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Home / Equine Research Bank / Equine Vet J Suppl / The effect of head and neck position on the thoracolumbar ki...
Equine veterinary journal. Supplement2007; (36); 445-451; doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.2006.tb05585.x

The effect of head and neck position on the thoracolumbar kinematics in the unridden horse.

Abstract: In many equestrian activities a specific position of head and/or neck is required that is dissimilar to the natural position. There is controversy about the effects of these positions on locomotion pattern, but few quantitative data are available. Objective: To quantify the effects of 5 different head and neck positions on thoracolumbar kinematics of the horse. Methods: Kinematics of 7 high level dressage horses were measured walking and trotting on an instrumented treadmill with the head and neck in the following positions: HNP2 = neck raised, bridge of the nose in front of the vertical; HNP3 = as HNP2 with bridge of the nose behind the vertical; HNP4 = head and neck lowered, nose behind the vertical; HNP5 = head and neck in extreme high position; HNP6 = head and neck forward and downward. HNP1 was a speed-matched control (head and neck unrestrained). Results: The head and neck positions affected only the flexion-extension motion. The positions in which the neck was extended (HNP2, 3, 5) increased extension in the anterior thoracic region, but increased flexion in the posterior thoracic and lumbar region. For HNP4 the pattern was the opposite. Positions 2, 3 and 5 reduced the flexion-extension range of motion (ROM) while HNP4 increased it. HNP5 was the only position that negatively affected intravertebral pattern symmetry and reduced hindlimb protraction. The stride length was significantly reduced at walk in positions 2, 3, 4 and 5. Conclusions: There is a significant influence of head/neck position on back kinematics. Elevated head and neck induce extension in the thoracic region and flexion in the lumbar region; besides reducing the sagittal range of motion. Lowered head and neck produces the opposite. A very high position of the head and neck seems to disturb normal kinematics. Conclusions: This study provides quantitative data on the effect of head/neck positions on thoracolumbar motion and may help in discussions on the ethical acceptability of some training methods.
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Publication Date: 2007-04-04 PubMed ID: 17402464DOI: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.2006.tb05585.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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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 research article investigates the impact of different head and neck positions on the back movements of horses, especially in equestrian activities. The results show significant changes in back movement according to different positions, with potential implications for training methods and animal welfare.

Objective of Study

  • The main aim of this research is to measure the effects of five varying head and neck positions on the thoracolumbar (the region from the base of the neck to the lower back) movement in horses. This is in response to ongoing discussions about the effects of these positions, often required in equestrian activities, on a horse’s locomotion pattern.

Methodology

  • Seven high-level dressage horses were used in the study. Their movements were tracked while they walked and trotted on a specialized treadmill, with varying head and neck positions.
  • These positions included: neck raised with the bridge of the nose in front of or behind the vertical, head and neck lowered with the nose behind the vertical, head and neck in an extreme high position, and head and neck forward and downward.
  • A control group was also established where the horse’s head and neck were left unrestrained.

Results of the Study

  • The results showed that the varying head and neck positions primarily affected the flexion-extension motion of the horses.
  • Positions where the neck was extended increased extension in the anterior thoracic region but increased flexion in the posterior thoracic and lumbar regions.
  • The opposite pattern was observed for the position where the head and neck were lowered (HNP4).
  • A few positions reduced the flexion-extension range of motion (ROM), except HNP4 which increased it.
  • The only position that disrupted normal kinematics and reduced hindlimb protraction was the one with an extremely high head and neck (HNP5).
  • The stride length of the horses was significantly reduced in all positions except for when the head and neck were forward and downward.

Conclusion

  • The head and neck’s position significantly affects thoracolumbar motion in horses. Elevated positions induce extension in the thoracic region and flexion in the lumbar region, and thus reduce the sagittal range of motion.
  • A high position of the head and neck also appears to disrupt regular kinematics to a certain degree.
  • Overall, the study provides quantitative data that could be informative for ethical discussions about training techniques in equestrian sports.

Cite This Article

APA
Gómez Alvarez CB, Rhodin M, Bobber MF, Meyer H, Weishaupt MA, Johnston C, Van Weeren PR. (2007). The effect of head and neck position on the thoracolumbar kinematics in the unridden horse. Equine Vet J Suppl(36), 445-451. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2042-3306.2006.tb05585.x

Publication

Equine veterinary journal. Supplement
NlmUniqueID: 9614088
Country: United States
Language: English
Issue: 36
Pages: 445-451

Researcher Affiliations

Gómez Alvarez, C B
  • Department of Equine Sciences, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 12, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands.
Rhodin, M
    Bobber, M F
      Meyer, H
        Weishaupt, M A
          Johnston, C
            Van Weeren, P R

              MeSH Terms

              • Animals
              • Biomechanical Phenomena
              • Head / physiology
              • Horses / physiology
              • Lumbar Vertebrae / physiology
              • Male
              • Neck / physiology
              • Physical Conditioning, Animal / physiology
              • Posture / physiology
              • Sports
              • Thoracic Vertebrae / physiology
              • Weight-Bearing

              Citations

              This article has been cited 25 times.
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