English
Relationship between muscle forces, joint loading and utilization of elastic strain energy in equine locomotion.
Abstract: Storage and utilization of strain energy in the elastic tissues of the distal forelimb of the horse is thought to contribute to the excellent locomotory efficiency of the animal. However, the structures that facilitate elastic energy storage may also be exposed to dangerously high forces, especially at the fastest galloping speeds. In the present study, experimental gait data were combined with a musculoskeletal model of the distal forelimb of the horse to determine muscle and joint contact loading and muscle-tendon work during the stance phase of walking, trotting and galloping. The flexor tendons spanning the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint - specifically, the superficial digital flexor (SDF), interosseus muscle (IM) and deep digital flexor (DDF) - experienced the highest forces. Peak forces normalized to body mass for the SDF were 7.3±2.1, 14.0±2.5 and 16.7±1.1 N kg(-1) in walking, trotting and galloping, respectively. The contact forces transmitted by the MCP joint were higher than those acting at any other joint in the distal forelimb, reaching 20.6±2.8, 40.6±5.6 and 45.9±0.9 N kg(-1) in walking, trotting and galloping, respectively. The tendons of the distal forelimb (primarily SDF and IM) contributed between 69 and 90% of the total work done by the muscles and tendons, depending on the type of gait. The tendons and joints that facilitate storage of elastic strain energy in the distal forelimb also experienced the highest loads, which may explain the high frequency of injuries observed at these sites.
Publication Date: 2010-11-16
PubMed ID: 21075941DOI: 10.1242/jeb.044545Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
- Animal Studies
- Athletic Horses
- Athletic Performance
- Biomechanics
- Deep Digital Flexor Tendon
- Equine Health
- Equine Science
- Exercise Physiology
- Gait Analysis
- Horse Training
- Injury
- Joint Health
- Locomotion
- Metacarpophalangeal Joint
- Musculoskeletal System
- Physiology
- Superficial Digital Flexor Tendon
- Tendons
- Veterinary Research
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 study examines how the horse’s limb muscles and joints bear load and use elastic strain energy during different gaits to help explain the high injury rate at these areas. Evidence shows the muscles and tendons in the forelimb, particularly the superficial digital flexor (SDF) and the interosseus muscle (IM), do the majority of work.
Main Research Objectives
- Research aimed to understand how elastic strain energy utilization and storage contribute to a horse’s efficient movement.
- The study seeks to identify the correlation between dangerously high forces endured by structures facilitating elastic energy storage during different gaits.
- Additionally, it aims to highlight the linkage between muscle forces, joint loading, and the high frequency of injuries identified in specific sites in the equine limb.
Methodology
- The study merged experimental gait data with a musculoskeletal model of a horse’s distal forelimb.
- The focus was on the stance phase of three different gaits: walking, trotting, and galloping.
- The primary variables involved were muscle and joint contact loading and muscle-tendon work during each gait.
Key Findings
- The flexor tendons spanning the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint, specifically the superficial digital flexor (SDF), interosseus muscle (IM) and deep digital flexor (DDF), experienced the most significant forces.
- Peak forces normalized to body mass for the SDF were differentiated among walking, trotting, and galloping. The SDF experienced the greatest force during galloping.
- Contact forces transmitted by the MCP joint were higher than those acting at any other joint in the distal forelimb, peaking during galloping.
- Tendons in the distal forelimb, mainly SDF and IM, contributed between 69%-90% of the total work done by the muscles and tendons, varying based on the gait type.
- This study suggests the high load experienced by the tendons and joints that facilitate elastic strain energy storage in the distal forelimb may explain the high frequency of injuries at these sites.
Cite This Article
APA
Harrison SM, Whitton RC, Kawcak CE, Stover SM, Pandy MG.
(2010).
Relationship between muscle forces, joint loading and utilization of elastic strain energy in equine locomotion.
J Exp Biol, 213(Pt 23), 3998-4009.
https://doi.org/10.1242/jeb.044545
Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia. simon.m.harrison@gmail.com
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Biomechanical Phenomena / physiology
- Elasticity / physiology
- Forelimb / physiology
- Horses / physiology
- Joints / physiology
- Ligaments / physiology
- Locomotion / physiology
- Models, Anatomic
- Muscles / physiology
- Tendons / physiology
- Weight-Bearing / physiology
Citations
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