The energetics of the trot-gallop transition.
Abstract: Two studies have focused on potential triggers for the trot-gallop transition in the horse. One study concluded that the transition was triggered by metabolic economy. The second study found that it was not metabolic factors but, rather, peak musculoskeletal forces that determine gait transition speeds. In theory, peak musculoskeletal forces should be the same when trotting up an incline as when trotting at the same speed on the level. Assuming this is the case, we hypothesized that if peak forces determine gait transition speeds then horses should switch from a trot to a gallop at the same speed (i.e. the same critical force) regardless of incline. The aim of the present research was to examine the effects of incline on the trot-gallop transition speed in horses and to re-examine the role of metabolism in determining the trot-gallop transition. Horses (Equus caballus) were conditioned to run on a high-speed treadmill prior to data collection. Gait changes were recorded for each horse using a standardized testing protocol on the level and when trotting up a 10% incline. Both maximum sustained trotting speeds and minimum sustained galloping speeds, representing the lower and upper limits of the trot-gallop transition, respectively, were significantly slower when trotting up an incline. After completing collection of gait transition data, the horses were trained to extend their gaits beyond the normal transition speeds, and metabolic data were collected. Maximum sustained trotting speeds were not different from the energetically optimal transition speeds, i.e. the speed at which metabolic rates are the same for both gaits.
Publication Date: 2003-03-26 PubMed ID: 12654894DOI: 10.1242/jeb.00276Google 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.
- Comparative Study
- Journal Article
- Research Support
- U.S. Gov't
- P.H.S.
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 investigates the transition from trotting to galloping in horses, considering the roles of musculoskeletal forces and metabolism, including a focus on how incline affects the speed at which this transition happens. The study found that both maximum sustained trotting and minimum sustained galloping speeds were slower on an incline, and that the optimal speed for transitioning between gaits matches the maximum sustainable trotting speed.
Objectives and Hypothesis
- The research aimed to understand the effects of slope on the speed of transition from trot to gallop in horses, and to re-assess the role of metabolism in this transition. This undertaking emerged from previous studies that suggested either metabolic economy or peak musculoskeletal forces as triggers for gait transition.
- The hypothesis of the research was that if peak forces indeed determine gait transition speeds, then horses should switch to galloping from trotting at the same speed, regardless of the incline (assuming the same critical force).
Methodology
- The horses used in the experiment (Equus caballus) were conditioned to run on a high-speed treadmill before data collection.
- A standardized testing protocol was used to record gait changes at level and on a 10% incline.
- After recording the gait transition data, the horses were trained to extend their gaits beyond normal transition speeds, and metabolic data was subsequently collected.
Findings
- The research showed that both the maximum sustainable speed for trotting and the minimum sustainable speed for galloping were significantly slower when going up an incline, indicating that slope affects the transition speed.
- The maximal sustained trotting speeds were similar to the energetically optimal transition speeds, which imply the speed where metabolic rates are equal for both gaits.
Conclusion
- The study offers valuable insights into the factors determining gait transition in horses, supporting the hypothesis that peak musculoskeletal forces, influenced by inclines, play a role in gait transition.
- It also highlighted the significance of metabolic economy, revealing that the energetically optimal trot-gallop transition speed is the same as the maximum sustainable trotting speed.
Cite This Article
APA
Wickler SJ, Hoyt DF, Cogger EA, Myers G.
(2003).
The energetics of the trot-gallop transition.
J Exp Biol, 206(Pt 9), 1557-1564.
https://doi.org/10.1242/jeb.00276 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Departments of Animal and Veterinary Science, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, CA 91768, USA. sjwickler@csupomona.edu
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Energy Metabolism / physiology
- Gait / physiology
- Horses / metabolism
- Horses / physiology
- Oxygen Consumption / physiology
- Physical Exertion / physiology
Grant Funding
- S06GM53933 / NIGMS NIH HHS
Citations
This article has been cited 11 times.- Granatosky MC, Bryce CM, Hanna J, Fitzsimons A, Laird MF, Stilson K, Wall CE, Ross CF. Inter-stride variability triggers gait transitions in mammals and birds. Proc Biol Sci 2018 Dec 19;285(1893):20181766.
- Halsey LG, White CR. Terrestrial locomotion energy costs vary considerably between species: no evidence that this is explained by rate of leg force production or ecology. Sci Rep 2019 Jan 24;9(1):656.
- Aoi S, Manoonpong P, Ambe Y, Matsuno F, Wörgötter F. Adaptive Control Strategies for Interlimb Coordination in Legged Robots: A Review. Front Neurorobot 2017;11:39.
- Owaki D, Ishiguro A. A Quadruped Robot Exhibiting Spontaneous Gait Transitions from Walking to Trotting to Galloping. Sci Rep 2017 Mar 21;7(1):277.
- Wei X, Long Y, Wang C, Wang S. A Critical Characteristic in the Transverse Galloping Pattern. Appl Bionics Biomech 2015;2015:631354.
- Wilkinson H, Thavarajah N, Codd J. The metabolic cost of walking on an incline in the Peacock (Pavo cristatus). PeerJ 2015;3:e987.
- Viry S, Sleimen-Malkoun R, Temprado JJ, Frances JP, Berton E, Laurent M, Nicol C. Patterns of horse-rider coordination during endurance race: a dynamical system approach. PLoS One 2013;8(8):e71804.
- Aoi S, Katayama D, Fujiki S, Tomita N, Funato T, Yamashita T, Senda K, Tsuchiya K. A stability-based mechanism for hysteresis in the walk-trot transition in quadruped locomotion. J R Soc Interface 2013 Apr 6;10(81):20120908.
- Nudds RL, Folkow LP, Lees JJ, Tickle PG, Stokkan KA, Codd JR. Evidence for energy savings from aerial running in the Svalbard rock ptarmigan (Lagopus muta hyperborea). Proc Biol Sci 2011 Sep 7;278(1718):2654-61.
- Lee DV, McGuigan MP, Yoo EH, Biewener AA. Compliance, actuation, and work characteristics of the goat foreleg and hindleg during level, uphill, and downhill running. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2008 Jan;104(1):130-41.
- Rubenson J, Heliams DB, Lloyd DG, Fournier PA. Gait selection in the ostrich: mechanical and metabolic characteristics of walking and running with and without an aerial phase. Proc Biol Sci 2004 May 22;271(1543):1091-9.
Use Nutrition Calculator
Check if your horse's diet meets their nutrition requirements with our easy-to-use tool Check your horse's diet with our easy-to-use tool
Talk to a Nutritionist
Discuss your horse's feeding plan with our experts over a free phone consultation Discuss your horse's diet over a phone consultation
Submit Diet Evaluation
Get a customized feeding plan for your horse formulated by our equine nutritionists Get a custom feeding plan formulated by our nutritionists
