Relationship between velocity and temporal variables of the flat shod running walk.
Abstract: The running walk of the Tennessee Walking Horse is often described as a faster variation of the walk, indicating the importance of velocity on the mechanics of the gait. Variations in gait variables create difficulties in clearly identifying the normal and abnormal running walk in a clinical evaluation. The objectives of this study were, therefore, to describe the flat shod running walk and to determine the relationship between velocity and the running walk. From frame-by-frame analysis of 60 Hz film, temporal variables were averaged for 6 strides from 6 horses performing an 'easy' (slow) and 'strong' (fast) running walk during a flat shod, easy-rider Tennessee Walking Horse show class. The running walk at both velocities was a 4-beat, symmetrical stepping gait with a lateral footfall sequence and lateral couplets. The velocity ranged from mean +/- s.d. 2.66 +/- 0.34 to 3.80 +/- 0.18 m/s. For both velocities (slow, fast), hind stance as a percentage of stride duration (58 +/- 3%, 56 +/- 2%) was significantly longer than fore (51 +/- 5%, 48 +/- 1%); diagonal advanced placement (29 +/- 2%, 37 +/- 4%) and lift-off (35 +/- 5%, 39 +/- 2%) were significantly longer than lateral (advanced placement: 22 +/- 2%, 12 +/- 3%; lift-off: 18 +/- 4%, 10 +/- 2); and lateral bipedal support (50 +/- 9%, 67 +/- 7%) was significantly longer than diagonal (27 +/- 6%, 16 +/- 4%). Strong correlations were found between velocity and diagonal advanced placement (0.640), lateral lift-off (-0.924) and diagonal (-0.648) and lateral (0.904) bipedal support. Understanding the running walk and the gait variations due to velocity may be important to both the performance and soundness of the Tennessee Walking Horse.
Publication Date: 2002-10-31 PubMed ID: 12405712DOI: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.2002.tb05444.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
Summary
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The research article explores the relationship between the speed (velocity) and the specific mechanics (temporal variables) of a specific gait called the flat shod running walk in the Tennessee Walking Horse. By comparing different speeds of this gait, the authors aim to clarify what constitutes a normal and abnormal running walk, which could have implications for performance and horse health.
Objective and Methodology of the Study
- The purpose of this study is to investigate the specificities of the running walk in a breed known as the Tennessee Walking Horse and the influence of speed on this gait.
- The researchers used frame-by-frame analysis of 60Hz film to evaluate and average the temporal variables for 6 strides from 6 horses performing both slow and fast running walks.
- The horses were studied during a flat shod, easy-rider show class.
Findings of the Study
- The running walk was identified as a symmetrical, 4-beat stepping pattern with a lateral footfall sequence. It was found in both slow and fast speeds.
- The velocity of the running walk spanned a range from 2.66 to 3.80 m/s.
- At both velocities, certain variables were statistically longer with respect to others:
- The percentage of stride duration spent in hind stance was significantly longer than fore stance.
- The advanced placement and lift-off durations for diagonal supports were significantly longer than lateral ones.
- Duration of lateral bipedal support was significantly longer than diagonal.
- Strong relationships were found between velocity and certain gait markers including diagonal advanced placement, lateral lift-off, and both diagonal and lateral bipedal support.
Implications
Understanding the variations of the running walk based on stride speed could be important for evaluating the performance of the Tennessee Walking Horse. Moreover, it can aid in identifying normal or abnormal gaits during a clinical evaluation, thus contributing to ensuring the health and welfare of these animals.
Cite This Article
APA
Nicodemus MC, Holt KM, Swartz K.
(2002).
Relationship between velocity and temporal variables of the flat shod running walk.
Equine Vet J Suppl(34), 340-343.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2042-3306.2002.tb05444.x Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, USA.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Biomechanical Phenomena
- Gait / physiology
- Hoof and Claw / physiology
- Horses / physiology
- Locomotion / physiology
- Running / physiology
- Video Recording
- Walking / physiology
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