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Equine veterinary journal. Supplement2002; (34); 325-329; doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.2002.tb05441.x

Effect of walking velocity on forelimb kinematics and kinetics.

Abstract: A database of biomechanical variables obtained from normal horses walking at a range of velocities is needed for comparison with the variables obtained from lame horses in which velocity cannot be predetermined. The objective was to investigate velocity-dependent changes in selected kinematic variables, ground reaction forces (GRF) and net joint energies in the forelimb and to develop statistical equations to calculate expected values of these variables for horses walking at different velocities. Five sound horses walked at a range of velocities (0.82 to 1.91 m/s) over a force plate. Kinematic data were recorded simultaneously for 51 trials. Kinematic, GRF and energetic variables were determined using standard methods. Correlation and simple regression analyses between velocity and measured variables were performed. An increase in walking velocity was correlated with an increase in stride length and decreases in stride and stance duration. Vertical, braking and propulsive impulses decreased as a consequence of the large reduction in stance duration, even though peak vertical, braking and propulsive GRFs increased. There was no significant increase in energy generation at any of the forelimb joints, indicating that muscle activity was not the source of the increase in GRFs. Changes in the longitudinal GRFs appeared to be influenced by velocity-dependent increases in head and neck oscillations. The equations obtained in this study can be used to calculate the expected normal variables from a range of walking velocities and to detect deviations from normal values in lame horses.
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Publication Date: 2002-10-31 PubMed ID: 12405709DOI: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.2002.tb05441.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article
  • Research Support
  • Non-U.S. Gov't

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 sought to understand how different walking speeds affect the movement (kinematics) and forces (kinetics) on a horse’s forelimbs. This is to help establish a database of typical biomechanical indicators at varying speeds, against which lame horses can be compared.

Study Overview

The researchers observed five healthy horses walking across a force plate at various velocities, ranging from 0.82 to 1.91 m/s. The movements and forces in the forelimb were measured: kinematic data were documented in 51 trials.

Key Variables

  • Stride Length: This measures the distance covered in one complete cycle of leg movements. As velocity increased, stride length similarly increased.
  • Stride and Stance Duration: These variables indicate the time a horse takes to complete a stride and the period when the hoof is on the ground respectively. Both of these values decreased with higher walking velocities.
  • Ground Reaction Force (GRF): GRFs entail vertical, braking, and propulsive impulses. These decreased as velocity grew, owing to the reduced stance duration, even though the peak GRFs increased.
  • Net Joint Energies: The team found no notable increase in energy generation within any of the forelimb joints, suggesting that muscle activity didn’t drive the rising GRFs.

Key Findings

One significant discovery was that velocity-dependent increases in head and neck oscillation seemed to influence the changes in the GRFs. This understanding can improve comprehension of how the body as a whole contributes to force and energy production during locomotion.

Application and Conclusion

The results from the study were used to establish statistical equations. These can predict normal variables for any given walking velocity, supporting the diagnostics for lame horses and the detection of deviations from normal values. By understanding what is normal for horses at various speeds, veterinarians can more easily identify if lameness is impacting a horse’s gait or joint efforts.

Cite This Article

APA
Khumsap S, Clayton HM, Lanovaz JL, Bouchey M. (2002). Effect of walking velocity on forelimb kinematics and kinetics. Equine Vet J Suppl(34), 325-329. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2042-3306.2002.tb05441.x

Publication

Equine veterinary journal. Supplement
NlmUniqueID: 9614088
Country: United States
Language: English
Issue: 34
Pages: 325-329

Researcher Affiliations

Khumsap, S
  • Mary Anne McPhail Equine Performance Center, Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing 48824, USA.
Clayton, H M
    Lanovaz, J L
      Bouchey, M

        MeSH Terms

        • Animals
        • Biomechanical Phenomena
        • Forelimb / physiology
        • Gait / physiology
        • Horses / physiology
        • Locomotion / physiology
        • Posture / physiology
        • Regression Analysis
        • Stress, Mechanical
        • Time Factors
        • Video Recording
        • Walking / physiology

        Citations

        This article has been cited 7 times.
        1. MacKechnie-Guire R, Clayton H, Williams J, Marlin D, Fisher M, Fisher D, Walker V, Murray RC. Comparison of Rein Forces and Pressure Beneath the Noseband and Headpiece of a Snaffle Bridle and a Double Bridle. Animals (Basel) 2025 Apr 5;15(7).
          doi: 10.3390/ani15071058pubmed: 40218450google scholar: lookup
        2. Aoun R, Ogunmola Z, Musso A, Taguchi T, Takawira C, Lopez MJ. Shoe configuration effects on equine forelimb gait kinetics at a walk. PeerJ 2025;13:e18940.
          doi: 10.7717/peerj.18940pubmed: 40028219google scholar: lookup
        3. MacKechnie-Guire R, Murray R, Williams JM, Nixon J, Fisher M, Fisher D, Walker V, Clayton HM. Noseband type and tightness level affect pressure on the horse's face at trot. Equine Vet J 2025 May;57(3):774-788.
          doi: 10.1111/evj.14420pubmed: 39305099google scholar: lookup
        4. 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
        5. Meijer E, Bertholle CP, Oosterlinck M, van der Staay FJ, Back W, van Nes A. Pressure mat analysis of the longitudinal development of pig locomotion in growing pigs after weaning. BMC Vet Res 2014 Feb 6;10:37.
          doi: 10.1186/1746-6148-10-37pubmed: 24502522google scholar: lookup
        6. Allen KD, Griffin TM, Rodriguiz RM, Wetsel WC, Kraus VB, Huebner JL, Boyd LM, Setton LA. Decreased physical function and increased pain sensitivity in mice deficient for type IX collagen. Arthritis Rheum 2009 Sep;60(9):2684-93.
          doi: 10.1002/art.24783pubmed: 19714629google scholar: lookup
        7. Kim J, Breur GJ. Temporospatial and kinetic characteristics of sheep walking on a pressure sensing walkway. Can J Vet Res 2008 Jan;72(1):50-5.
          pubmed: 18214162
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