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Equine veterinary journal2019; 52(2); 320-325; doi: 10.1111/evj.13169

Equine digital tendons show breed-specific differences in their mechanical properties that may relate to athletic ability and predisposition to injury.

Abstract: Throughout the ages, human subjects have selected horse breeds for their locomotor capacities. Concurrently, tissue properties may have diversified because of specific requirements of different disciplines. Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the biomechanical properties of tendons with different functions between equine breeds traditionally selected for racing or sport. Methods: This study used ex vivo tendons and compared the mechanical properties of the common digital extensor tendon (CDET) and superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) between racehorses (Thoroughbred [TB]) and sports horses (Friesian Horse [FH], Warmblood [WB]). Methods: The SDFT and CDET of FH (n = 12), WBs (n = 12) and TBs (n = 8) aged 3-12 years were harvested. The cross sectional area (cm2 ), maximal load (N), ultimate strain (%), ultimate stress (MPa) and elastic modulus (MPa) were determined and tested for significant differences between the breeds (P<0.05). Results: The SDFT from WB horses had a significantly lower elastic modulus than TB horses and failed at a higher strain and load than both FHs and TBs. The mechanical properties of the CDET did not differ between breeds. In agreement with previous studies, the CDET failed at a higher stress and had a higher elastic modulus than the SDFT and, for the WB group of horses only, failed at a significantly lower strain. Interestingly, the mode of failure differed between breeds, particularly with respect to the FHs. Conclusions: The exercise history of horses used in this study was unknown and the age-range was relatively large; both these factors may have influenced the absolute properties reported in this study. Conclusions: This study shows for the first time that mechanical properties of the SDFT differ between breeds. These properties are likely to be related to selection for high-speed vs. an extravagant elastic gait and may be an important indicator of performance ability. The Summary is available in Spanish - see Supporting Information.
© 2019 EVJ Ltd.
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Publication Date: 2019-09-23 PubMed ID: 31442314DOI: 10.1111/evj.13169Google 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.

The study investigates the mechanical properties of tendons in different horse breeds and finds that these properties, which are likely resulted from selective breeding for certain athletic abilities, differ between breeds.

Objective of the Research

  • The main goal of the study is to examine the differences in the biomechanical properties of tendons in different horse breeds, particularly in those breeds selected traditionally for racing or sport. This investigation focuses on the common digital extensor tendon (CDET) and superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT).

Methods Used in the Research

  • The study used ex vivo tendons taken from three horse breeds: Thoroughbred (TB), Friesian Horse (FH), and Warmblood (WB). A total of 8 TBs, 12 FHs, and 12 WBs, aged between 3 to 12 in years, were involved in the study.
  • The biomechanical properties studied include the cross-sectional area, maximum load, ultimate strain, ultimate stress, and elastic modulus. These properties were obtained for each tendon type in each breed, with statistical significance tested.

Findings of the Study

  • The research found that the SDFT from WB horses had a lower elastic modulus than TB horses and failed at a higher strain and load than both FHs and TBs. However, the mechanical properties of the CDET were not significantly different between breeds.
  • On comparison between the tendons, the CDET generally failed at a higher stress and had a higher elastic modulus than the SDFT. Especially for the WB horses, the CDET failed at a lower strain.
  • Interestingly, the mode of tendon failure differed among the horse breeds, with marked differences in the FH breed.
  • The study acknowledges some constraints in their results may be due to the unknown exercise history of the horses used and the relatively large age-range. Both these factors could potentially influence the observed tendon properties.

Conclusions Drawn from the Study

  • The study concludes that the biomechanical properties of the SDFT indeed differ between horse breeds. This variance is attributed to selective breeding for high speed in some breeds versus extravagant elastic gait in others, and these properties may serve as important indicators of performance capabilities.

Cite This Article

APA
Verkade ME, Back W, Birch HL. (2019). Equine digital tendons show breed-specific differences in their mechanical properties that may relate to athletic ability and predisposition to injury. Equine Vet J, 52(2), 320-325. https://doi.org/10.1111/evj.13169

Publication

Equine veterinary journal
ISSN: 2042-3306
NlmUniqueID: 0173320
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 52
Issue: 2
Pages: 320-325

Researcher Affiliations

Verkade, M E
  • Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
Back, W
  • Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
  • Department of Surgery and Anaesthesiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium.
Birch, H L
  • Department of Orthopaedics and Musculoskeletal Science, University College London, London, UK.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Breeding
  • Horses
  • Sports
  • Tendon Injuries / veterinary
  • Tendons

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Citations

This article has been cited 5 times.
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  4. Shojaee A. Equine tendon mechanical behaviour: Prospects for repair and regeneration applications. Vet Med Sci 2023 Sep;9(5):2053-2069.
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  5. Bartolomé E, Perdomo-González DI, Sánchez-Guerrero MJ, Valera M. Genetic Parameters of Effort and Recovery in Sport Horses Assessed with Infrared Thermography. Animals (Basel) 2021 Mar 16;11(3).
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