Evaluation of biomechanical effects of four stimulation devices placed on the hind feet of trotting horses.

The research is about understanding how four different types of foot stimulation devices can affect the movement of trotting horses. The results suggest that the different types of devices can be used for specific hind limb gait issues such as toe dragging and a short stride.

Methodology

• The study used eight clinically normal horses to observe the effects of the stimulators.
• The horses were evaluated under five different conditions: no stimulators on their feet, loose straps weighing 10g, lightweight tactile stimulators weighing 55g, limb weights of 700g, and limb weights with tactile stimulators, also 700g.
• Reflective markers on the hind limbs were tracked during movement to measure peak hoof heights and flexion angles across different joints, specifically the hip, stifle, tarsal, and metatarsophalangeal joints. This was done over the course of six trotting trials done at a constant speed.

Analysis

• Net joint energies were calculated using inverse dynamic analysis.
• The effects of the different stimulators were compared against each other.

Results

• The lowest peak hoof height was observed when no stimulators were used, with loose straps coming in second.
• Intermediate hoof heights were recorded for the tactile stimulators and limb weights.
• The highest peak hoof height was observed when limb weights were combined with tactile stimulators.
• Compared to when no stimulators were used, net tarsal energy generation increased when tactile stimulators, limb weights, and limb weights plus tactile stimulators were used, but only the weighted conditions led to increased net energy generation across the hip joint.

Conclusion

• The type and weight of foot stimulators do affect the kinematic and kinetic responses as well as which joints are affected.
• The researchers concluded that these findings suggest that different types of foot stimulators can be utilized for rehabilitating specific hind limb gait deficits in horses, like a short stride or toe dragging.