Effects of exercise on biomechanical properties of the superficial digital flexor tendon in foals.
Abstract: To determine the effects of exercise on biomechanical properties of the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) in foals. Methods: 43 Dutch Warmblood foals. Methods: From 1 week until 5 months of age, 14 foals were housed in stalls and not exercised, 14 foals were housed in stalls and exercised daily, and 15 foals were maintained at pasture. Eight foals in each group were euthanatized at 5 months, and remaining foals were housed together in a stall and paddock until euthanatized at 11 months. After euthanasia, SDFT were isolated and fit in a material testing system. Mean cross-sectional area (CSA) was measured and traction forces recorded. Normalized force at rupture (force(rup)), normalized force at 4% strain, strain at rupture, stress at 4% strain (stress(4%stain)), and stress at rupture were compared among and within groups. Results: At 5 months, mean CSA and normalized force(rup) were significantly greater and stress(4%strain) significantly less in the pastured group, compared with the other groups. At 11 months, CSA and normalized force(rup) were not significantly different among groups, because force(rup) increased significantly from 5 to 11 months in the nonexercised group and decreased significantly in the pastured group. Conclusions: Exercise significantly affected the biomechanical properties of the SDFT in foals. Evenly distributed moderate- and low-intensity exercise at a young age may be more effective for development of strong, flexible tendons in horses than single episodes of high-intensity exercise superimposed on stall rest. This effect may impact later susceptibility to SDFT injury.
Publication Date: 2002-01-05 PubMed ID: 11763171DOI: 10.2460/ajvr.2001.62.1859Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
Summary
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The research investigates the impact of different levels of exercise on the biomechanical properties of the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) in foals. The findings suggest that moderate and low-intensity exercises may be more beneficial in fortifying the tendons in horses than occasional episodes of high-intensity workouts, which could potentially affect their susceptibility to tendon injuries later in life.
Research Methodology
- The study involved 43 Dutch Warmblood foals which were divided into three groups: those that remained in stalls and did not exercise, those that were also kept in stalls but underwent daily exercise, and those that were allowed to roam freely in the pasture.
- At 5- and 11-month marks, some of the foals were euthanized for the purpose of the research. Their SDFT were extracted and studied.
- A material testing system was employed to determine the biomechanical properties of the SDFT. This involved measuring the cross-sectional area of the tendon and recording the traction forces that the tendons were capable of withstanding.
- The normalized force at rupture, strain at rupture, and stress levels at 4% strain were compared among the three groups, as well as within each group.
Findings of the Research
- At the 5-month mark, the cross-sectional area and force at rupture values were significantly higher for the group that was kept in pastures compared to the other two groups that were housed in stalls, irrespective of whether they were exercised or not. Additionally, levels of stress at 4% strain were found to be significantly lower for the pastured group, indicating better biomechanical performance.
- However, by the 11-month check, there was no significant difference among the three groups in terms of cross-sectional area and normalized force at rupture. This was attributed to a substantial increase in the force at rupture value for the non-exercising group and a decrease in the same for the pastured group.
Conclusions Drawn
- The study concluded that exercise plays a significant role in influencing the biomechanical properties of SDFT in foals.
- Moderate and low-intensity exercises, carried out consistently from a young age, could be more beneficial for developing strong and supple tendons in horses, as compared to sudden episodes of high-intensity exercise.
- The research suggests that following the recommended exercise pattern from a young age could potentially reduce the risk of tendon injuries in horses in their later years.
Cite This Article
APA
Cherdchutham W, Meershoek LS, van Weeren PR, Barneveld A.
(2002).
Effects of exercise on biomechanical properties of the superficial digital flexor tendon in foals.
Am J Vet Res, 62(12), 1859-1864.
https://doi.org/10.2460/ajvr.2001.62.1859 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, The Netherlands.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Animals, Newborn
- Horses / physiology
- Physical Conditioning, Animal / physiology
- Random Allocation
- Tendons / physiology
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