Metacarpal geometry changes during Thoroughbred race training are compatible with sagittal-plane cantilever bending.
Abstract: Bending of the equine metacarpal bones during locomotion is poorly understood. Cantilever bending, in particular, may influence the loading of the metacarpal bones and surrounding structures in unique ways. Objective: We hypothesised that increased amounts of sagittal-plane cantilever bending may govern changes to the shape of the metacarpal bones of Thoroughbred racehorses during training. We hypothesised that this type of bending would require a linear change to occur in the combined second moment of area of the bones for sagittal-plane bending (I) during race training. Methods: Six Thoroughbred racehorses were used, who had all completed at least 4 years of race training at a commercial stable. The approximate change in I that had occurred during race training was computed from radiographic measurements at the start and end of training using a simple model of bone shape. Results: A significant (P < 0.001), approximately linear pattern of change in I was observed in each horse, with the maximum change occurring proximally and the minimum change occurring distally. Conclusions: The pattern of change in I was compatible with the hypothesis that sagittal-plane cantilever bending governed changes to the shape of the metacarpal bones during race training.
© 2010 EVJ Ltd.
Publication Date: 2011-05-27 PubMed ID: 21059037DOI: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.2010.00209.xGoogle 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
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.
This research study indicates that changes in the shape of the metacarpal bones in Thoroughbred racehorses during training may be associated with an increased amount of sagittal-plane cantilever bending.
Objective and Hypothesis
- The study aims to contribute to the understanding of the bending of equine metacarpal bones during locomotion, which is a subject that remains largely understudied.
- The central hypothesis is that the metacarpal bones of Thoroughbred racehorses undergo changes in geometry during training, and these changes may be due to increased levels of cantilever bending in the sagittal-plane.
- The researchers expected that this type of bending would necessitate a linear change in the combined second moment of area of the bones for sagittal-plane bending, also known as ‘I’, over the course of race training.
Methods
- Six Thoroughbred racehorses that had completed at least 4 years of race training at a commercial stable were used in the study.
- The change in ‘I’ that had taken place during the race training was calculated from radiographic measurements at the beginning and end of the training. A simple model of bone shape was used for this purpose.
Results
- There was a significant, approximately linear pattern of change in ‘I’ that was observed in each of the horses. The change was greatest proximally (close to the body’s central axis) and least distally (far from the central axis of the body).
Conclusion
- The results were in line with the researchers’ hypothesis. The observed changes in the metacarpal bone shape during race training were found to be compatible with the assumption that sagittal-plane cantilever bending is the governing factor. This indicates that the bending of the metacarpal bones during locomotion may impact the loading of the metacarpal bones and surrounding structures in ways previously not considered, with potential implications for racehorse training and healthcare.
Cite This Article
APA
Merritt JS, Davies HM.
(2011).
Metacarpal geometry changes during Thoroughbred race training are compatible with sagittal-plane cantilever bending.
Equine Vet J Suppl(38), 407-411.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2042-3306.2010.00209.x Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. merritt@unimelb.edu.au
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Biomechanical Phenomena
- Forelimb / physiology
- Horses / physiology
- Metacarpal Bones / anatomy & histology
- Metacarpal Bones / physiology
Citations
This article has been cited 1 times.- Costa da Silva RG, Sun TC, Mishra AP, Boyde A, Doube M, Riggs CM. Intracortical remodelling increases in highly loaded bone after exercise cessation. J Anat 2024 Mar;244(3):424-437.
Use Nutrition Calculator
Check if your horse's diet meets their nutrition requirements with our easy-to-use tool Check your horse's diet with our easy-to-use tool
Talk to a Nutritionist
Discuss your horse's feeding plan with our experts over a free phone consultation Discuss your horse's diet over a phone consultation
Submit Diet Evaluation
Get a customized feeding plan for your horse formulated by our equine nutritionists Get a custom feeding plan formulated by our nutritionists
