Evaluation of a wireless activity monitoring system to quantify locomotor activity in horses in experimental settings.

The research studied the use of an accelerometric device in measuring activity levels and step count in horses during different activities and gaits. The study found that the device accurately quantified activity and clearly differentiated between varying levels of activity and gaits when placed on the horse’s hindlimb.

Objectives and Methods

• The purpose of the research was to determine whether an accelerometric device could reliably quantify locomotor activity, distinguish between various activity levels, and track step frequency in horses.
• The study involved the use of piezo-electric accelerometric devices placed in four different locations in six horses during controlled activities.
• Activities included grazing, walking at different speeds, trotting, and cantering. The activity count and step count were recorded and compared across various activities.
• Statistical analysis included the analysis of variance for repeated measures, receiver operating characteristic curves, Bland-Altman analysis, and linear regression.

Results

• The device was successful in quantifying locomotor activity and distinguishing between different gaits and speeds at every location.
• The activity count recorded by the accelerometer placed on the hindlimb was the most accurate, discriminating the various activity levels and displaying a direct correlation to speed.
• The accelerometer placed on the head uniquely identified grazing behavior from standing, while the one placed on the withers failed to differentiate various gaits and activity levels.
• Although the step count function measured at the hindlimb was reliable, the count doubled when the horse was walking.

Conclusions

• The dual-mode accelerometric device adequately quantified and compared locomotor activity in horses moving at varying speeds and gaits.
• Positioning the device on the hindlimb allowed for the most accurate results.
• The step count function proved useful but had to be manually corrected, particularly during walking.