Evaluation of feedback methods for improved detection of hindlimb lameness in horses among riding instructors and trainers.
Abstract: Lameness, a wellknown issue in sport horses, impedes performance and impairs welfare. Early detection of lameness is essential for horses to receive needed treatment, but detection of hindlimb lameness is challenging. Riding instructors and trainers observe horses in motion in their daily work and could contribute to more efficient lameness detection. In this cross-sectional and prospective study, we evaluated the ability of riding instructors and trainers to assess hindlimb lameness. We also evaluated different feedback methods for improved lameness detection. For the cross-sectional part, = 64 riding instructors and trainers of varying level and = 23 high-level trainers were shown 13 videos of trotting horses, lameness degree: 0-3.5 (test 1) and tasked with classifying the horses as sound, left hindlimb lame, or right hindlimb lame. For the prospective part, the riding instructors and trainers of varying levels were randomly allocated to three different groups (a, b, c) and given 14 days of feedback-based, computer-aided training in identifying hindlimb lameness, where they assessed 13 videos (of which three were repeated from test 1) of horses trotting in a straight line. Participants in groups a-c received different feedback after each video (group a: correct answer and re-viewing of video at full and 65% speed; group b: correct answer, re-viewing of video at full and 65% speed, narrator providing explanations; group c: correct answer and re-viewing of video at full speed). After computer-aided training, the participants were again subjected to the video test (test 2). Participants also provided background information regarding level of training etcetera. Effects of participants' background on results were analyzed using analysis of variance, and effects of the different feedback methods were analyzed using generalized estimation equations. On test 1, 44% (group a), 48% (b), 46% (c), and 47% (high-level trainers) of horses were correctly classified. Group a participants significantly improved their test score, both with ( < 0.0001) and without ( = 0.0086) inclusion of repeated videos. For group c, significant improvement was only seen with inclusion of repeated videos ( = 0.041). For group b, no significant improvement was seen ( = 0.51). Although test 2 scores were low, computer-aided training may be useful for improving hindlimb lameness detection.
Copyright © 2022 Leclercq, Byström, Söderlind, Persson, Rhodin, Engell and Hernlund.
Publication Date: 2022-10-10 PubMed ID: 36299634PubMed Central: PMC9590690DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.992954Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary
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This research investigates how effective different methods of feedback are in improving the ability of horse riding instructors and trainers to accurately identify hindlimb lameness in horses. The study found mixed results for different groups and feedback methods, but suggests that computer-aided training could be a helpful tool for improving detection of this condition.
Overview of the Research
- The research is focused on better understanding and improving the detection of hindlimb lameness in horses, particularly by trainers and riding instructors.
- Lameness in horses can affect their performance and well-being, making early detection important for treatment.
- The study was both cross-sectional and prospective, examining the abilities of trainers and instructors in real time and over a period of time.
Methodology
- Trainers and riding instructors were shown videos of trotting horses, with varying degrees of lameness, and asked to identify whether the horse was sound or lame, and if lame, which limb was affected.
- In the prospective part of the study, the participants were randomly allocated into three groups and were given 14 days of computer-aided training, involving different forms of feedback, to improve their ability to detect lameness.
- The participants’ abilities were tested both before and after the training period.
- Additionally, information about the participants was collected, such as their level of training, to analyze if these factors had any effect on their abilities to detect lameness.
Results
- Prior to the training, between 44% to 48% of the participants were able to correctly classify horses based on lameness, with no significant difference between the groups.
- After the training, significant improvements were seen in one group who received specific feedback (group a) both including and excluding repeated videos.
- Another group (group c) also saw some improvement, but only when repeated videos were included.
- The third group (group b) showed no significant improvement after training.
- The study concludes that while the test scores after training remain low, computer-aided training might be useful in improving the detection of hindlimb lameness in horses.
Cite This Article
APA
Leclercq A, Byström A, Söderlind M, Persson E, Rhodin M, Engell MT, Hernlund E.
(2022).
Evaluation of feedback methods for improved detection of hindlimb lameness in horses among riding instructors and trainers.
Front Vet Sci, 9, 992954.
https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2022.992954 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden.
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden.
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden.
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden.
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden.
- Department of Companion Animal Clinical Sciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Oslo, Norway.
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden.
Conflict of Interest Statement
The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.
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Citations
This article has been cited 4 times.- Boado A, Pollard D, Lopez-Sanroman FJ, Dyson S. Orthopaedic Injuries in 272 Dressage Horses: A Retrospective Study. Animals (Basel) 2025 Oct 14;15(20).
- Boado A, Pollard D, Dyson S. A Retrospective Study of the Evolution of Orthopaedic Injuries in 70 Dressage Horses. Animals (Basel) 2025 Jun 12;15(12).
- Zetterberg E, Persson-Sjodin E, Lundblad J, Hernlund E, Rhodin M. Prevalence of movement asymmetries in high-performing riding horses perceived as free from lameness and riders' perception of horse sidedness. PLoS One 2024;19(7):e0308061.
- Dyson S, Pollard D. Determination of Equine Behaviour in Subjectively Non-Lame Ridden Sports Horses and Comparison with Lame Sports Horses Evaluated at Competitions. Animals (Basel) 2024 Jun 20;14(12).
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