Use of laser light to treat certain lesions in standardbreds.

The research article discusses a study where a group of Standardbred horses with specific injuries or conditions were treated with infrared laser light. The results post-treatment were evaluated based on the horses’ final and last-quarter race times, and their racing classes.

Research Methodology

• The study involved the treatment and subsequent analysis of a group of Standardbreds with either check ligament injuries, plantar desmitis, or pharyngeal lymphoid hyperplasia.
• A 904-nm infrared laser light source was used for the therapies, with varying frequency modes and durations of application tailored to each condition. Check ligament injuries were treated at 146 Hz for 26 sec/cm2 affected area, plantar desmitis at 73 Hz and 292 Hz for acute and chronic situations respectively, and pharyngeal lymphoid hyperplasia at 146 Hz for 5-minute spans.
• The effectiveness of the treatment was not evaluated through physiological changes only, but more so through the performance of the horses in races, before and after the treatment. This means that the study considered the application of horses in their true work environments.

Key Findings

The study finds that most horses treated with the laser application had similar or faster completion race times, last-quarter race times, and raced in equal or higher classes after treatment.

• For check ligament injuries:
  • Out of 35 horses treated, 80% retained similar or improved final race times post-treatment.
  • 68.6% showed similar or better performance in the last-quarter times.
  • 68.6% raced in similar or higher classes after being treated.
• For plantar desmitis:
  • Out of 8 horses treated, 87.5% exhibited similar or better final and last-quarter times, and competed in similar or better racing classes.
• For pharyngeal lymphoid hyperplasia:
  • Out of 30 horses treated, 80% demonstrated improved or similar final race times.
  • 90% delivered similar or faster times in the last-quarter race.
  • 70% competed in higher or equal classes post-treatment.

Implications

• The findings suggest that infrared laser light treatment can be beneficial for Standardbreds with these specific health problems. The treatment does not appear to impair athletic performance, rather, it seems to aid recovery.
• This study provides a basis on which further research can be conducted into the full range of benefits and potential applications of infrared laser light therapy in equine health and sports.