Multivariate statistical analysis of stride-timing measurements of nonfatigued racing Thoroughbreds.

This research investigates the timing details of horses’ strides using a variety of statistical methods. The main study involved the analysis of 17 stride-timing measurements from 22 race horses that were recorded at the start of races in a right-lead transverse gallop.

Research Methodology

• The researchers used both conventional univariate and bivariate statistical methods in addition to two types of multivariate analysis: stepwise regression and factor analysis.
• Data were gathered from frame-by-frame analysis of 16-mm film footage recorded using a high-speed camera.

Major Findings

• The average stride duration and frequency for the studied Thoroughbreds were 0.405 seconds and 2.47 strides per second respectively.
• Stride duration was found to have a higher correlation with the suspension-phase duration than it did with the stride-stance-phase duration.
• Stride-stance and suspension phases constituted an average of 72.01% and 28.07% of the total stride duration respectively.
• The correlation between stride-stance and suspension phases turned out to be low.
• The timing of the forelimbs was found to possibly influence the duration of the suspension phase, given that four out of the seven variables selected in stepwise-regression analysis came exclusively from the forelimbs measurements.
• Significant differences were noted in the stance-phase and swing-phase duration for all four limbs.
• Differences were also found in the timing and coordination between forelimb and hind limb pairs.
• The left forelimb and right hind limb had significantly shorter stance and single-support phases.

Conclusions

• The research concluded that there were significant differences in advanced placement and overlap of the hind limbs, compared with that in the forelimbs.
• Finally, three limb overlap measurements also showed significant differences. The overlap between the forelimbs was the shortest while the overlap between the hind limbs was the longest in duration.