Use of high-speed cinematography and computer generated gait diagrams for the study of equine hindlimb kinematics.

The research focuses on using high-speed cinematography and computer-aided analysis to study the kinematics (motion) of horse hindlimbs during trotting or pacing.

Objective of the Research

The researchers are exploring the applications and effectiveness of high-speed filming coupled with computer aided analysis, to investigate and understand the kinematics of a horse’s hindlimb. Specifically, they are aiming to provide concrete data on various parameters of hindlimb motion during trotting or pacing.

Methodology of the Research

• Eight horses were selected for the study and were filmed while trotting or pacing from the side (lateral view) and back (caudal view).
• Various parameters related to the horse’s motion were measured. This included data from the lateral view such as the heights of the tuber coxae and tailhead, protraction and retraction of the hoof, along with angular changes of the tarsus and stifle.
• From the caudal view, abduction and adduction of the limb were observed and tarsal height changes were measured.
• The researchers also recorded maximum and minimum values, standard deviations, and coefficients of variations.

Construction of Gait Diagrams

• The data obtained was then used to create three types of gait diagrams — stifle angle versus tarsal angle, metatarsophalangeal height versus protraction-retraction (fetlock height diagram), and tuber coxae and tailhead height versus stride (pelvic height diagram).
• These diagrams serve as the graphical representation of a horse’s hindlimb movement and offer additional visual aids to understand the kinematics.

Results and Relevance of the Findings

• Applying this technique of high-speed cinematography with computer aided analysis on the group of horses showed good repeatability. This indicates that the method was consistently successful in analyzing and portraying the horse’s gait.
• The gait diagrams made appeared to be sensitive indicators of left-right asymmetries. This suggests that they could be valuable tools for identifying and studying discrepancies between the movements of the left and right limbs of a horse.