How the horse moves: 2. Significance of graphical representations of equine hind limb kinematics.
Abstract: Kinematic data of the equine hind limb are presented graphically and related to functional aspects of the hind limb in locomotion. The trot of 24 two-year-old Dutch Warmblood horses was recorded at 4 m/s on a high-speed treadmill using kinematic analysis equipment. Joint angle-time, angle-angle, stick and marker diagrams were used to present graphically the data following standardised procedures. As the kinematic data were expressed with reference to the joint angles of the horse standing squarely and were time-standardised to the duration of the stride cycle, mean joint curves for the total group could be calculated and therefore describe the function of the different segments of the equine hind limb. The motion of the hind limb in the sagittal plane appeared to be pendular around a rotation point in the acetabulum. During the stance phase the extension of the fetlock joint and stance flexion of the stifle, tarsal and coffin joints illustrate the shock absorption of the hind limb. In the swing phase the reciprocal apparatus, which forms the coupling mechanism between stifle and tarsal joint, also influences the fetlock joint because synchronous flexion and extension between these 3 joints were demonstrated. By graphically presenting hind limb motion we were able to illustrate the relation between kinematics and function. This graphic analysis can be used in clinical studies involving quantification of equine hind limb coordination in the sagittal plane.
Publication Date: 1995-01-01 PubMed ID: 7774545DOI: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.1995.tb03030.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
Summary
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This research studied how horses move, specifically focusing on the function of the hind limbs during locomotion. By capturing the motion of trotting horses on a high-speed treadmill, the research provides a graphical representation of hind limb kinematics, enhancing our understanding of how different juoints work together during horse movements.
Methodology and Data Collection
- The study involved 24 two-year-old Dutch Warmblood horses trotting at a speed of 4 m/s on a high-speed treadmill.
- The horses’ movements were recorded using kinematic analysis equipment. This data was then graphically represented using joint angle-time, angle-angle, stick and marker diagrams.
- To standardize the data, joint motions were referenced to the angles observed when the horse was standing squarely. The motion data was also time-standardized to align with the duration of the stride cycle.
Understanding Equine Hind Limb Function
- By standardizing and averaging the data, the researchers were able to calculate mean joint curves, which provide insight into the function of the different segments of the equine hind limb.
- The movement of the hind limb in the sagittal plane (from front to back) appeared to swing around a central pivot point in the acetabulum (a part of the horse’s hip joint).
- During the stance phase (when the horse’s foot is on the ground), there were observed extensions of the fetlock joint (the ‘ankle’ of the horse) and stance flexions of the stifle (knee), tarsal (hock) and coffin joints. These movements are indicative of the horse’s hind limb absorbing shock.
- In the swing phase (when the horse’s leg swings forward), a mechanism called the reciprocal apparatus links the stifle and tarsal joint motions, and also has an impact on the fetlock joint. This linkage was evidenced by synchronous flexion (bending) and extension (straightening) across these three joints.
Implications and Applications
- Graphically presenting the hind limb motion helps to demonstrate the relationship between kinematics (the study of movement) and function. This analysis contributes to our understanding of horse movement.
- The findings from this research can be applied in clinical studies, particularly for quantifying equine hind limb coordination in the sagittal plane. These graphical representations and measurements can prove valuable in diagnosing and treating different pathological conditions affecting horses’ limbs.
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: 2. Significance of graphical representations of equine hind limb kinematics.
Equine Vet J, 27(1), 39-45.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2042-3306.1995.tb03030.x Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of General and Large Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, The Netherlands.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Computer Graphics
- Female
- Hindlimb / physiology
- Horses / physiology
- Kinetics
- Male
- Movement / physiology
Citations
This article has been cited 12 times.- Horan K, Coburn J, Kourdache K, Day P, Carnall H, Brinkley L, Harborne D, Hammond L, Millard S, Weller R, Pfau T. Hoof slip duration at impact in galloping Thoroughbred ex-racehorses trialling eight shoe-surface combinations. PLoS One 2024;19(10):e0311899.
- van Bijlert PA, Geijtenbeek T, Smit IH, Schulp AS, Bates KT. Muscle-Driven Predictive Physics Simulations of Quadrupedal Locomotion in the Horse. Integr Comp Biol 2024 Sep 27;64(3):694-714.
- St George LB, Clayton HM, Sinclair JK, Richards J, Roy SH, Hobbs SJ. Electromyographic and Kinematic Comparison of the Leading and Trailing Fore- and Hindlimbs of Horses during Canter. Animals (Basel) 2023 May 25;13(11).
- St George L, Clayton HM, Sinclair J, Richards J, Roy SH, Hobbs SJ. Muscle Function and Kinematics during Submaximal Equine Jumping: What Can Objective Outcomes Tell Us about Athletic Performance Indicators?. Animals (Basel) 2021 Feb 5;11(2).
- Tijssen M, Hernlund E, Rhodin M, Bosch S, Voskamp JP, Nielen M, Serra Braganςa FM. Automatic hoof-on and -off detection in horses using hoof-mounted inertial measurement unit sensors. PLoS One 2020;15(6):e0233266.
- Bragança FM, Bosch S, Voskamp JP, Marin-Perianu M, Van der Zwaag BJ, Vernooij JCM, van Weeren PR, Back W. Validation of distal limb mounted inertial measurement unit sensors for stride detection in Warmblood horses at walk and trot. Equine Vet J 2017 Jul;49(4):545-551.
- Starke SD, Clayton HM. A universal approach to determine footfall timings from kinematics of a single foot marker in hoofed animals. PeerJ 2015;3:e783.
- Halley SE, Bey MJ, Haladik JA, Lavagnino M, Arnoczky SP. Three dimensional, radiosteriometric analysis (RSA) of equine stifle kinematics and articular surface contact: a cadaveric study. Equine Vet J 2014 May;46(3):364-9.
- Hogervorst T, Eilander W, Fikkers JT, Meulenbelt I. Hip ontogenesis: how evolution, genes, and load history shape hip morphotype and cartilotype. Clin Orthop Relat Res 2012 Dec;470(12):3284-96.
- Crook TC, Cruickshank SE, McGowan CM, Stubbs N, Wilson AM, Hodson-Tole E, Payne RC. A comparison of the moment arms of pelvic limb muscles in horses bred for acceleration (Quarter Horse) and endurance (Arab). J Anat 2010 Jul;217(1):26-37.
- Payne RC, Veenman P, Wilson AM. The role of the extrinsic thoracic limb muscles in equine locomotion. J Anat 2005 Feb;206(2):193-204.
- Payne RC, Veenman P, Wilson AM. The role of the extrinsic thoracic limb muscles in equine locomotion. J Anat 2004 Dec;205(6):479-90.
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