The use of H(orse) INDEX: a method of analysing the ground reaction force patterns of lame and normal gaited horses at the walk.

This research article presents a method for analyzing the gait of horses using ground reaction force tracings. The method, termed as the H(orse) INDEX, allows for comparison of horses with various clinical histories to a standard, thereby aiding in clinical evaluations.

Research Background and Objectives

• The study focuses on developing a technique to assess the gait pattern of horses, particularly those with differing medical histories.
• The main objective is to help veterinary practitioners better understand:
  • The severity and impact of lameness in horses,
  • Deviation from the gait pattern of a standard Dutch Warmblood horse.

Methodology

• The researchers monitored the ground reaction force (GRF) tracings of 17 horses with various clinical backgrounds.
• They studied the patterns, times of occurrence, and impulses of selected peaks in these tracings.
• The data collected were then compared with the measurements taken from 20 standard Dutch Warmblood horses.
• Parameters such as amplitudes, impulses, and peak timings were processed to create indices representing each limb.
• The symmetry in loading between forelimbs and hindlimbs allowed calculation of amplitude and peak-time symmetry indices.

The H(orse) INDEX

• The H(orse) INDEX is a combination of limb and symmetry indices.
• It offers a quantitative measure indicative of the ground reaction force patterns in horses.
• Different weighting factors are used to combine the resulting factors into one comprehensive index.

Utility and Application

• The H(orse) INDEX, when used alongside visual graphics of the GRF tracings, can provide meaningful insights in clinical assessments of force plate measurements.
• This method can help equine clinicians make accurate evaluations and formulate appropriate treatment plans.