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Home / Equine Research Bank / Equine Vet J / The effects of treadmill inclination and speed on the activi...
Equine veterinary journal2001; 33(5); 466-472; doi: 10.2746/042516401776254745

The effects of treadmill inclination and speed on the activity of three trunk muscles in the trotting horse.

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of speed and slope on the activity of trunk muscles. The electromyographic (EMG) activity of the splenius (Sp), longissimus dorsi (LD) and rectus abdominis (RA) muscles was recorded with surface electrodes during treadmill locomotion at trot for different combinations of speed (3.5 to 6 m/s) and slope (0 to 6%). Raw EMG signals were processed to determine activity duration, onset and end and integrated EMG (IEMG). For the 3 muscles investigated, onset and end of activity were obtained earlier in the stride cycle when speed increased. A longer duration of activity for the LD, a shorter duration for the RA and an unchanged duration for the Sp were also observed. The IEMG of the latter was poorly affected by speed, whereas it increased linearly with speed for the 2 other muscles. When treadmill inclination changed from 0 to 6%, EMG activity of the LD and RA began and ended later; a longer activity duration was noted. Temporal parameters for Sp did not change with slope. A significant and progressive increase in the IEMG of the 3 muscles was observed with increasing slope. This evaluation of the activity of trunk muscles provides objective data for the use of speed or slope in training programmes.
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Publication Date: 2001-09-18 PubMed ID: 11558741DOI: 10.2746/042516401776254745Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article

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 examines how different treadmill speeds and inclinations impact the activity of certain trunk muscles in trotting horses.

Study Objectives

  • The research aimed to determine the influence of speed and incline on the activity of the trunk muscles in horses. Specific muscles evaluated were the splenius (Sp), longissimus dorsi (LD), and rectus abdominis (RA) muscles.
  • By assessing the variation in muscle activity under different locomotion conditions, the researchers hoped to provide valuable data to inform effective horse training programmes.

Methodology

  • Electromyographic (EMG) activity of the Sp, LD and RA muscles was recorded with surface electrodes during treadmill locomotion at trot for different speed (3.5 to 6 m/s) and slope (0 to 6%) combinations.
  • Raw EMG signals were processed to determine activity duration, onset and end and integrated EMG (IEMG).
  • Parameters like onset, end, and duration of muscle activity, as well as the IEMG were observed and noted.

Observations and Results

  • For all three muscles studied, the onset and end of muscle activity occurred earlier in the stride cycle as speed increased.
  • As speed increased, the LD muscle experienced a longer duration of activity, while the RA muscle had a shorter activity duration. The activity duration for the Sp muscle remained unchanged.
  • EMG activity for the Sp muscle was minimally affected by speed, but it increased linearly with speed for the LD and RA muscles.
  • When changing the treadmill incline from 0 to 6%, EMG activity for the LD and RA muscles started and ended later, with an extended activity duration noted. Temporal parameters for the Sp muscle, however, remained unchanged.
  • An increase in the ramp inclination led to a significant, progressive increase in the IEMG of all three muscles.

Conclusions and Implications

  • The researchers observed that changes in treadmill speed and incline significantly influenced the activity of crucial trunk muscles in trotting horses.
  • The effects on individual muscles varied, with some showing increased activity duration with speed or incline changes, and others demonstrating minimal changes.
  • The obtained data can be used to tailor training programs for horses, particularly those focusing on the enhancement of specific trunk muscles.

Cite This Article

APA
Robert C, Valette JP, Denoix JM. (2001). The effects of treadmill inclination and speed on the activity of three trunk muscles in the trotting horse. Equine Vet J, 33(5), 466-472. https://doi.org/10.2746/042516401776254745

Publication

Equine veterinary journal
ISSN: 0425-1644
NlmUniqueID: 0173320
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 33
Issue: 5
Pages: 466-472

Researcher Affiliations

Robert, C
  • UMR INRA-DGER, Biomécanique et Pathalogie Locomotrice du Cheval, UP Anatomie, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Maisons-Alfort, France.
Valette, J P
    Denoix, J M

      MeSH Terms

      • Animals
      • Biomechanical Phenomena
      • Electromyography / methods
      • Electromyography / veterinary
      • Exercise Test / veterinary
      • Gait / physiology
      • Horses / physiology
      • Muscle, Skeletal / physiology
      • Physical Conditioning, Animal
      • Rectus Abdominis / physiology
      • Time Factors

      Citations

      This article has been cited 16 times.
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