Hindlimb net joint energies during swing phase as a function of trotting velocity.
Abstract: Net joint powers and energies have been described in walking horses during the swing phase of the stride in the fore- and hindlimb (Clayton et al. 2001). During trotting, swing phase net joint powers have been described in the forelimb but not in the hindlimb. The effects of velocity on power profiles and energy patterns are important in relation to locomotor energetics. The objective of this study was to evaluate velocity-dependent changes in hindlimb net energy profiles of the swing phase during trotting. Inverse dynamic analysis was used to calculate net joint energies at the hindlimb joints of 6 horses trotting overground at velocities ranging from 2.27-5.17 m/s. At all velocities, there was net energy generation at the hip and tarsus and net energy absorption at the stifle, fetlock and coffin joints. Velocity-dependent bursts of energy generation at the hip actively protracted the limb in early swing and initiated retraction in late swing. Synchronous with the bursts of energy generation at the hip were velocity-dependent bursts of energy absorption across the stifle that acted to control flexion in early swing and extension in late swing. The distal limb was raised and lowered by velocity-dependent bursts of energy generation that flexed the tarsus in early swing and extended it in late swing. The energy bursts in early swing increased linearly with velocity, whereas the energy bursts in late swing increased as a function of the square or cube of velocity. The results contribute to understanding the mechanisms used to accelerate and decelerate the limbs more rapidly as velocity increases, which is an important consideration in racing and sporting performance.
Publication Date: 2002-10-31 PubMed ID: 12405717DOI: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.2002.tb05449.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
- Research Support
- U.S. Gov't
- P.H.S.
Summary
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This study investigates how speed affects the energy profiles of a horse’s hind limbs during the swing phase of a trot. The findings reveal specific patterns of energy generation and absorption at different joints which enable the horse to adjust its stride as its trotting speed increases.
Study Objective
The main goal of this research was to analyze the changes in the hind limb energy profiles of a trotting horse in relation to velocity. Previous studies had primarily focused on the forelimbs, hence the focus on the hind limbs in this study was intended to contribute to a more complete understanding of equine locomotion.
- The research involved the use of inverse dynamic analysis to calculate the net joint energies at the joints of the hind limbs in six horses trotting at varying speeds.
Findings
The researchers found that there was net energy generation at the hip and tarsus and net energy absorption at the stifle, fetlock, and coffin joints for all speeds.
- The speed-dependent bursts of energy generation at the hip moved the limb forward in early swing and started retraction in late swing.
- With the hip’s energy generation bursts, speed-dependent energy absorption occurred simultaneously across the stifle, controlling its flexion and extension during early and late swing, respectively.
- The distal limb was raised and lowered via the generation of speed-dependent energy, which flexed the tarsus in early swing and extended it in late swing.
- The energy bursts in the early swing phase increased linearly with speed, whereas in the late swing phase, they increased as a function of the square or cube of the velocity.
Significance of the Study
These findings contribute significantly to understanding the physical complexities of equine locomotion at varying speeds.
- The results are an important consideration in the context of racing and sports performance as they help in comprehending the biomechanics employed by horses to accelerate and decelerate their limbs faster as speed increases.
- The insights gained from this study can also potentially guide the design of more efficient training regimens, aid in diagnosing locomotive disorders, and help improve treatment and rehabilitation strategies for equine athletes.
Cite This Article
APA
Clayton HM, Hoyt DF, Wickler SJ, Cogger EA, Lanovaz JL.
(2002).
Hindlimb net joint energies during swing phase as a function of trotting velocity.
Equine Vet J Suppl(34), 363-367.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2042-3306.2002.tb05449.x Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- McPhail Equine Performance Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing 48824-1314, USA.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Biomechanical Phenomena
- Gait / physiology
- Hindlimb / physiology
- Hip Joint / physiology
- Horses / physiology
- Joints / physiology
- Running / physiology
- Stifle / physiology
- Video Recording
Grant Funding
- S06 GM53933 / NIGMS NIH HHS
Citations
This article has been cited 3 times.- Hyun SH, Ryew CC. Motor ability of forelimb both on- and off-riding during walk and trot cadence of horse. J Exerc Rehabil 2016 Feb;12(1):60-5.
- Crook TC, Cruickshank SE, McGowan CM, Stubbs N, Wakeling JM, Wilson AM, Payne RC. Comparative anatomy and muscle architecture of selected hind limb muscles in the Quarter Horse and Arab. J Anat 2008 Feb;212(2):144-52.
- Iglesias Pastrana C, Navas González FJ, Ciani E, Marín Navas C, Delgado Bermejo JV. Determination of breeding criteria for gait proficiency in leisure riding and racing dromedary camels: a stepwise multivariate analysis of factors predicting overall biomechanical performance. Front Vet Sci 2023;10:1297430.
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