Software for analysis of equine ground reaction force data.

The research article describes a software developed for analyzing force plate recordings of horses walking at a normal pace. The software averages data from multiple stance phases to provide an accurate representation of the horse’s locomotion. Comparison is made between left and right limbs using characteristic peaks in the force-time curves.

Software Description and Functionality

• The research paper discusses a specialized software, which has been developed for the detailed analysis of force plate recordings. These recordings are typically made while a horse is walking at a normal pace.
• This software uses an innovative approach for data manipulation. Instead of depending on a single data set, it averages the data gathered from several stance phases of the horse’s stride. The resulting output offers a comprehensive and accurate representation that is characteristic of that particular horse.
• Moreover, the unique characteristic peaks observed in the force-time curves are deployed to draw comparisons between different limbs. The software can distinguish and compare patterns between left and right front limbs, as well as between left and right hind limbs.

Software Output and Applicability

• Post computation, the software produces the averaged tracings, which function as a visual representation of the analyzed data. The default mode for this output is through a line printer.
• However, for more detailed and high-quality graphical outputs, the software can also utilize a different program to plot the data on a high-quality pen plotter. This advanced visual representation can be beneficial for thorough assessments and presentations.
• Apart from equine application, this software also hosts features that make it applicable for analyzing human force plate recordings. Hence, the utility of the software extends beyond equine research, potentially being a useful tool in human locomotion studies as well.