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Animals : an open access journal from MDPI2021; 11(3); 888; doi: 10.3390/ani11030888

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.

Abstract: Assessing back dysfunction is a key part of the investigative process of "loss of athletic performance" in the horse and quantitative data may help veterinary decision making. Ranges of motion of differential translational and rotational movement between adjacent inertial measurement units attached to the skin over thoracic vertebrae 5, 13 and 18 (T5, T13, T18) lumbar vertebra 3 (L3) and tuber sacrale (TS) were measured in 10 dressage horses during trot in-hand and ridden in sitting trot/canter. Straight-line motion cycles were analysed using a general linear model (random factor: horse; fixed factor: exercise condition; Bonferroni post hoc correction: < 0.05). At T5-T13 the differential heading was smaller in sitting trot ( ≤ 0.0001, 5.1° (0.2)) and canter ( ≤ 0.0001, 3.2° (0.2)) compared to trotting in-hand (7.4° (0.4)). Compared to trotting in-hand (3.4° (0.4)) at T18-L3 differential pitch was higher in sitting trot ( ≤ 0.0001, 7.5° (0.3)) and canter ( ≤ 0.0001, 6.3° (0.3)). At L3-TS, differential pitch was increased in canter (6.5° (0.5)) compared to trotting in-hand ( = 0.006, 4.9° (0.6)) and differential heading was higher in sitting trot (4° (0.2)) compared to canter ( = 0.02, 2.9° (0.3)). Compared to in-hand, reduced heading was measured in the cranial-thoracic area and increased in the caudal-thoracic and lumbar area. Pitch increased with ridden exercise from the caudal-thoracic to the sacral area.
Publication Date: 2021-03-20 PubMed ID: 33804702PubMed Central: PMC8003829DOI: 10.3390/ani11030888Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • 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 the rotation and movement of a dressage horse’s spine in straight lines and while trotting or cantering differs when ridden versus when led by hand. It aimed to provide more quantitative data to assist veterinarians in addressing equine athletic performance issues.

Methodology of the Research

  • The research was conducted on ten dressage horses. Measurement units were used to track and quantify the movements of different parts of their spines. These areas included the thoracic vertebrae (T5, T13, T18), lumbar vertebra 3 (L3), and the sacral tuberosity (TS).
  • Each horse was evaluated while trotting in-hand (led by a handler on foot) and while being ridden in a sitting trot or canter.
  • Statistical analyses were done using a general linear model with factors accounting for the unique horse and the specific exercise condition. A Bonferroni post hoc correction approach was applied to adjust for multiple comparisons.

Findings of the Research

  • Upon analysis, it was found that there was a smaller differential in rotation or ‘heading’ at T5-T13 while the horses were ridden in a sitting trot or canter compared to in-hand trotting.
  • At T18-L3, the differential pitch (up-and-down movement) was greater when the horses were ridden in a trot or canter than when they were trotting in-hand.
  • The study found increased differential pitch and heading at L3-TS while in canter compared to in-hand trot. The differential heading was also higher in sitting trot than in canter.
  • Compared to in-hand motion, when ridden, the upper thoracic area of the horses showed reduced heading while an increase was noted in the lower thoracic and lumbar areas. The pitch increased from the lower thoracic area to the sacral area with ridden exercise.

Conclusion of the Research

  • The research offers quantitative data about the differential rotational and translational movements in horse’s spine during different exercises. This could be instrumental in understanding causes of loss of athletic performance in dressage horses and can guide effective strategies for veterinary care and training adjustments.

Cite This Article

APA
MacKechnie-Guire R, Pfau T. (2021). 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), 11(3), 888. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11030888

Publication

ISSN: 2076-2615
NlmUniqueID: 101635614
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 11
Issue: 3
PII: 888

Researcher Affiliations

MacKechnie-Guire, Russell
  • Centaur Biomechanics, 25 Oaktree Close, Moreton Morrell, Warwickshire CV35 9BB, UK.
  • Department of Clinical Science and Services, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, Brookman's Park, Hatfield AL9 7TA, UK.
Pfau, Thilo
  • Department of Clinical Science and Services, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, Brookman's Park, Hatfield AL9 7TA, UK.

Conflict of Interest Statement

T.P. is director of EquiGait Ltd. providing gait analysis products and services.

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Citations

This article has been cited 4 times.
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  4. 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.
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