, while this may be associated with conformational factors. Conclusions: It was possible to establish a normal vertebral ROM for a group of Franches-Montagnes stallions. While within-breed variation was low in this population, further studies are necessary to determine variation in vertebral ROM for other breeds and to assess their utility for diagnosis of equine back disorders.
© 2015 EVJ Ltd.
Publication Date: 2015-07-14 PubMed ID: 25919410DOI: 10.1111/evj.12455Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary
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This research article presents a study on measuring the vertebral range of motion in horses, specifically Franches-Montagnes stallions, using inertial measurement units (IMUs). The goal was to find out if there is a standardized range for horse’s vertebral movement and whether it can aid in diagnosing equine back disorders. The study also reveals the impact of different exercise conditions on the vertebral range of motion.
Objective and Methodology
- The primary objective of this study was to discern if IMUs can be utilized to establish standard values for vertebral column range of motion in a homogeneous horse population, under varying conditions.
- The research was conducted on Franches-Montagnes stallions – a specific breed of horses and repeated on a general population of horses for comparison.
- The researchers measured the dorsoventral (DV) and mediolateral (ML) vertebral range of motion in these horses while they trotted under different exercise conditions.
Key Findings from the Study
- There was significantly higher variability in ROM measurements for general population horses compared to Franches-Montagnes stallions, both in terms of DV and ML ROM.
- In Franches-Montagnes stallions, ROM repeatability was strong to very strong for DV measurements and moderate for ML measurements.
- It was found that trotting under saddle significantly reduced both DV and ML ROM. Additionally, a sitting trot led to a remarkably lower ROM than a rising trot.
- Age was not seen as a probable cause to explain the low variability in vertebral ROM in Franches-Montagnes horses and was instead attributed to possible conformational factors.
Conclusions
- The researchers were successful in establishing a standard vertebral ROM for the Franches-Montagnes stallions.
- Noteably, the within-breed variance was found to be low in this group, although further studies are recommended to investigate variations in vertebral ROM for different breeds and to assess its utility in diagnosing equine back disorders.
Cite This Article
APA
Heim C, Pfau T, Gerber V, Schweizer C, Doherr M, Schüpbach-Regula G, Witte S.
(2015).
Determination of vertebral range of motion using inertial measurement units in 27 Franches-Montagnes stallions and comparison between conditions and with a mixed population.
Equine Vet J, 48(4), 509-516.
https://doi.org/10.1111/evj.12455 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Swiss Institute of Equine Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Berne and ALP-Haras, Berne, Switzerland.
- Department of Clinical Science and Services, The Royal Veterinary College, University of London, London, UK.
- Swiss Institute of Equine Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Berne and ALP-Haras, Berne, Switzerland.
- Swiss Institute of Equine Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Berne and ALP-Haras, Berne, Switzerland.
- Veterinary Public Health Institute, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Berne, Berne, Switzerland.
- Veterinary Public Health Institute, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Berne, Berne, Switzerland.
- Swiss Institute of Equine Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Berne and ALP-Haras, Berne, Switzerland.
MeSH Terms
- Aging
- Animals
- Horses / physiology
- Range of Motion, Articular / physiology
- Spine / physiology
Citations
This article has been cited 6 times.- Murray R, Fisher M, Fairfax V, MacKechnie-Guire R. Saddle Thigh Block Design Can Influence Rider and Horse Biomechanics.. Animals (Basel) 2023 Jun 27;13(13).
- MacKechnie-Guire R, Pfau T. Differential rotational movement and symmetry values of the thoracolumbosacral region in high-level dressage horses when trotting.. PLoS One 2021;16(5):e0251144.
- MacKechnie-Guire R, Pfau T. Differential Rotational Movement of the Thoracolumbosacral Spine in High-Level Dressage Horses Ridden in a Straight Line, in Sitting Trot and Seated Canter Compared to In-Hand Trot.. Animals (Basel) 2021 Mar 20;11(3).
- 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.
- MacKechnie-Guire R, MacKechnie-Guire E, Fairfax V, Fisher D, Fisher M, Pfau T. The Effect of Tree Width on Thoracolumbar and Limb Kinematics, Saddle Pressure Distribution, and Thoracolumbar Dimensions in Sports Horses in Trot and Canter.. Animals (Basel) 2019 Oct 21;9(10).
- Persson-Sjodin E, Hernlund E, Pfau T, Haubro Andersen P, Rhodin M. Influence of seating styles on head and pelvic vertical movement symmetry in horses ridden at trot.. PLoS One 2018;13(4):e0195341.
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