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The Journal of experimental biology2012; 215(Pt 17); 2980-2991; doi: 10.1242/jeb.065441

Forelimb muscle activity during equine locomotion.

Abstract: Few quantitative data exist to describe the activity of the distal muscles of the equine forelimb during locomotion, and there is an incomplete understanding of the functional roles of the majority of the forelimb muscles. Based on morphology alone it would appear that the larger proximal muscles perform the majority of work in the forelimb, whereas the smaller distal muscles fulfil supplementary roles such as stabilizing the joints and positioning the limb for impact with the ground. We measured the timing and amplitude of the electromyographic activity of the intrinsic muscles of the forelimb in relation to the phase of gait (stance versus swing) and the torque demand placed on each joint during walking, trotting and cantering. We found that all forelimb muscles, except the extensor carpi radialis (ECR), were activated just prior to hoof-strike and deactivated during stance. Only the ECR was activated during swing. The amplitudes of muscle activation typically increased as gait speed increased. However, the amplitudes of muscle activation were not proportional to the net joint torques, indicating that passive structures may also contribute significantly to torque generation. Our results suggest that the smaller distal muscles help to stabilize the forelimb in early stance, in preparation for the passive structures (tendons and ligaments) to be stretched. The distal forelimb muscles remain active throughout stance only during canter, when the net torques acting about the distal forelimb joints are highest. The larger proximal muscles activate in a complex coordination to position and stabilize the shoulder and elbow joints during ground contact.
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Publication Date: 2012-08-10 PubMed ID: 22875767DOI: 10.1242/jeb.065441Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article
  • Research Support
  • Non-U.S. Gov't

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 research focuses on the activity of the horse’s forelimb muscles during movement. It reveals a new understanding of the roles each muscle plays in different types of equine locomotion such as walking, trotting, and cantering.

Research Methods

  • In order to better understand the functionalities of forelimb muscles, the researchers measured the timing and amplitude of the electromyographic (EMG) activity of these muscles. EMG is a technique for recording and analyzing the electrical activity produced by muscles.
  • The researchers conducted these measurements in relation to different forms of locomotion — walking, trotting, and cantering — and the different demands these forms of movement placed on the joints of the horse’s forelimbs.
  • They also compared the amplitudes of muscle activation with the net joint torques to discover if passive structures, like ligaments and tendons, also play significant roles in torque generation (the turning or twisting force on an object).

Research Findings

  • The research found that all the forelimb muscles, with the exception of the extensor carpi radialis (ECR) muscle, were activated just before the hoof struck the ground and deactivated during the stance phase.
  • The unique activity of the ECR was that it was activated during the swinging or movement phase and not prior to contact with the ground like the other muscles.
  • The intensity of muscle activation, evidenced by the amplitudes recorded, increased with the speed of the gait. Yet, the researchers found that the muscle activation amplitudes were not proportional to the net joint torques. This suggests that other passive structures play a substantial part in producing movement forces.
  • Smaller distal muscles — those further away from the center of the body — help to stabilize the forelimb in preparation for the stretching of passive structures. These smaller muscles remained active throughout the stance phase in a canter when the torque acting on the distal forelimb joints was highest.
  • The findings suggested that the larger, proximal muscles — those closer to the center of the body — activate to position and stabilize the shoulder and elbow joints during ground contact in a complex coordination of muscle activity.

Cite This Article

APA
Harrison SM, Whitton RC, King M, Haussler KK, Kawcak CE, Stover SM, Pandy MG. (2012). Forelimb muscle activity during equine locomotion. J Exp Biol, 215(Pt 17), 2980-2991. https://doi.org/10.1242/jeb.065441

Publication

The Journal of experimental biology
ISSN: 1477-9145
NlmUniqueID: 0243705
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 215
Issue: Pt 17
Pages: 2980-2991

Researcher Affiliations

Harrison, Simon M
  • Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia. Simon.Harrison@csiro.au
Whitton, R Chris
    King, Melissa
      Haussler, Kevin K
        Kawcak, Chris E
          Stover, Susan M
            Pandy, Marcus G

              MeSH Terms

              • Animals
              • Biomechanical Phenomena / physiology
              • Electromyography
              • Forelimb / physiology
              • Gait / physiology
              • Horses / physiology
              • Joints / physiology
              • Locomotion / physiology
              • Muscles / physiology
              • Physical Conditioning, Animal
              • Rotation
              • Time Factors
              • Torque
              • Weight-Bearing / physiology

              Citations

              This article has been cited 23 times.
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