Validity of saddle pressure measurements using force-sensing array technology–preliminary studies.
Abstract: Back pain is a common and poorly understood clinical problem. An important factor in this regard is the induction or exacerbation of back pain from badly designed or poorly fitting saddles. This study used a pressure-sensing mat to investigate saddle fit. The aims of the study were to confirm the accuracy and reliability of the force-sensing array technology when used to measure pressure beneath the saddles of horses, and to collect some initial data from normal healthy horses with well-fitting saddles. Experiments were undertaken to establish that a linear relationship existed between the total force (weight) exerted and the pressure measured beneath the saddle, using both a wooden horse and a live horse in the standing position. Further studies were performed to demonstrate that characteristic changes of the centre of pressure occur while horses move at the walk, sitting trot, rising trot, and canter.
Copyright 1999 Harcourt Publishers Ltd.
Publication Date: 1999-09-18 PubMed ID: 10489267DOI: 10.1053/tvjl.1998.0334Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
Summary
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This research looks into the reliability and accuracy of using force-sensing array technology to measure pressure under horse saddles, thus addressing a factor contributing to <a href="/back-pain-in-horses/" title="Back Pain in Horses: Signs, Causes, Treatment & Management”>back pain issues. Experiments conducted also studied how the center of pressure changes as horses engage in different types of movement.
Study Objectives and Methods
- The study had two main objectives: to confirm the reliability and accuracy of force-sensing array (FSA) technology in measuring saddle pressure (a contributing factor to back pain), and to gather preliminary data from healthy horses with well-fitting saddles.
- The researchers used experimental and control measures to establish a linear relationship between the total force, or weight, exerted, and the pressure measured beneath the saddle. They carried out these experiments on both a wooden horse model and a live horse in a standing position.
Investigation of Pressure Shifts
- Further to this, they conducted additional studies to observe changes in the center of pressure during different horse movements, including walking, sitting trot, rising trot, and canter.
- The shifts in the center of pressure are significant, as they affect the fit of the saddle. Poor saddle fit can induce or intensify back pain, so understanding these variations as the horse moves is crucial for improving saddle design and fitting.
Implications and Relevance
- This study lays the groundwork for in-depth research into saddle fit, promoting horse comfort and potentially reducing back pain incidents, not just in horses, but also in riders. By establishing the validity and reliability of FSA technology for this purpose, it opens up possibilities for more precise saddle design tailored to the specific needs of individual horses during different types of movement.
- Additionally, the information provides practical value to equestrians, horse caretakers, saddle manufacturers, and other relevant stakeholders in the horse riding and racing industry.
Cite This Article
APA
Jeffcott LB, Holmes MA, Townsend HG.
(1999).
Validity of saddle pressure measurements using force-sensing array technology–preliminary studies.
Vet J, 158(2), 113-119.
https://doi.org/10.1053/tvjl.1998.0334 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Madingley Road, Cambridge, CB3 0ES, UK.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Back Pain / etiology
- Back Pain / physiopathology
- Back Pain / veterinary
- Body Weight
- Female
- Gait / physiology
- Horse Diseases / etiology
- Horse Diseases / physiopathology
- Horses
- Humans
- Male
- Pilot Projects
- Pressure / adverse effects
Citations
This article has been cited 13 times.- Becard B, Sapone M, Martin P, Hanne-Poujade S, Babu A, Hébert C, Joly P, Bertucci W, Houel N. Quantification of the Effect of Saddle Fitting on Rider-Horse Biomechanics Using Inertial Measurement Units. Sensors (Basel) 2025 Jul 30;25(15).
- Sanigavatee K, Poochipakorn C, Charoenchanikran P, Joongpan W, Chanda M. Z-Bar Shoeing Demonstrates Potential for Long-Term Foot Pain Management during an Exercise Training Regimen in a Show Jumping Pony with Uniaxial Palmar Pain. Case Rep Vet Med 2022;2022:8468403.
- Lerch N, Cirulli F, Rochais C, Lesimple C, Guilbaud E, Contalbrigo L, Borgi M, Grandgeorge M, Hausberger M. Interest in Humans: Comparisons between Riding School Lesson Equids and Assisted-Intervention Equids. Animals (Basel) 2021 Aug 28;11(9).
- Mactaggart G, Waran N, Phillips CJC. Identification of Thoroughbred Racehorse Welfare Issues by Industry Stakeholders. Animals (Basel) 2021 May 11;11(5).
- Soroko M, Zaborski D, Dudek K, Yarnell K, Górniak W, Vardasca R. Evaluation of thermal pattern distributions in racehorse saddles using infrared thermography. PLoS One 2019;14(8):e0221622.
- Sénèque E, Morisset S, Lesimple C, Hausberger M. Testing optimal methods to compare horse postures using geometric morphometrics. PLoS One 2018;13(10):e0204208.
- Clayton HM, Hampson A, Fraser P, White A, Egenvall A. Comparison of rider stability in a flapless saddle versus a conventional saddle. PLoS One 2018;13(6):e0196960.
- Pawluski J, Jego P, Henry S, Bruchet A, Palme R, Coste C, Hausberger M. Low plasma cortisol and fecal cortisol metabolite measures as indicators of compromised welfare in domestic horses (Equus caballus). PLoS One 2017;12(9):e0182257.
- Flores FM, Dagnese F, Mota CB, Copetti F. Parameters of the center of pressure displacement on the saddle during hippotherapy on different surfaces. Braz J Phys Ther 2015 May-Jun;19(3):211-7.
- Hausberger M, Fureix C, Bourjade M, Wessel-Robert S, Richard-Yris MA. On the significance of adult play: what does social play tell us about adult horse welfare?. Naturwissenschaften 2012 Apr;99(4):291-302.
- Fureix C, Menguy H, Hausberger M. Partners with bad temper: reject or cure? A study of chronic pain and aggression in horses. PLoS One 2010 Aug 26;5(8):e12434.
- Lesimple C, Fureix C, Menguy H, Hausberger M. Human direct actions may alter animal welfare, a study on horses (Equus caballus). PLoS One 2010 Apr 28;5(4):e10257.
- Reistetter T, Abreu BC, Bear-Lehman J, Ottenbacher KJ. Unilateral and bilateral upper extremity weight-bearing effect on upper extremity impairment and functional performance after brain injury. Occup Ther Int 2009;16(3-4):218-31.
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