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Equine veterinary journal2020; 53(5); 1063-1074; doi: 10.1111/evj.13370

Variation in GPS and accelerometer recorded velocity and stride parameters of galloping Thoroughbred horses.

Abstract: With each stride, galloping horses generate large skeletal loads which influence bone physiology, and may contribute to musculoskeletal injury. Horse speed and stride characteristics are related, but the usefulness of using horse speed and distance travelled as a proxy for stride characteristics is unknown. Objective: We aimed to determine stride characteristics, their variance and their relationship with speed in horses performing maximally. Methods: Retrospective cross-sectional analysis of archived data. Methods: Stride characteristics obtained using GPS and inertial sensors in Thoroughbred horses were retrieved. Data per 200 m race segment ('sectionals') for horses competing in races (N = 25,259 race starts) were analysed to determine if speed predicted stride parameters. Multivariable mixed-effects linear regression models were fitted. Results: Mean (±SD) stride length, stride count (number of strides per 200 m), duration and speed were 7.08 ± 0.39 m, 28.32 ± 1.56 strides/200 m, 0.43 ± 0.02 s/stride and 16.63 ± 1.04 m/s across all sectionals and starts. Speed and stride length decreased, and stride count increased with race progression (P < 0.001). Male sex, greater race distance, better finishing position and firmer track surfaces were associated with less strides per 200 m and longer stride durations. Conclusions: Lack of an independent party validation of the measurement system used in this study. Conclusions: There was a substantial inter-horse variation in stride parameters, with speed predicting half or less of this variation. Speed alone does not fully explain stride characteristics in horses. Future studies aimed at investigating the impact of gait on bone biology and pathology would benefit from accounting for stride characteristics (eg length and duration).
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Publication Date: 2020-11-23 PubMed ID: 33098592DOI: 10.1111/evj.13370Google Scholar: Lookup
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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.

The research article attempts to study the stride characteristics of galloping Thoroughbred horses and their variation. The study finds that the speed of the horse doesn’t completely explain its stride characteristics and suggests further research to include factors like stride length and duration for a comprehensive understanding.

Objective and Methodology of the Study

  • The primary goal of this research was to understand the stride characteristics of Thoroughbred horses and their variation. It also aimed to determine the relationship between the speed of horses and their stride parameters.
  • The researchers conducted a retrospective cross-sectional analysis of previously collected data. The data, which included stride properties acquired through Global Positioning System (GPS) and inertial sensors from horses partaking in races, were analyzed retrospectively.
  • A statistical method called multivariable mixed-effects linear regression models was employed to determine the association between speed and stride parameters.

Results of the Study

  • The findings revealed a substantial inter-horse variation in stride parameters, such as stride length, stride count (total strides per 200m), stride duration, and speed, with speed predicting only half or less of this variance.
  • The research also found that speed and stride length tend to decrease as the race progresses, while the stride count increases.
  • Another key observation was that factors like male sex, the overall race distance, the horse’s final position, and the firmness of the track surfaces are associated with lesser strides per 200m and longer stride durations.

Conclusions and Recommendations

  • The research concluded that speed alone does not completely decipher the stride characteristics in Thoroughbred horses.
  • The authors identified that variation in stride parameters may have more significant influence, indicating the need to factor in stride characteristics such as length and duration for future studies, especially those focusing on bone biology and pathology in horses.
  • The authors also noted the lack of an independent party validation of the measurement system utilized in the study.

Cite This Article

APA
Morrice-West AV, Hitchens PL, Walmsley EA, Stevenson MA, Wong ASM, Whitton RC. (2020). Variation in GPS and accelerometer recorded velocity and stride parameters of galloping Thoroughbred horses. Equine Vet J, 53(5), 1063-1074. https://doi.org/10.1111/evj.13370

Publication

Equine veterinary journal
ISSN: 2042-3306
NlmUniqueID: 0173320
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 53
Issue: 5
Pages: 1063-1074

Researcher Affiliations

Morrice-West, Ashleigh V
  • U-Vet Equine Centre, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Werribee, Vic., Australia.
Hitchens, Peta L
  • U-Vet Equine Centre, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Werribee, Vic., Australia.
Walmsley, Elizabeth A
  • U-Vet Equine Centre, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Werribee, Vic., Australia.
Stevenson, Mark A
  • Asia-Pacific Centre for Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic., Australia.
Wong, Adelene S M
  • U-Vet Equine Centre, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Werribee, Vic., Australia.
Whitton, R Chris
  • U-Vet Equine Centre, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Werribee, Vic., Australia.

MeSH Terms

  • Accelerometry / veterinary
  • Animals
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Gait
  • Horses
  • Linear Models
  • Male
  • Retrospective Studies

Grant Funding

  • Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation, Inc.
  • Tasracing Pty Ltd
  • Racing Victoria
  • University of Melbourne
  • Victorian Racing Industry Fund

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Citations

This article has been cited 11 times.
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  2. Morrice-West AV, Hitchens PL, Walmsley EA, Tasker K, Lim SL, Smith AD, Whitton RC. Relationship between Thoroughbred workloads in racing and the fatigue life of equine subchondral bone. Sci Rep 2022 Jul 7;12(1):11528.
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  4. Wong ASM, Morrice-West AV, Whitton RC, Hitchens PL. Changes in Thoroughbred speed and stride characteristics over successive race starts and their association with musculoskeletal injury. Equine Vet J 2023 Mar;55(2):194-204.
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  5. Busse NI, Gonzalez ML, Krason ML, Johnson SE. β-Hydroxy β-methylbutyrate supplementation to adult Thoroughbred geldings increases type IIA fiber content in the gluteus medius. J Anim Sci 2021 Oct 1;99(10).
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