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Localization of the cutaneus trunci muscle reflex in horses.
Abstract: To determine the magnitude and location of skin movement attributable to the cutaneus trunci muscle reflex in response to localized stimulation of the skin of the dorsolateral aspect of the thoracic wall in horses. Methods: 8 horses. Methods: A grid of 56 reflective markers was applied to the lateral aspect of the body wall of each horse; markers were placed at 10-cm intervals in 7 rows and 8 columns. A motion analysis system with 10 infrared cameras was used to track movements of the markers in response to tactile stimulation of the dorsolateral aspect of the thoracic wall at the levels of T6, T11, and T16. Marker movement data determined after skin stimulation were used to create a skin deformation gradient tensor field, which was analyzed with custom software. Results: The sites of maximal skin deformation were located close to the stimulation sites; the centers of the twitch responses were located a mean distance of 7.7 to 12.8 cm ventral and between 6.6 cm cranial and 3.1 cm caudal to the stimulation sites. Conclusions: Findings of this study may have implications for assessment of nerve conduction velocities of the cutaneus trunci muscle reflex and may enhance understanding of the responses of horses to placement of tack or other equipment on skin over the cutaneus trunci muscles.
Publication Date: 2013-10-31 PubMed ID: 24168309DOI: 10.2460/ajvr.74.11.1428Google Scholar: Lookup The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
- 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 researchers of this study investigated how horses’ skin moves in response to localized stimulation on certain areas of their body. The results could have implications for understanding horses’ responses to the placement of tack or other equipment on their skin.
Objective and Methodology of the Study
This study aims to determine the magnitude and location of skin movement in horses, caused by the cutaneus trunci muscle reflex, following localized stimulation on the dorsolateral aspect of the thoracic wall.
- In this study, eight horses were used as the subjects.
- A total of fifty-six reflective markers were applied to the lateral aspect of the body wall of each horse. They were arranged in a grid pattern at ten-centimetre intervals in seven rows and eight columns.
- To stimulate the skin on the dorsolateral aspect of the thoracic wall at the levels of T6, T11, and T16, tactile stimulation was performed.
- A motion analysis system, equipped with ten infrared cameras, was used to track the motion of the reflective markers following the tactile stimulation.
- The movement data of the markers were then used to create a skin deformation gradient tensor field. This data dispersion was analyzed using custom software.
Results of the Study
The study found that the areas of greatest skin deformation were located close to the stimulation sites. These twitch response centres were located at an average distance of 7.7 to 12.8 cm ventral, and between 6.6 cm cranial and 3.1 cm caudal to the stimulation sites.
Implications and Conclusions
The results of this study could be useful for determining the conduction velocities of the cutaneus trunci muscle reflex in horses. This information could enhance understanding of horses’ reactions to the application of tack or other equipment on the skin overlying the cutaneus trunci muscles. A better understanding of these reflexes and responses can assist horse trainers and owners in determining the most appropriate and comfortable placement of such equipment. This could potentially lead to improved horse welfare and performance.
Cite This Article
APA
Essig CM, Merritt JS, Stubbs NC, Clayton HM.
(2013).
Localization of the cutaneus trunci muscle reflex in horses.
Am J Vet Res, 74(11), 1428-1432.
https://doi.org/10.2460/ajvr.74.11.1428 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- McPhail Equine Performance Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48823.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Horses / physiology
- Muscle, Skeletal / physiology
- Reflex
- Skin Physiological Phenomena
- Thoracic Wall / physiology
- Touch Perception
- Videotape Recording
Citations
This article has been cited 3 times.- Ericson C, Stenfeldt P, Hardeman A, Jacobson I. The Effect of Kinesiotape on Flexion-Extension of the Thoracolumbar Back in Horses at Trot. Animals (Basel) 2020 Feb 13;10(2).
- Ahmed W, Kulikowska M, Ahlmann T, Berg LC, Harrison AP, Elbrønd VS. A comparative multi-site and whole-body assessment of fascia in the horse and dog: a detailed histological investigation. J Anat 2019 Dec;235(6):1065-1077.
- Naldaiz-Gastesi N, Bahri OA, López de Munain A, McCullagh KJA, Izeta A. The panniculus carnosus muscle: an evolutionary enigma at the intersection of distinct research fields. J Anat 2018 Jun 12;233(3):275-88.
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