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Home / Equine Research Bank / Vet J / Electromyographic activity of the longissimus dorsi muscles ...
Veterinary journal (London, England : 1997)2008; 180(1); 71-76; doi: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2007.11.001

Electromyographic activity of the longissimus dorsi muscles in horses when walking on a treadmill.

Abstract: The pattern of electromyographic activity of the equine long back muscle at the walk has not yet been reported. The aim of this study was to use surface electromyography to measure activity of the longissimus dorsi muscles of horses walking on a treadmill. Fifteen horses without back pain were used and electromyographs were recorded bilaterally from the longissimus dorsi muscles at the level of T12, T16 and L3. Mean electromyograph activity and mean motion were calculated for each horse. At the walk, only one maximum activity for each longissimus dorsi muscle was detected during each motion cycle and this was highest at T12 and lowest at L3. Activity of the longissimus dorsi muscles at the walk is mainly responsible for stabilisation of the vertebral column against dynamic forces. At T12 the high maximum activity could contribute to the development of muscle pain at this site.
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Publication Date: 2008-03-07 PubMed ID: 18314362DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2007.11.001Google Scholar: Lookup
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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 research article investigates the electrical muscle activity or electromyographic activity of the longissimus dorsi muscles in horses when they walk on a treadmill. The study aims to provide valuable insights into how these muscles function during a walking gait.

Objective of the Research

  • The research mainly focuses on understanding the electromyographic activities of the longissimus dorsi muscles in the equine back while walking.
  • This study was initiated because the electromyographic activity pattern of the long back muscle of horses at a walking pace remained unreported.
  • The researchers intended to use surface electromyography to measure the muscle activities, hoping to contribute valuable information to the body of veterinary and equine research.

Methodology

  • The experiment involved fifteen horses, all of which did not have back pain. This ensured that the results aren’t skewed by any pre-existing conditions which might affect muscle function.
  • Electromyographs were recorded from the longissimus dorsi muscles bilaterally at three specific points – T12, T16, and L3.
  • The average electromyograph activity and motion were calculated for each horse to provide a standardized measure for evaluation.

Findings

  • The research found that at a walking pace, only one maximum muscle activity was detected for each longissimus dorsi muscle during each motion cycle.
  • The muscle activity was highest at T12 and lowest at L3. This observation provides a directional insight into how the muscle’s activity variates across different sections.
  • The study concluded that the activity of the longissimus dorsi muscles during walking principally provides the function of stabilizing the vertebral column against dynamic forces during movement.
  • The researchers suggest that the high maximum activity at T12 could contribute to the development of muscle pain at this location, creating a potential area for future research.

This study provides valuable insights into equine physiology, which could have practical applications in equine healthcare, training, and performance optimization.

Cite This Article

APA
Licka T, Frey A, Peham C. (2008). Electromyographic activity of the longissimus dorsi muscles in horses when walking on a treadmill. Vet J, 180(1), 71-76. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2007.11.001

Publication

Veterinary journal (London, England : 1997)
ISSN: 1090-0233
NlmUniqueID: 9706281
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 180
Issue: 1
Pages: 71-76

Researcher Affiliations

Licka, T
  • Large Animal Hospital, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh Easter Bush Veterinary Centre, Roslin, Midlothian, Scotland EH 25 9RG, UK. theresia.licka@ac.uk
Frey, A
    Peham, C

      MeSH Terms

      • Animals
      • Biomechanical Phenomena
      • Electromyography / methods
      • Electromyography / veterinary
      • Exercise Test / veterinary
      • Female
      • Horses / physiology
      • Male
      • Motor Activity / physiology
      • Muscle, Skeletal / physiology

      Citations

      This article has been cited 24 times.
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