Stride to stride variability in joint angle profiles during transitions from trot to canter in horses.
Abstract: Spontaneous transitions from anti-phase to in-phase manual coordination are explained in the Haken model that describes the two preferred states as stable regions that work as attractors in a stability landscape. Switching between states coincides with a temporary loss of stability. Coordination variability is believed to be indicative of such a loss of stability. In this study, the hypothesis was tested that an increase in variability in the angle profiles of the joints responsible for the transition will precede the transition. A full gait analysis of four miniature horses transitioning from trot to canter was performed. Joint angle profiles were determined for the joints of all four limbs and were time-normalised to stride duration. Per horse and per stride, the coefficient of variance was calculated as the mean standard deviation of the joint profile over all trials divided by the mean joint angle × 100. As hypothesised, the most proximal limb joints (hip, scapulothoracic, shoulder) followed the predictions to a large extent. The variability of the hip joint angle of the trailing hind limb showed a peak of variability at stride 0; this was quickly reduced after the transition was completed. The detection of this brief perturbation in the hip joint indicates the importance of this joint in the transition process. The hip joint is related to the movements of the limb, pelvis and back, which is one of the main differences between symmetrical and asymmetrical gaits.
Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Publication Date: 2013-09-26 PubMed ID: 24314716DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2013.09.034Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
Summary
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This research article is about a detailed study of the shifts in joint movements in horses as they transition from trot to canter, and the importance of the hip joint in this process.
Research Objective
- The study aimed to examine the shift in joint angle profiles in horses as they transition from a trot to a canter. The hypothesis was that there would be an increased variability in the angle profiles of the joints during this transition. Understanding these changes could provide valuable insights into the biomechanics of horse locomotion.
Methodology
- The researchers conducted a full gait analysis on four miniature horses transitioning from trot to canter.
- Joint angle profiles were determined for all four limbs and were time-normalised to stride duration for each horse.
- The coefficient of variance was calculated per horse and per stride, using the mean standard deviation of the joint profile over all trials divided by the mean joint angle multiplied by 100.
Findings
- The observations notably supported the hypothesis. The most proximal limb joints (hip, scapulothoracic, shoulder) showed a significant degree of variability during the transition, as predicted.
- The trailing hind limb’s hip joint angle exhibited a peak of variability at stride zero, which then quickly reduced after the transition was completed.
- The detection of this perturbation in the hip joint underscored its central role in trot-to-canter transitions.
- The importance of the hip joint is tied to its contribution to the movements of the limb, pelvis, and back, factors which play a substantial role in shifting gaits from symmetrical to asymmetrical.
Implications
- The research findings highlight the key role that hip joint movement plays in the transition from trot to canter in horses, potentially pointing to areas where further research could improve our understanding of equine biomechanics and locomotion.
- This can lead to improved diagnostic understanding of gait abnormalities and better strategies for equine training and rehabilitation.
Cite This Article
APA
Nauwelaerts S, Aerts P, Clayton H.
(2013).
Stride to stride variability in joint angle profiles during transitions from trot to canter in horses.
Vet J, 198 Suppl 1, e59-e64.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2013.09.034 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Functional Morphology Laboratory, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium; McPhail Equine Performance Center, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA. Electronic address: sandra.nauwelaerts@ua.ac.be.
- Functional Morphology Laboratory, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium.
- McPhail Equine Performance Center, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Biomechanical Phenomena
- Forelimb / physiology
- Gait / physiology
- Hindlimb / physiology
- Horses / physiology
- Joints / physiology
Citations
This article has been cited 1 times.- Darbandi H, Munsters C, Parmentier J, Havinga P. Detecting fatigue of sport horses with biomechanical gait features using inertial sensors. PLoS One 2023;18(4):e0284554.
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