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PloS one2021; 16(5); e0251144; doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0251144

Differential rotational movement and symmetry values of the thoracolumbosacral region in high-level dressage horses when trotting.

Abstract: High-level dressage horses regularly perform advanced movements, requiring coordination and force transmission between front and hind limbs across the thoracolumbosacral region. This study aimed at quantifying kinematic differences in dressage horses when ridden in sitting trot-i.e. with additional load applied in the thoracolumbar region-compared with trotting in-hand. Inertial sensors were glued on to the midline of the thoracic (T) and lumbar (L) spine at T5, T13, T18, L3 and middle of the left and right tubera sacrale of ten elite dressage horses (Mean±SD), age 11±1 years, height 1.70±0.10m and body mass 600±24kg; first trotted in-hand, then ridden in sitting trot on an arena surface by four Grand Prix dressage riders. Straight-line motion cycles were analysed using a general linear model (random factor: horse; fixed factor: exercise condition; covariate: stride time, Bonferroni post hoc correction: P<0.05). Differential roll, pitch and yaw angles between adjacent sensors were calculated. In sitting trot, compared to trotting in-hand, there was increased pitch (mean±S.D), (in-hand, 3.9 (0.5°, sitting trot 6.3 (0.3°, P = <0.0001), roll (in-hand, 7.7 (1.1°, sitting trot 11.6 (0.9°, P = 0.003) and heading values (in-hand, 4.2 (0.8), sitting trot 9.5 (0.6°, P = <0.0001) in the caudal thoracic and lumbar region (T18-L3) and a decrease in heading values (in-hand, 7.1 (0.5°, sitting trot 5.2 (0.3°, P = 0.01) in the cranial thoracic region (T5-T13). Kinematics of the caudal thoracic and lumbar spine are influenced by the rider when in sitting trot, whilst lateral bending is reduced in the cranial thoracic region. This biomechanical difference with the addition of a rider, emphasises the importance of observing horses during ridden exercise, when assessing them as part of a loss of performance assessment.
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Publication Date: 2021-05-06 PubMed ID: 33956858PubMed Central: PMC8101941DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0251144Google 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.

The research article presents a study examining the movement differences in the main body region of high-level dressage horses trotting under two different conditions—trotting freely and trotting with a rider. The observed differences highlight the influence of a rider and the need to consider this effect during performance evaluations.

Study Overview and Methodology

  • The paper explores the kinematic differences in dressage horses when they are trotting freely (referred to as “in-hand”) and when ridden in sitting trot, which adds load to the thoracolumbar region of the horse.
  • This investigation involved ten elite dressage horses and utilized inertial sensors attached to specific points on the horses’ thoracic (chest) and lumbar (lower back) spine to monitor their movements.
  • Each horse was first trotted in-hand and subsequently ridden in a sitting trot by one of four Grand Prix dressage riders in an arena. The motion cycles during straight-line movements were examined using a general linear model, with adjustments for multiple comparisons.

Research Findings

  • Upon analysis, the study found that there were statistically significant differences in the rotational movements of the horses under the two conditions.
  • When ridden in sitting trot, horses exhibited augmented pitch (rotation around a side-to-side axis), roll (rotation around a front-to-back axis), and heading values (direction the horse is facing) in the caudal thoracic and lumbar region, compared to trotting in-hand.
  • Conversely, heading values decreased in the cranial thoracic region (near the head) when horses were ridden in sitting trot.
  • The researchers concluded that the kinematics of the caudal thoracic and lumbar spine are influenced by the presence and weight of a rider, with lateral bending reduced in the cranial thoracic region when the horse is ridden.

Implications of the Study

  • These findings are of high relevance for dressage training and performance evaluations. The changes in movement when a rider is present underscore the need to monitor horses during ridden exercise when assessing them for potential performance issues.
  • By understanding how a rider’s weight and positioning impact a horse’s movement, trainers and veterinarians can adopt better strategies to optimize performance and maintain the health and welfare of the horse.

The study’s in-depth look at the effects of riding on a horse’s rotational movement provides a valuable contribution to the knowledge and practice of horse training and dressage competition preparation.

Cite This Article

APA
MacKechnie-Guire R, Pfau T. (2021). Differential rotational movement and symmetry values of the thoracolumbosacral region in high-level dressage horses when trotting. PLoS One, 16(5), e0251144. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0251144

Publication

PloS one
ISSN: 1932-6203
NlmUniqueID: 101285081
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 16
Issue: 5
Pages: e0251144

Researcher Affiliations

MacKechnie-Guire, Russell
  • Centaur Biomechanics, Moreton Morrell, Warwickshire, United Kingdom.
  • Department of Clinical Science and Services, The Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, United Kingdom.
Pfau, Thilo
  • Department of Clinical Science and Services, The Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, United Kingdom.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Biomechanical Phenomena / physiology
  • Female
  • Horses / physiology
  • Lumbosacral Region / physiology
  • Male
  • Rotation
  • Running / physiology
  • Thorax / physiology

Conflict of Interest Statement

TP is director of EquiGait Ltd providing gait analysis products and services. RMG is director of Centaur Biomechanics These affiliations does not alter our adherence to PLOS ONE policies on sharing data and materials.

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This article has been cited 7 times.
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