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Equine veterinary journal. Supplement2001; (33); 145-149; doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.2001.tb05378.x

Three-dimensional kinematics of the equine spine during canter.

Abstract: Most research on equine kinematics has previously been performed in the walking and/or trotting animal. This is also true for the few studies on the kinematics of the equine back. These studies have, for the major part, focused on the flexion-extension movement in the sagittal plane. However, vertebrae can rotate in 3 dimensions. This study was designed to determine all 3 rotations in various segments of the vertebral column of a cantering horse. Five Dutch Warmblood horses were measured during treadmill canter (7.3 m/s). Steinmann pins were inserted into the dorsal spinous processes of 8 thoracic (T), lumbar (L) and sacral (S) vertebrae and into both tubera coxae. A set of 4 markers was rigidly attached to each pin. The marker data were used to calculate a rotation matrix that was subsequently decomposed into 3 orthogonal rotations (flexion/extension [FE]; lateral bending [LB] and axial rotation [AR]). For the 3 rotations the variability between the horses was low for FE, slightly larger for AR and largest for LB. The maximal range of motion (mean +/- s.d.) for FE, LB and AR was 15.8 +/- 1.3 degrees, 5.2 +/- 0.7 degrees and 7.8 +/- 1.2 degrees, respectively. With respect to relative angles, the largest FE motion was found between L5 and S3 with values for the range of motion up to 8.6 degrees. Simultaneous rotation of successive vertebrae was observed particularly during the single support and suspension phases in the stride cycle, which increases spinal stability. For all rotations, a close correlation was observed between the timing of the vertebral rotations and the pro- and retraction of the limbs.
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Publication Date: 2001-11-28 PubMed ID: 11721556DOI: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.2001.tb05378.xGoogle 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 research analyses the 3-dimensional movements of a horse’s spine during a canter, particularly in thoracic, lumbar and sacral vertebrae. The goal was to expand the knowledge of equine kinematics beyond the usual walk or trot to include cantering.

Study Design and Method

  • The study involved five Dutch Warmblood horses that were measured while cantering on a treadmill.
  • In the horses’ vertebral column, Steinmann pins were inserted into eight dorsal spinous processes. These processes included thoracic (T), lumbar (L) and sacral (S) vertebrae, as well as both tubera coxae.
  • Fours markers were securely attached to each pin to help obtain measurements.
  • The data from these markers were utilized to calculate a rotation matrix. This matrix was then divided into three orthogonal rotations: flexion/extension (FE); lateral bending (LB), and axial rotation (AR).

Findings

  • Among the three rotations, variability between horses was lowest for flexion/extension (FE), slightly higher for axial rotation (AR) and highest for lateral bending (LB).
  • The maximal range of movement was, for flexion-extension, lateral bending, and axial rotation, 15.8 +/- 1.3 degrees, 5.2 +/- 0.7 degrees, and 7.8 +/- 1.2 degrees respectively.
  • Regarding relative angles, the most significant flexion-extension motion occurred between the L5 and S3 vertebrae, with motion range values of up to 8.6 degrees.
  • Simultaneous rotation of successive vertebrae was most prominent during the single support and suspension phases of the stride cycle, which improves spinal stability.
  • It was observed for all rotations that the timing of vertebral rotations and the pro- and retraction of the limbs closely correlated.

Implication

  • This study offers new insights into equine kinematics during a canter, an area that has been less explored in comparison to walks and trots.
  • The analysis of the rotations and movements of the vertebrae helps create a clearer understanding of the biomechanics involved in a horse’s canter. These insights could potentially be leveraged in therapies and training protocols for performance horses, allowing for better care and performance optimization.

Cite This Article

APA
Faber M, Johnston C, Schamhardt HC, van Weeren PR, Roepstorff L, Barneveld A. (2001). Three-dimensional kinematics of the equine spine during canter. Equine Vet J Suppl(33), 145-149. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2042-3306.2001.tb05378.x

Publication

Equine veterinary journal. Supplement
NlmUniqueID: 9614088
Country: United States
Language: English
Issue: 33
Pages: 145-149

Researcher Affiliations

Faber, M
  • Equine Biomechanics Research Group, Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, PO Box 80.153, 3508 TD Utrecht, The Netherlands.
Johnston, C
    Schamhardt, H C
      van Weeren, P R
        Roepstorff, L
          Barneveld, A

            MeSH Terms

            • Animals
            • Biomechanical Phenomena
            • Exercise Test / veterinary
            • Female
            • Horses / physiology
            • Locomotion / physiology
            • Male
            • Spine / physiology
            • Video Recording

            Citations

            This article has been cited 14 times.
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