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Equine veterinary journal2009; 41(3); 268-273; doi: 10.2746/042516409x397389

Influence of different head-neck positions on vertical ground reaction forces, linear and time parameters in the unridden horse walking and trotting on a treadmill.

Abstract: It is believed that the head-neck position (HNP) has specific effects on the loading pattern of the equine locomotor system, but very few quantitative data are available. Objective: To quantify the effects of 6 different HNPs on forelimb-hindlimb loading and underlying temporal changes. Methods: Vertical ground reaction forces of each limb and interlimb coordination were measured in 7 high level dressage horses walking and trotting on an instrumented treadmill in 6 predetermined HNPs: HNP1--unrestrained; HNP2--elevated neck, bridge of the nose in front of the vertical; HNP3--elevated neck, bridge of the nose behind the vertical; HNP4--low and flexed neck; HNP5--head and neck in extreme high position; and HNP6--forward downward extension of head and neck. HNP1 served as a velocity-matched control. Results: At the walk, the percentage of vertical stride impulse carried by the forehand (Iz(fore)) as well as stride length and overreach distance were decreased in HNP2, HNP3, HNP4 and HNP5 when compared to HNP1. At the trot, Iz(fore) was decreased in HNP2, HNP3, HNP4 and HNP5. Peak forces in the forelimbs increased in HNP5 and decreased in HNP6. Stance duration in the forelimbs was decreased in HNP2 and HNP5. Suspension duration was increased in HNP2, HNP3 and HNP5. Overreach distance was shorter in HNP4 and longer in HNP6. Conclusions: In comparison to HNP1 and HNP6, HNPs with elevation of the neck with either flexion or extension at the poll as well as a low and flexed head and neck lead to a weight shift from the forehand to the hindquarters. HNP5 had the biggest effect on limb timing and load distribution. At the trot, shortening of forelimb stance duration in HNP5 increased peak vertical forces although Iz(fore) decreased. Conclusions: Presented results contribute to the understanding of the value of certain HNPs in horse training.
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Publication Date: 2009-05-28 PubMed ID: 19469234DOI: 10.2746/042516409x397389Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

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This study explores how different head-neck positions (HNP) impacts the vertical ground reaction forces, linear, and timing parameters in walk and trot velocities of horses on a treadmill. The findings suggest that specific head-neck positions can affect the weight distribution between the forelimbs and hind limbs of horses, which can potentially inform training practices.

Research Aim and Methods

  • The research aimed to quantify how different head-neck positions (HNP) impact the weight distribution between the forelimbs and hind limbs of horses, and the underlying timing changes in these movements.
  • Seven high-level dressage horses were walked and trotted on an instrumented treadmill, in six predefined head-neck positions (HNP), each creating different flexion or extension of the neck. HNP1 served as a velocity-matched control condition.

Experiment Results

  • Findings indicated that at the walking velocity, the percentage of vertical stride impulse in the forehand, as well as stride length and overreach distance, decreased when comparing positions HNP2, HNP3, HNP4, and HNP5 to the control position HNP1.
  • At the trotting velocity, the same parameters decreased in HNP2, HNP3, HNP4, and HNP5 compared to the control, while peak forces in the forelimbs increased at HNP5 and decreased at HNP6.
  • Stance duration in the forelimbs decreased at positions HNP2 and HNP5 and suspension duration increased at HNP2, HNP3, and HNP5. Overreach distance was shorter in HNP4 and longer in HNP6.

Conclusion of the Study

  • The findings show that certain head-neck positions, especially those involving neck elevation with either flexion or extension at the poll, as well as a low and flexed head and neck, result in a weight shift from the forehand to the hindquarters of the horse. This result is key in comparison to HNP1 and HNP6.
  • The most significant changes in limb timing and load distribution were evident in HNP5.
  • Overall, the results contribute to understanding the impact of specific head-neck positions on equine locomotive mechanics, providing potentially valuable insights for horse training and rider safety.

Cite This Article

APA
Waldern NM, Wiestner T, von Peinen K, Gómez Alvarez CG, Roepstorff L, Johnston C, Meyer H, Weishaupt MA. (2009). Influence of different head-neck positions on vertical ground reaction forces, linear and time parameters in the unridden horse walking and trotting on a treadmill. Equine Vet J, 41(3), 268-273. https://doi.org/10.2746/042516409x397389

Publication

Equine veterinary journal
ISSN: 0425-1644
NlmUniqueID: 0173320
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 41
Issue: 3
Pages: 268-273

Researcher Affiliations

Waldern, N M
  • Equine Department, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland.
Wiestner, T
    von Peinen, K
      Gómez Alvarez, C G
        Roepstorff, L
          Johnston, C
            Meyer, H
              Weishaupt, M A

                MeSH Terms

                • Animals
                • Biomechanical Phenomena / physiology
                • Exercise Test
                • Gait / physiology
                • Head
                • Horses / physiology
                • Neck
                • Posture
                • Walking / physiology

                Citations

                This article has been cited 13 times.
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