Effects of early exercise on metacarpophalangeal joints in horses.

This research seeks to understand the impact of early exercise on the joint health of horses, particularly in the metacarpophalangeal joints. The results suggest that early exercise could potentially have a protective effect on these joints.

Study Design and Methodology

• The study involved a total of twelve 18-month-old horses as subjects. Half of these horses had been given extra exercise starting from three weeks old until they were 18 months old. All horses were raised in pastures.
• A range of methods was used to conduct the study including computed tomography, analysis of articular cartilage metabolism, and histological evaluations of different parts of the joint such as the synovial membrane, articular cartilage, and the subchondral bone.

Results of the Research

• The findings indicated that the group of horses which had undergone early exercise exhibited fewer gross lesions and less staining of the articular cartilage matrix in the dorsal aspect of the condyle compared to those that had not exercised.
• Additionally, the exercised horses had a larger bone fraction in the dorsolateral aspect of the condyle and a higher bone formation rate compared to their non-exercised counterparts.

Conclusions Drawn from the Study

• From the results obtained, the researchers concluded that early exercise could possibly be protective to joints. However, this conclusion was tempered, with an acknowledgment that further research is needed to fully understand changes in the articular cartilage matrix.
• Overall, the findings suggested that early exercise could be imposed safely on young horses.