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Equine veterinary journal1995; 27(1); 31-38; doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.1995.tb03029.x

How the horse moves: 1. Significance of graphical representations of equine forelimb kinematics.

Abstract: The kinematics of 24 two-year-old Dutch Warmblood horses were recorded at the trot (4 m/s) on a high-speed treadmill to study the coordination of joints within the equine forelimb. Joint angle-time, angle-angle, stick, and marker diagrams were used to show forelimb motion graphically. Because the kinematic data referred to the joint angles of the horse standing squarely and were time-standardised to the duration of the stride cycle, mean joint curves could be calculated for the total group. The motion of each segment in the equine forelimb during a complete stride is described and its function in intralimb coordination evaluated. It appeared that the rotation of the scapula and the cranio-caudal movement of the distal forelimb are synchronous and pendular. The carpal joint rapidly snaps into overextension at the beginning of the stance phase to enable the forelimb to work as a propulsive strut. The fetlock joint acts as an elastic spring, thereby conserving energy and, at the same time, absorbs oscillations generated by initial ground contact. Furthermore, the coordination between carpal and fetlock joints in the swing phase appears to be strongly influenced by inertia. Using the graphic tools evaluated in this paper, we were able to visualise the kinematics of the equine forelimb and relate these to specific functions of the forelimb in locomotion. This information can be used to select kinematic variables for clinical studies in which equine forelimb function has to be described and quantified.
Publication Date: 1995-01-01 PubMed ID: 7774544DOI: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.1995.tb03029.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article

Summary

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The research studied the movement patterns of the forelimbs of two-year-old Dutch Warmblood horses during a trot, using graphical representations. Their findings not only describe this motion in terms of joint coordination, but also indicate how this intricate movement contributes to over-all locomotion and potentially impact clinical studies.

Methodology

  • The researchers utilized 24 two-year-old Dutch Warmblood horses for their study.
  • Their movements were recorded while trotting (at 4 m/s) on a high-speed treadmill.
  • Various graphical representation techniques such as joint angle-time, angle-angle, stick, and marker diagrams, were used to visualize this complex motion path.
  • The researchers aligned this data in terms of the joint angles during a standing position, and normalized this data over an entire stride cycle. This allowed them to compute mean joint curves for all subjects.

Findings

  • Detailed analysis of the trot cycle was performed, evaluating the motion of each segment in the equine forelimb.
  • It was observed that the rotation of the scapula (shoulder blade) and the forward and backward movement of the distal forelimb (lower limb) moved in a synchronous and pendular manner.
  • The carpal joint (corresponding to human wrist) was highlighted to snap into overextension at the onset of the stance phase, allowing the forelimb to function as a strut aiding propulsion.
  • The fetlock joint (equivalent to a human knuckle) played a key role in energy conservation by acting as an elastic spring, and also helped in damping the oscillation created upon initial ground contact.
  • The phase of the trot where the forelimb is not in contact with the ground was found to be greatly influenced by inertia, affecting the coordination between the carpal and fetlock joints.

Implications and Application

  • The research paved the way for visualizing intricate kinematics of equine forelimb.
  • The findings enable better understanding of how specific parts of a horse’s forelimb contribute to its overall movement, particularly at a trot.
  • This information can be used in clinical studies that require description and quantification of equine forelimb function, contributing to improved selection of kinematic variables for such studies.

Cite This Article

APA
Back W, Schamhardt HC, Savelberg HH, van den Bogert AJ, Bruin G, Hartman W, Barneveld A. (1995). How the horse moves: 1. Significance of graphical representations of equine forelimb kinematics. Equine Vet J, 27(1), 31-38. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2042-3306.1995.tb03029.x

Publication

ISSN: 0425-1644
NlmUniqueID: 0173320
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 27
Issue: 1
Pages: 31-38

Researcher Affiliations

Back, W
  • Department of General and Large Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, The Netherlands.
Schamhardt, H C
    Savelberg, H H
      van den Bogert, A J
        Bruin, G
          Hartman, W
            Barneveld, A

              MeSH Terms

              • Animals
              • Computer Graphics
              • Female
              • Forelimb / physiology
              • Horses / physiology
              • Kinetics
              • Male
              • Movement / physiology

              Citations

              This article has been cited 11 times.
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