FREE SHIPPING over $40
OVER 9000 FIVE-STAR REVIEWS
5% OFF ALL SUBSCRIPTIONS
100% HAPPINESS GUARANTEE
Analyze Diet
0
Home / Equine Research Bank / PLoS One / Sagittal plane fore hoof unevenness is associated with fore ...
PloS one2018; 13(8); e0203134; doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0203134

Sagittal plane fore hoof unevenness is associated with fore and hindlimb asymmetrical force vectors in the sagittal and frontal planes.

Abstract: Asymmetry in forelimb dorsal hoof wall angles, termed unevenness, is associated with forelimb gait asymmetries, but compensatory mechanisms and out of plane ground reaction forces (GRFs) due to unevenness have yet to be documented. The aim of this study was therefore to investigate the effects of fore hoof unevenness on contralateral fore and hind limb force vectors patterns, in both sagittal and frontal planes. A group of n = 34 riding horses were classified into four groups: hoof angle difference of more than 1.5 degrees (UNEVEN; n = 27), including higher left fore (HIGH-LF; n = 12), higher right fore (HIGH-RF; n = 15), and hoof angle difference of less than 1.5 degrees (EVEN; n = 7). Three dimensional ground reaction forces GRFs were collected during trotting. GRF summary vectors representing the magnitude (VecMag) and angular direction (VecAng) of the entire stance phase in the sagittal and the frontal plane were calculated. The effects of unevenness on GRF production were explored using linear regression, repeated measures ANOVA and statistical parametric mapping (SPM) with significance at (P<0.05). In all uneven groups, increasing unevenness affected sagittal VecAng values in the forelimbs, with more propulsive GRF in the high hoof. In the HIGH-RF group, medial GRFs were also found in the high RF hoof compared to lateral GRFs in the low LF hoof (RF VecAng: 0.97±1.64 (deg); LF VecAng: -0.64±1.19 (deg); P<0.05). In both HIGH groups, compensatory associations to increasing unevenness were only found in the RH, but also a significantly greater lateral VecAng was found in the LH (P<0.05) compared to the RH limb. No significant differences (P>0.05) were found between hindlimb pairs in the EVEN group. Unbalanced sagittal and increased frontal plane GRFs in uneven horses suggest that they have greater locomotory challenges, as the equine musculoskeletal system is not constructed to withstand movement and loading in the frontal plane as effectively as it is in the sagittal plane.
Get Full Text
Publication Date: 2018-08-29 PubMed ID: 30157249PubMed Central: PMC6114892DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0203134Google 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.
LinkedInCopy
  • 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.

This study shows that unevenness in the angle of a horse’s fore hoof is associated with irregular force patterns in both the front and rear limbs, suggesting that these horses face greater locomotory challenges than their counterparts with more evenly angled hooves.

Objective of the Research

  • The primary aim of the research was to examine the compensatory mechanisms and out of plane ground reaction forces (GRFs) triggered by unevenness in a horse’s hoof. Essentially, this means asymmetries in a hoof’s angle, negatively impacting the horse’s gait.

Procedure and Methodology

  • A total of 34 riding horses were grouped into four categories based on their hoof angle difference: Uneven (24 horses), Higher Left Fore (12 of the Uneven group), Higher Right Fore (the remaining 15 of the Uneven group), and Even (only 7 horses fit this category).
  • Detailed measurements were taken on the force exerted on the ground in three dimensions as these horses were trotting.
  • The magnitude and direction of the force vectors in the sagittal plane (front-to-back motion) and the frontal plane (side-to-side motion) were then calculated and used for conclusive analysis.

Findings and Conclusions

  • In the asymmetrical groups, escalating unevenness correlated with changes in the values of angular direction in forelimbs, resulting in more propulsive GRF in the higher hoof. In other words, the higher hoof exhibited force patterns trending forward.
  • In animals with a higher right forelimb, medial GRFs were also found in the higher hoof compared to lateral GRFs in the lower left fore. This indicates that the high hoof exerted forces moving towards the body centerline.
  • In both the Higher Left Fore and Higher Right Fore clusters, compensation for increasing unevenness manifested only in the right hindlimb.
  • Contrarily, a significantly higher lateral angular direction was found in the left hindlimb, denoting force trends on the outer part of the horse.
  • Comparatively, even horses (those with a hoof angle difference of less than 1.5 degrees) showed no significant differences in their hindlimb force patterns.
  • The resulting implications propose that horses with unbalanced hoof angles may face greater challenges while moving since their physiology isn’t designed to effectively withstand the strain of out-of-plane GRFs.

Cite This Article

APA
Hobbs SJ, Nauwelaerts S, Sinclair J, Clayton HM, Back W. (2018). Sagittal plane fore hoof unevenness is associated with fore and hindlimb asymmetrical force vectors in the sagittal and frontal planes. PLoS One, 13(8), e0203134. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0203134

Publication

PloS one
ISSN: 1932-6203
NlmUniqueID: 101285081
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 13
Issue: 8
Pages: e0203134
PII: e0203134

Researcher Affiliations

Hobbs, Sarah Jane
  • Centre for Applied Sport and Exercise Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, United Kingdom.
Nauwelaerts, Sandra
  • Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium.
  • The Antwerp Zoo Centre for Research and Conservation, Antwerp, Belgium.
Sinclair, Jonathan
  • Centre for Applied Sport and Exercise Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, United Kingdom.
Clayton, Hilary M
  • Sport Horse Science, Mason, Michigan, United States of America.
Back, Willem
  • Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
  • Department of Surgery and Anaesthesia of Domestic Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Biomechanical Phenomena
  • Forelimb / physiology
  • Functional Laterality
  • Gait / physiology
  • Hindlimb / physiology
  • Hoof and Claw / anatomy & histology
  • Hoof and Claw / physiology
  • Horses

Conflict of Interest Statement

Qualisys AB kindly provided £1000 towards costs and Kistler Instrument Corp loaned equipment FOC. There are no patents, products in development or marketed products to declare. This does not alter our adherence to all the PLOS ONE policies on sharing data and materials.

References

This article includes 42 references
  1. Watson KM, Stitson DJ, Davies HM. Third metacarpal bone length and skeletal asymmetry in the Thoroughbred racehorse.. Equine Vet J 2003 Nov;35(7):712-4.
    pubmed: 14649365doi: 10.2746/042516403775696348google scholar: lookup
  2. Pearce GP, May-Davis S, Greaves D. Femoral asymmetry in the Thoroughbred racehorse.. Aust Vet J 2005 Jun;83(6):367-70.
    pubmed: 15986917doi: 10.1111/j.1751-0813.2005.tb15636.xgoogle scholar: lookup
  3. Dalin G, Magnusson LE, Thafvelin BC. Retrospective study of the hindquarter asymmetry in Standardbred trotters and its correlation with performance.. Equine Vet J 1985; 17: 292–296.
  4. van Heel MC, Kroekenstoel AM, van Dierendonck MC, van Weeren PR, Back W. Uneven feet in a foal may develop as a consequence of lateral grazing behaviour induced by conformational traits.. Equine Vet J 2006 Nov;38(7):646-51.
    pubmed: 17228580doi: 10.2746/042516406x159070google scholar: lookup
  5. Wilson GH, McDonald K, O'Connell MJ. Skeletal forelimb measurements and hoof spread in relation to asymmetry in the bilateral forelimb of horses.. Equine Vet J 2009 Mar;41(3):238-41.
    pubmed: 19469228doi: 10.2746/042516409x395561google scholar: lookup
  6. Wiggers N, Nauwelaerts SL, Hobbs SJ, Bool S, Wolschrijn CF, Back W. Functional locomotor consequences of uneven forefeet for trot symmetry in individual riding horses.. PLoS One 2015;10(2):e0114836.
    doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0114836pmc: PMC4315574pubmed: 25646752google scholar: lookup
  7. Ducro BJ, Bovenhuis H, Back W. Heritability of foot conformation and its relationship to sports performance in a Dutch Warmblood horse population.. Equine Vet J 2009 Feb;41(2):139-43.
    pubmed: 19418741doi: 10.2746/042516409x366130google scholar: lookup
  8. Ducro BJ, Gorissen B, van Eldik P, Back W. Influence of foot conformation on duration of competitive life in a Dutch Warmblood horse population.. Equine Vet J 2009 Feb;41(2):144-8.
    doi: 10.2746/042516408X363800pubmed: 19418742google scholar: lookup
  9. van Heel MC, van Dierendonck MC, Kroekenstoel AM, Back W. Lateralised motor behaviour leads to increased unevenness in front feet and asymmetry in athletic performance in young mature Warmblood horses.. Equine Vet J 2010 Jul;42(5):444-50.
    doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.2010.00064.xpubmed: 20636782google scholar: lookup
  10. Ishihara A, Bertone AL, Rajala-Schultz PJ. Association between subjective lameness grade and kinetic gait parameters in horses with experimentally induced forelimb lameness.. Am J Vet Res 2005 Oct;66(10):1805-15.
    pubmed: 16273915doi: 10.2460/ajvr.2005.66.1805google scholar: lookup
  11. Weishaupt MA, Wiestner T, Hogg HP, Jordan P, Auer JA. Compensatory load redistribution of horses with induced weight-bearing forelimb lameness trotting on a treadmill.. Vet J 2006 Jan;171(1):135-46.
    doi: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2004.09.004pubmed: 15974567google scholar: lookup
  12. Weishaupt MA. Adaptation strategies of horses with lameness.. Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract 2008 Apr;24(1):79-100.
    pubmed: 18314037doi: 10.1016/j.cveq.2007.11.010google scholar: lookup
  13. Hobbs SJ, Bertram JE, Clayton HM. An exploration of the influence of diagonal dissociation and moderate changes in speed on locomotor parameters in trotting horses.. PeerJ 2016;4:e2190.
    doi: 10.7717/peerj.2190pmc: PMC4933092pubmed: 27413640google scholar: lookup
  14. Ting LH, Blickhan R, Full RJ. Dynamic and static stability in hexapedal runners.. J Exp Biol 1994 Dec;197:251-69.
    pubmed: 7852905doi: 10.1242/jeb.197.1.251google scholar: lookup
  15. Hobbs SJ, Robinson MA, Clayton HM. A simple method of equine limb force vector analysis and its potential applications.. PeerJ 2018;6:e4399.
    doi: 10.7717/peerj.4399pmc: PMC5827015pubmed: 29492341google scholar: lookup
  16. Nauwelaerts S, Hobbs SJ, Back W. A horse's locomotor signature: COP path determined by the individual limb.. PLoS One 2017;12(2):e0167477.
    doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0167477pmc: PMC5308775pubmed: 28196073google scholar: lookup
  17. Penny W, Friston K, Ashburner J, Kiebel S, Nichols T. Statistical parametric mapping: the analysis of functional brain images. 2007.
    doi: 10.1016/B978-0-12-372560-8.X5000-1google scholar: lookup
  18. Pataky TC, Robinson MA, Vanrenterghem J. Vector field statistical analysis of kinematic and force trajectories.. J Biomech 2013 Sep 27;46(14):2394-401.
    doi: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2013.07.031pubmed: 23948374google scholar: lookup
  19. American Association of Equine Practitioners. Lameness exams: evaluating the lame horse. 2017.
  20. Pataky T. SPM1D. 2016; (v0.4 released Oct 1st 2016).
  21. Pedotti A. Simple equipment used in clinical practice for evaluation of locomotion.. IEEE Trans Biomed Eng 1977 Sep;24(5):456-61.
    doi: 10.1109/TBME.1977.326186pubmed: 892841google scholar: lookup
  22. Khodadadeh S, Whittle MW, Bremble GR. Height of centre of body mass during osteoarthritic gait.. Clin Biomech (Bristol, Avon) 1986 May;1(2):77-80.
    pubmed: 23906357doi: 10.1016/0268-0033(86)90079-3google scholar: lookup
  23. Kambhampati SB. Constructing a Pedotti diagram using excel charts.. J Biomech 2007;40(16):3748-50.
    doi: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2007.06.012pubmed: 17645882google scholar: lookup
  24. Berki V, Boswell MA, Ciltea D, Guseila LM, Goss L, Barnes S, Berme N, McMillan GR, Davis BL. Expanded butterfly plots: A new method to analyze simultaneous pressure and shear on the plantar skin surface during gait.. J Biomech 2015 Jul 16;48(10):2214-6.
    doi: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2015.03.025pubmed: 25895644google scholar: lookup
  25. Clayton HM, Hobbs SJ. An exploration of strategies used by dressage horses to control moments around the center of mass when performing passage.. PeerJ 2017;5:e3866.
    doi: 10.7717/peerj.3866pmc: PMC5623309pubmed: 28970972google scholar: lookup
  26. Crevier-Denoix N, Robin D, Pourcelot P, Falala S, Holden L, Estoup P, Desquilbet L, Denoix JM, Chateau H. Ground reaction force and kinematic analysis of limb loading on two different beach sand tracks in harness trotters.. Equine Vet J Suppl 2010 Nov;(38):544-51.
    doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.2010.00202.xpubmed: 21059058google scholar: lookup
  27. Colborne GR, Routh JE, Weir KR, McKendry JE, Busschers E. Associations between hoof shape and the position of the frontal plane ground reaction force vector in walking horses.. N Z Vet J 2016 Mar;64(2):76-81.
    doi: 10.1080/00480169.2015.1068138pubmed: 26138205google scholar: lookup
  28. Lucidi P, Bacco G, Sticco M, Mazzoleni G, Benvenuti M, Bernabò N, Trentini R. Assessment of motor laterality in foals and young horses (Equus caballus) through an analysis of derailment at trot.. Physiol Behav 2013 Jan 17;109:8-13.
    doi: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2012.11.006pubmed: 23201413google scholar: lookup
  29. Gómez Alvarez CB, Wennerstrand J, Bobbert MF, Lamers L, Johnston C, Back W, van Weeren PR. The effect of induced forelimb lameness on thoracolumbar kinematics during treadmill locomotion.. Equine Vet J 2007 May;39(3):197-201.
    pubmed: 17520968doi: 10.2746/042516407x173668google scholar: lookup
  30. Gomez Alvarez CB, L'ami JJ, Moffat D, Back W, van Weeren PR. Effect of chiropractic manipulations on the kinematics of back and limbs in horses with clinically diagnosed back problems.. Equine Vet J 2008 Mar;40(2):153-9.
    doi: 10.2746/042516408X250292pubmed: 18089466google scholar: lookup
  31. Wakeling JM, Ritruechai P, Dalton S, Nankervis K. Segmental variation in the activity and function of the equine longissimus dorsi muscle during walk and trot. Equine Comp Ex Physiol 2007; 4:2: 95–103.
    doi: 10.1017/S1478061507812126google scholar: lookup
  32. Kienapfel K, Preuschoft H, Wulf A, Wagner H. The biomechanical construction of the horse's body and activity patterns of three important muscles of the trunk in the walk, trot and canter.. J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr (Berl) 2018 Apr;102(2):e818-e827.
    doi: 10.1111/jpn.12840pubmed: 29135048google scholar: lookup
  33. Williams DE, Norris BJ. Laterality in stride pattern preferences in racehorses. Anim Behav 2007; 74: 941–950.
    doi: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2007.01.014google scholar: lookup
  34. Curtis SJ, Rosbotham M, Reilly JD. The incidence of acquired flexural deformity and unilateral clubfoot (uneven feet) in Thoroughbred foals. Congres du Medicine et Chirurgie Equine de Genevre Geneva, January 2012.
  35. Polk JD, Stumpf RM, Rosengren KS. Limb dominance, foot orientation and functional asymmetry during walking gait.. Gait Posture 2017 Feb;52:140-146.
    doi: 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2016.11.028pubmed: 27912154google scholar: lookup
  36. Colborne GR, Good L, Cozens LE, Kirk LS. Symmetry of hind limb mechanics in orthopedically normal trotting Labrador Retrievers.. Am J Vet Res 2011 Mar;72(3):336-44.
    doi: 10.2460/ajvr.72.3.336pubmed: 21355736google scholar: lookup
  37. McGreevey PD, Rogers LJ. Motor and sensory laterality in thoroughbred horses. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2005; 92: 337–352.
  38. Hopkins S, Pfau T. Effect of side handling on movement symmetry in horses. Equine Vet J 2014; 46: 42–42.
    doi: 10.1111/evj.12267_127google scholar: lookup
  39. Brindle RA, Milner CE, Zhang S, Fitzhugh EC. Changing step width alters lower extremity biomechanics during running.. Gait Posture 2014 Jan;39(1):124-8.
    doi: 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2013.06.010pubmed: 23831430google scholar: lookup
  40. Meardon SA, Derrick TR. Effect of step width manipulation on tibial stress during running.. J Biomech 2014 Aug 22;47(11):2738-44.
    doi: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2014.04.047pubmed: 24935171google scholar: lookup
  41. Peham C, Schobesberger H. Influence of the load of a rider or of a region with increased stiffness on the equine back: a modelling study.. Equine Vet J 2004 Dec;36(8):703-5.
    pubmed: 15656500doi: 10.2746/0425164044848091google scholar: lookup
  42. Morley JB, Decker LM, Dierks T, Blanke D, French JA, Stergiou N. Effects of varying amounts of pronation on the mediolateral ground reaction forces during barefoot versus shod running.. J Appl Biomech 2010 May;26(2):205-14.
    pubmed: 20498492doi: 10.1123/jab.26.2.205google scholar: lookup

Citations

This article has been cited 7 times.
  1. Panos KE, Morgan K, Gately R, Wilkinson J, Uden A, Reed SA. Short Communication: changes in gait after 12 wk of shoeing in previously barefoot horses. J Anim Sci 2023 Jan 3;101.
    doi: 10.1093/jas/skac374pubmed: 36383438google scholar: lookup
  2. Yu X, Yuan L, Deng S, Xia H, Tu X, Deng X, Huang X, Cao X, Deng H. Identification of DNAH17 Variants in Han-Chinese Patients With Left-Right Asymmetry Disorders. Front Genet 2022;13:862292.
    doi: 10.3389/fgene.2022.862292pubmed: 35692830google scholar: lookup
  3. Smit IH, Hernlund E, Brommer H, van Weeren PR, Rhodin M, Serra Bragança FM. Continuous versus discrete data analysis for gait evaluation of horses with induced bilateral hindlimb lameness. Equine Vet J 2022 May;54(3):626-633.
    doi: 10.1111/evj.13451pubmed: 34085312google scholar: lookup
  4. Moore LV, Zsoldos RR, Licka TF. Trot Accelerations of Equine Front and Hind Hooves Shod with Polyurethane Composite Shoes and Steel Shoes on Asphalt. Animals (Basel) 2019 Dec 11;9(12).
    doi: 10.3390/ani9121119pubmed: 31835771google scholar: lookup
  5. Haussler KK, le Jeune SS, MacKechnie-Guire R, Latif SN, Clayton HM. The Challenge of Defining Laterality in Horses: Is It Laterality or Just Asymmetry?. Animals (Basel) 2025 Jan 21;15(3).
    doi: 10.3390/ani15030288pubmed: 39943060google scholar: lookup
  6. Clayton HM, Hobbs SJ, Rhodin M, Hernlund E, Peterson M, Bos R, Bragança FS. Vertical Movement of Head, Withers, and Pelvis of High-Level Dressage Horses Trotting in Hand vs. Being Ridden. Animals (Basel) 2025 Jan 16;15(2).
    doi: 10.3390/ani15020241pubmed: 39858241google scholar: lookup
  7. Rao RP, Sara LK, Perkins ZE, Dwyer MK, Lewis CL. Females with hip pain walk with altered kinematics at peaks and throughout the gait cycle. Clin Biomech (Bristol) 2024 Aug;118:106314.
    doi: 10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2024.106314pubmed: 39111115google scholar: lookup
Subscribe to our newsletter
Join 99,357 horse owners like you who receive our email updates on horse health and nutrition.