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American journal of veterinary research2013; 74(4); 557-566; doi: 10.2460/ajvr.74.4.557

Effect of water depth on amount of flexion and extension of joints of the distal aspects of the limbs in healthy horses walking on an underwater treadmill.

Abstract: To determine the maximum amount of flexion and extension of the carpal, tarsal, metacarpophalangeal, and metatarsophalangeal joints and the percentage duration of the stance and swing phases of the stride for horses walking on an underwater treadmill in various water depths. Methods: 9 healthy adult horses. Methods: Zinc oxide markers were placed on the forelimbs and hind limbs of the horses. Video was recorded of horses walking (0.9 m/s) on an underwater treadmill during baseline conditions (< 1 cm of water) or in various amounts of water (level of the metatarsophalangeal, tarsal, and stifle joints). Maximum amount of joint flexion and extension, range of motion (ROM), and the percentage durations of the stance and swing phases of the stride were determined with 2-D motion analysis software. Results: The ROM was greater for all evaluated joints in any amount of water versus ROM for joints in baseline conditions (primarily because of increases in amount of joint flexion). The greatest ROM for carpal joints was detected in a tarsal joint water depth, for tarsal joints in a stifle joint water depth, and for metacarpophalangeal and metatarsophalangeal joints in metatarsophalangeal and tarsal joint water depths. As water depth increased, the percentage durations of the stance and swing phases of the stride significantly decreased and increased, respectively. Conclusions: Results of this study suggested that exercise on an underwater treadmill is useful for increasing the ROM of various joints of horses during rehabilitation and that the depth of water affects the amount of flexion and extension of joints.
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Publication Date: 2013-03-28 PubMed ID: 23531063DOI: 10.2460/ajvr.74.4.557Google 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.

This study investigates how different water depths on an underwater treadmill impacts the flexibility and extension of certain joints in healthy horses. It found that water-based treadmill exercise can enhance the range of motion of various horse joints and the water’s depth influences the amount of joint flexion and extension.

Research Methodology

  • The study used nine healthy adult horses as subjects.
  • Zinc oxide markers were labeled on the horses’ forelimbs and hind limbs. This enabled the effective tracking and recording of their movements for later analysis.
  • The horses were made to walk on an underwater treadmill at a speed of 0.9 m/s in different water depths. The depths ranged from minimal water (<1cm) to the level of certain joints (metatarsophalangeal, tarsal, and stifle joints).
  • Two-dimensional motion analysis software was used to measure the maximum joint flexion and extension, range of motion (ROM), and the durations of the stance and swing phases of the stride.

Research Findings

  • The range of motion (ROM) for all evaluated joints was increased in any water depth compared to baseline conditions (where the water depth was less than 1cm). The increase in ROM was primarily due to an increase in joint flexion.
  • The greatest ROM for carpal joints was observed at tarsal joint water depth, for tarsal joints at stifle joint water depth, and for metacarpophalangeal and metatarsophalangeal joints at metatarsophalangeal and tarsal joint water depths.
  • As water depth increased, the percentage durations of stance and swing phases of the stride significantly decreased and increased, respectively.

Research Conclusion

  • The research concluded that underwater treadmill exercises can be beneficial during rehabilitation of horses as it increases the range of motion (ROM) of various joints.
  • The depth of water was found to have a significant impact on the extent of joint flexion and extension.

Cite This Article

APA
Mendez-Angulo JL, Firshman AM, Groschen DM, Kieffer PJ, Trumble TN. (2013). Effect of water depth on amount of flexion and extension of joints of the distal aspects of the limbs in healthy horses walking on an underwater treadmill. Am J Vet Res, 74(4), 557-566. https://doi.org/10.2460/ajvr.74.4.557

Publication

American journal of veterinary research
ISSN: 1943-5681
NlmUniqueID: 0375011
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 74
Issue: 4
Pages: 557-566

Researcher Affiliations

Mendez-Angulo, Jose L
  • Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN 55108, USA. v12meanj@uco.es
Firshman, Anna M
    Groschen, Donna M
      Kieffer, Philip J
        Trumble, Troy N

          MeSH Terms

          • Animals
          • Biomechanical Phenomena
          • Exercise Test / veterinary
          • Extremities / physiology
          • Horses / physiology
          • Joints / physiology
          • Physical Conditioning, Animal / methods
          • Range of Motion, Articular / physiology
          • Walking / physiology

          Citations

          This article has been cited 20 times.
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