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Leclercq A, Ask K, Mellbin Y, Byström A, Serra Bragança FM, Söderlind M, Telezhenko E, Bergsten C, Haubro Andersen P, Rhodin M, Hernlund E. Kinematic changes in dairy cows with induced hindlimb lameness: transferring methodology from the field of equine biomechanics. Animal 2024; 18:101269. [PMID: 39216156 DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2024.101269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Lameness is a common issue on dairy farms, with serious implications for economy and animal welfare. Affected animals may be overlooked until their condition becomes severe. Thus, improved lameness detection methods are needed. In this study, we describe kinematic changes in dairy cows with induced, mild to moderate hindlimb lameness in detail using a "whole-body approach". Thereby, we aimed to identify explicable features to discriminate between lame and non-lame animals for use in future automated surveillance systems. For this purpose, we induced a mild to moderate and fully reversible hindlimb lameness in 16 dairy cows. We obtained 41 straight-line walk measurements (containing > 3 000 stride cycles) using 11 inertial measurement units attached to predefined locations on the cows' upper body and limbs. One baseline and ≥ 1 induction measurement(s) were obtained from each cow. Thirty-one spatial and temporal parameters related to limb movement and inter-limb coordination, upper body vertical displacement symmetry and range of motion (ROMz), as well as pelvic pitch and roll, were calculated on a stride-by-stride basis. For upper body locations, vertical within-stride movement asymmetry was investigated both by calculating within-stride differences between local extrema, and by a signal decomposition approach. For each parameter, the baseline condition was compared with induction condition in linear mixed-effect models, while accounting for stride duration. Significant difference between baseline and induction condition was seen for 23 out of 31 kinematic parameters. Lameness induction was associated with decreased maximum protraction (-5.8%) and retraction (-3.7%) angles of the distal portion of the induced/non-induced limb respectively. Diagonal and lateral dissociation of foot placement (ratio of stride duration) involving the non-induced limb decreased by 8.8 and 4.4%, while diagonal dissociation involving the induced limb increased by 7.7%. Increased within-stride vertical displacement asymmetry of the poll, neck, withers, thoracolumbar junction (back) and tubera sacrale (TS) were seen. This was most notable for the back and poll, where a 40 and 24% increase of the first harmonic amplitude (asymmetric component) and 27 and 14% decrease of the second harmonic amplitude (symmetric component) of vertical displacement were seen. ROMz increased in all these landmarks except for TS. Changes in pelvic roll main components, but not in the range of motion of either pitch or roll angle per stride, were seen. Thus, we identified several kinematic features which may be used in future surveillance systems. Further studies are needed to determine their usefulness in realistic conditions, and to implement methods on farms.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Leclercq
- Department of Animal Biosciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - K Ask
- Department of Animal Biosciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Y Mellbin
- Department of Animal Biosciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - A Byström
- Department of Applied Animal Science and Welfare, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - F M Serra Bragança
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - M Söderlind
- Department of Animal Biosciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - E Telezhenko
- Department of Biosystems and Technology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Alnarp, Sweden
| | - C Bergsten
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - P Haubro Andersen
- Department of Animal Biosciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - M Rhodin
- Department of Animal Biosciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - E Hernlund
- Department of Animal Biosciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
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Pedersen A, Hyytiäinen HK, Rhodin M, Forterre F, Penell J, Bergh A. Effect of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation on Gait Parameters in Dogs with Osteoarthritis. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1626. [PMID: 38891673 PMCID: PMC11171175 DOI: 10.3390/ani14111626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Osteoarthritis is a common degenerative disease in dogs, often manifested as pain, joint swelling, and lameness. Despite the lack of scientific evidence for its treatment efficacy, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is used in dogs as a pain-relieving treatment. This randomised single-blinded cross-over study investigated the effect of TENS on gait parameters in fifteen dogs with osteoarthritis. Stance time, swing time, stride time, stride length, peak vertical force (%BW), vertical impulse (%BW*sec), and symmetry indices were obtained using a pressure-sensitive mat. TENS treatment of 80 Hz and 100 µs with an individually selected amplitude was conducted for 45 min once daily for a treatment period of seven or ten days. No significant differences were seen between TENS and placebo for any of the gait parameters. Hence, in this study, TENS did not affect gait parameters, compared to placebo. Further studies are needed to confirm the observations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja Pedersen
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 750 07 Uppsala, Sweden; (M.R.); (F.F.); (J.P.); (A.B.)
| | - Heli K. Hyytiäinen
- Department of Equine and Small Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 57, 00014 Helsinki, Finland;
| | - Marie Rhodin
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 750 07 Uppsala, Sweden; (M.R.); (F.F.); (J.P.); (A.B.)
| | - Franck Forterre
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 750 07 Uppsala, Sweden; (M.R.); (F.F.); (J.P.); (A.B.)
| | - Johanna Penell
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 750 07 Uppsala, Sweden; (M.R.); (F.F.); (J.P.); (A.B.)
| | - Anna Bergh
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 750 07 Uppsala, Sweden; (M.R.); (F.F.); (J.P.); (A.B.)
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Smit IH, Hernlund E, Persson-Sjodin E, Björnsdóttir S, Gunnarsdottir H, Gunnarsson V, Rhodin M, Serra Braganca FM. Adaptation strategies of the Icelandic horse with induced forelimb lameness at walk, trot and tölt. Equine Vet J 2024; 56:617-630. [PMID: 37674472 DOI: 10.1111/evj.13998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Lameness assessment in the gaited Icelandic horse is complex. We aimed to describe their kinematic and temporal adaptation strategies in response to forelimb lameness at walk, trot and tölt. STUDY DESIGN In vivo experiment. METHODS Ten clinically non-lame Icelandic horses were measured before and after reversible forelimb lameness induction. Upper body and limb kinematics were measured using 11 inertial measurement units mounted on the poll, withers, pelvis (tubera sacrale) and all four limbs and hoofs (Equimoves®, 500 Hz). Horses were measured on a straight line at walk and trot in-hand and at walk, trot and tölt while ridden. Linear mixed models were used to compare baseline and lame conditions (random factor = 'horse'), and results are presented as the difference in estimated marginal means or percentage of change. RESULTS Lameness induction significantly (p < 0.05) increased head vertical movement asymmetry at walk (HDmin/HDmaxHAND: 18.8/5.7 mm, HDmin/HDmaxRIDDEN: 9.8/0.3 mm) and trot (HDmin/HDmaxHAND: 18.1/7.8 mm, HDmin/HDmaxRIDDEN: 24.0/9.3 mm). At the tölt, however, HDmin did not change significantly (1.1 mm), but HDmax increased by 11.2 mm (p < 0.05). Furthermore, pelvis vertical movement asymmetry (PDmax) increased by 4.9 mm, sound side dissociation decreased (-8.3%), and sound diagonal dissociation increased (6.5%). Other temporal stride variables were also affected, such as increased stance duration of both forelimbs at walk, tölt and in-hand trot. MAIN LIMITATIONS Only one degree of lameness (mild) was induced with an acute lameness model. CONCLUSIONS Classical forelimb lameness metrics, such as vertical head and withers movement asymmetry, were less valuable at tölt compared to walk and trot, except for HDmax. Therefore, it is advised to primarily use the walk and trot to detect and quantify forelimb lameness in the Icelandic horse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ineke H Smit
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Elin Hernlund
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Emma Persson-Sjodin
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | | | | | | | - Marie Rhodin
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Filipe M Serra Braganca
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Pfau T, Clark KS, Bolt DM, Lai JS, Perrier M, Rhodes JB, Smith RK, Fiske-Jackson A. Changes in Head and Pelvic Movement Symmetry after Diagnostic Anaesthesia: Interactions between Subjective Judgement Categories and Commonly Applied Blocks. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:3769. [PMID: 38136806 PMCID: PMC10740945 DOI: 10.3390/ani13243769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Limited evidence is available relating gait changes to diagnostic anaesthesia. We investigated associations between specific movement patterns and diagnostic anaesthesia of different anatomical structures in a retrospective analysis. Referral-level lameness cases were included with the following criteria: presence of diagnostic anaesthesia of a forelimb and/or hind limb; subjective efficacy classified as "negative", "partially positive", or "positive"; quantitative gait data available from inertial measurement units. Gait changes were calculated for three forelimb (palmar digital, abaxial sesamoid, low 4-point nerve block) and five hind limb diagnostic blocks (tarso-metatarsal, metatarsophalangeal joint block, deep branch of lateral plantar, low 6-point, abaxial sesamoid nerve block). Mixed models (random factor "case", fixed factors "diagnostic anaesthesia type" and "efficacy", two-way interaction) assessed the head and pelvic movement (p < 0.05, Bonferroni correction). Four parameters were significantly affected by forelimb anaesthesia (N = 265) (all p ≤ 0.031) and six by hind limb anaesthesia (N = 342) efficacy (all p ≤ 0.001). All head movement parameters and pelvic push-off asymmetry were significantly affected by the two-way interaction after forelimb anaesthesia (all p ≤ 0.023) and two pelvic movement symmetry parameters by the two-way interaction after hind limb anaesthesia (all p ≤ 0.020). There are interactions between block efficacy and type resulting in changes in weight-bearing and push-off-associated head and pelvic movement symmetry after diagnostic anaesthesia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thilo Pfau
- Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Kaitlyn Sophia Clark
- Department of Clinical Science and Services, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, Hatfield AL9 7TA, UK
| | - David M. Bolt
- Department of Clinical Science and Services, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, Hatfield AL9 7TA, UK
| | - Jaclyn Samantha Lai
- Department of Clinical Science and Services, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, Hatfield AL9 7TA, UK
| | - Melanie Perrier
- Department of Clinical Science and Services, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, Hatfield AL9 7TA, UK
| | - Jessica Bryce Rhodes
- Department of Clinical Science and Services, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, Hatfield AL9 7TA, UK
| | - Roger K. Smith
- Department of Clinical Science and Services, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, Hatfield AL9 7TA, UK
| | - Andrew Fiske-Jackson
- Department of Clinical Science and Services, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, Hatfield AL9 7TA, UK
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Larsen EA, Williams MR, Schoonover MJ, Jurek KA, Young JM, Duddy HR. Navicular bone fracture and severe deep digital flexor tendinopathy after palmar digital neurectomy in two horses. Open Vet J 2023; 13:1752-1759. [PMID: 38292704 PMCID: PMC10824075 DOI: 10.5455/ovj.2023.v13.i12.24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Navicular syndrome is a common cause of forelimb lameness in horses. Beyond changes to the navicular bone itself, horses with a clinical diagnosis of navicular syndrome often have pathology associated with other components of the navicular apparatus, including the navicular bursa, deep digital flexor (DDF) tendon, collateral sesamoidean ligaments, and impar ligament. Palmar digital neurectomy (PDN) is often used as a salvage procedure for horses diagnosed with navicular syndrome that become unresponsive to medical management. There are many potential complications associated with PDN, some of which are debilitating. Case Description This report describes two cases of navicular bone fracture with severe DDF tendinopathy and distal interphalangeal joint subluxation/hyperextension that occurred 12 and 19 weeks after bilateral forelimb PDN. Conclusion These two cases highlight the importance of proper patient selection before PDN due to the high incidence of undiagnosed soft tissue pathology in conjunction with radiographic evidence of navicular syndrome. Advanced imaging of the digit is recommended to identify and characterize any soft tissue pathology associated with the navicular apparatus before pursuing PDN to avoid disease progression and catastrophic injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A. Larsen
- Large Animal Clinical Sciences Department, University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
| | - Megan R. Williams
- Veterinary Clinical Sciences Department, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
| | - Mike J. Schoonover
- Veterinary Clinical Sciences Department, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
| | - Kelsey A. Jurek
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331, USA
| | - Jenna M. Young
- Veterinary Population Medicine Department, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN 55108, USA
| | - Hugh R. Duddy
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
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Egenvall A, Clayton HM, Byström A. Pilot study of locomotor asymmetry in horses walking in circles with and without a rider. PeerJ 2023; 11:e16373. [PMID: 37933258 PMCID: PMC10625764 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.16373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Horses commonly show asymmetries that manifest as left (L)-right (R) differences in vertical excursion of axial body segments. Moving on a circle confounds inherent individual asymmetries. Our goals were to evaluate individual and group asymmetry patterns and compare objective data with subjective impressions of side preference/laterality in horses walking on L and R circles. Methods Fifteen horses walked on L and R circles unridden and ridden on long and short reins. Optical motion capture (150 Hz) tracked skin-fixed markers. Variables were trunk horizontal angle; neck-to-trunk angle; vertical range of motion (ROM) for the head, withers and sacrum; ROM for pelvic roll, pitch, and yaw; mean pelvic pitch; and ROM for hip, stifle and tarsal joints. Differences between inside and outside hind steps were determined for vertical minima and maxima of the head (HMinDiff/HMaxDiff), withers (WMinDiff/WMaxDiff) and sacrum (PMinDiff/PMaxDiff). Subjective laterality was provided by owners. Data analysis used mixed models, first without and then with subjective laterality. Iterative k-means cluster analysis was used to associate biomechanical variables with subjective laterality. Results PMaxDiff, PMinDiff and WMaxDiff indicated R limb asymmetry in both directions. WMinDiff indicated L (inside) fore asymmetry for L direction but was close to zero for R direction. Hip ROM was significantly smaller for the inside limb in both directions (L inside/outside: 16.7° vs. 20.6°; R: 17.8° vs. 19.4°). Stifle ROM was significantly larger for the inside limb in both directions (L: 43.1° vs. 39.0°; R: 41.9° vs. 40.4°). Taking the general direction effect into account the R hip and L stifle had larger ROM. Adding laterality to the models (seven horses L- vs. six horses R-hollow), PMaxDiff R hind asymmetry was more obvious for L-hollow horses than for R-hollow horses. L-hollow horses had greater pelvic roll ROM moving in L vs. R direction. L-hollow horses had smaller inside and greater outside hip joint ROM in L vs. R direction. R-hollow horses had a significant difference in HMinDiff between L (0 mm) and R (-14 mm) directions, indicating less head lowering at outside forelimb midstance in R direction, and larger outside tarsal ROM in R (38.6°) vs. L (37.4°) direction (p ≤ 0.05). The variables that agreed most frequently with subjective laterality in cluster analysis were pelvic roll ROM, followed by HMinDiff and PMaxDiff. Conclusion Differences between horses walking in L and R directions were found both at group and individual levels, as well as evidence of associations with subjective laterality. Horses maintained more symmetric hip and stifle ROM and withers vertical motion when walking on the R circle. Findings suggest that left and right lateralised horses may not be perfect mirror images. Pelvic roll ROM emerged as a promising variable to determine laterality in walk as perceived by the rider, especially when considered together with other variables.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agneta Egenvall
- Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Clinical Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Hilary M. Clayton
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, East Lansing, MI, United States of America
| | - Anna Byström
- Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Animal Environment and Health, Uppsala, Sweden
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Parmentier JIM, Bosch S, van der Zwaag BJ, Weishaupt MA, Gmel AI, Havinga PJM, van Weeren PR, Braganca FMS. Prediction of continuous and discrete kinetic parameters in horses from inertial measurement units data using recurrent artificial neural networks. Sci Rep 2023; 13:740. [PMID: 36639409 PMCID: PMC9839734 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-27899-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Vertical ground reaction force (GRFz) measurements are the best tool for assessing horses' weight-bearing lameness. However, collection of these data is often impractical for clinical use. This study evaluates GRFz predicted using data from body-mounted IMUs and long short-term memory recurrent neural networks (LSTM-RNN). Twenty-four clinically sound horses, equipped with IMUs on the upper-body (UB) and each limb, walked and trotted on a GRFz measuring treadmill (TiF). Both systems were time-synchronised. Data from randomly selected 16, 4, and 4 horses formed training, validation, and test datasets, respectively. LSTM-RNN with different input sets (All, Limbs, UB, Sacrum, or Withers) were trained to predict GRFz curves or peak-GRFz. Our models could predict GRFz shapes at both gaits with RMSE below 0.40 N.kg-1. The best peak-GRFz values were obtained when extracted from the predicted curves by the all dataset. For both GRFz curves and peak-GRFz values, predictions made with the All or UB datasets were systematically better than with the Limbs dataset, showing the importance of including upper-body kinematic information for kinetic parameters predictions. More data should be gathered to confirm the usability of LSTM-RNN for GRFz predictions, as they highly depend on factors like speed, gait, and the presence of weight-bearing lameness.
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Affiliation(s)
- J I M Parmentier
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CM, Utrecht, The Netherlands. .,Pervasive Systems Group, Department of Computer Science, University of Twente, 7522 NB, Enschede, The Netherlands.
| | - S Bosch
- Inertia Technology B.V., 7521 AG, Enschede, The Netherlands.,Pervasive Systems Group, Department of Computer Science, University of Twente, 7522 NB, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - B J van der Zwaag
- Inertia Technology B.V., 7521 AG, Enschede, The Netherlands.,Pervasive Systems Group, Department of Computer Science, University of Twente, 7522 NB, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - M A Weishaupt
- Equine Department, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zürich, Winterhurerstrasse 260, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - A I Gmel
- Equine Department, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zürich, Winterhurerstrasse 260, Zurich, Switzerland.,Animal GenoPhenomics, Agroscope, 1725, Posieux, Switzerland
| | - P J M Havinga
- Pervasive Systems Group, Department of Computer Science, University of Twente, 7522 NB, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - P R van Weeren
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CM, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - F M Serra Braganca
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CM, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Rhodin M, Smit IH, Persson-Sjodin E, Pfau T, Gunnarsson V, Björnsdóttir S, Zetterberg E, Clayton HM, Hobbs SJ, Serra Bragança F, Hernlund E. Timing of Vertical Head, Withers and Pelvis Movements Relative to the Footfalls in Different Equine Gaits and Breeds. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12213053. [PMID: 36359178 PMCID: PMC9657284 DOI: 10.3390/ani12213053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Movement symmetry of the head and pelvis are used to measure lameness in horses in trot. Although head, pelvis and limb movements have been described, less is known about the temporal relationships between them. This information is needed to understand how the movements change with lameness. This is particularly relevant in gaited horses, such as the Icelandic horse that perform gaits such as tölt and pace, which are challenging to evaluate. This study used inertial measurement units to investigate head, withers and pelvis motion relative to limb movements in Icelandic, Warmblood and Iberian horses. Limb movements, together with vertical movements and lowest/highest positions of the head, withers and pelvis were calculated, and the relative timing of the events was compared across breeds. Additionally, data for tölt and pace were collected and evaluated in ridden Icelandic horses. For all gaits except walk and pace, the lowest/highest positions of the head/withers/pelvis were closely temporally related to midstance and hoof-off, respectively. Pelvic and withers total range of motion differed between all breeds. The Icelandic horses showed shorter stride duration and smaller movements of the upper body than the other breeds at trot, which may explain why lameness evaluation in this breed is challenging. Abstract Knowledge of vertical motion patterns of the axial body segments is a prerequisite for the development of algorithms used in automated detection of lameness. To date, the focus has been on the trot. This study investigates the temporal synchronization between vertical motion of the axial body segments with limb kinematic events in walk and trot across three popular types of sport horses (19 Warmbloods, 23 Iberians, 26 Icelandics) that are known to have different stride kinematics, and it presents novel data describing vertical motion of the axial body segments in tölting and pacing Icelandic horses. Inertial measurement unit sensors recorded limb kinematics, vertical motion of the axial body at all symmetrical gaits that the horse could perform (walk, trot, tölt, pace). Limb kinematics, vertical range of motion and lowest/highest positions of the head, withers and pelvis were calculated. For all gaits except walk and pace, lowest/highest positions of the pelvis and withers were found to be closely related temporally to midstance and start of suspension of the hind/fore quarter, respectively. There were differences in pelvic/withers range of motion between all breeds where the Icelandic horses showed the smallest motion, which may explain why lameness evaluation in this breed is challenging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Rhodin
- Department of Anatomy Physiology and Biochemistry, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, S-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +461-867-2194
| | - Ineke H. Smit
- Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 112-114, NL-3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Emma Persson-Sjodin
- Department of Anatomy Physiology and Biochemistry, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, S-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Thilo Pfau
- Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
| | | | - Sigridur Björnsdóttir
- Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Agricultural University of Iceland, 311 Hvanneyri, Iceland
| | - Ebba Zetterberg
- Department of Anatomy Physiology and Biochemistry, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, S-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
| | | | - Sarah J. Hobbs
- Research Centre for Applied Sport, Physical Activity and Performance, University of Central Lancashire, Preston PR1 2HE, UK
| | - Filipe Serra Bragança
- Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 112-114, NL-3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Elin Hernlund
- Department of Anatomy Physiology and Biochemistry, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, S-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
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Bilateral Change in Vertical Hoof Force Distribution in Horses with Unilateral Forelimb Lameness before and after Successful Diagnostic Anaesthesia. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12182485. [PMID: 36139345 PMCID: PMC9495122 DOI: 10.3390/ani12182485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Kinetic examinations of horses with induced lameness as well as the effect of perineural anaesthesia in sound horses have shown promise, but clinical studies regarding the effect of diagnostic anaesthesia during the different stance phases are rare. Fourteen horses with unilateral forelimb lameness were examined with the Hoof™ System during trot to assess vertical force distribution (in kg) affecting both front hooves before and after diagnostic anaesthesia during landing, midstance, and breakover. For statistical analysis, a covariance analysis with repeated measurements regarding the limb (lame/sound) as well as anaesthesia (before/after) and the covariable body weight was performed. The p-values for the pairwise comparisons were adjusted using the Bonferroni−Holm correction (p < 0.05). For all phases of the stance, a significant interaction between the factors limb and anaesthesia was shown. Before diagnostic anaesthesia, vertical force was significantly reduced on the lame limb compared to the sound limb during landing (−25%, p < 0.001), midstance (−20%, p < 0.001) and breakover (−27%, p < 0.001). After anaesthesia, the difference between both forelimbs was not significant anymore for all phases. The vertical force on the lame limb increased significantly after positive anaesthesia during the whole stance phase, with breakover being most affected (+27%, p = 0.001). Pressure measurements with the Hoof™ System can be used to evaluate the effect of diagnostic anaesthesia in a clinical setting with pain-related vertical force asymmetries being neutralised after diagnostic anaesthesia. Breakover is the main event influenced by lameness.
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Wrangberg T, Kendall A. Who Is Healthy? A Review of How Equine Control Groups Are Defined in Clinical Orthopaedic Research 1999-2021. Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol 2022; 35:213-219. [PMID: 35512819 DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1745756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Proper identification of healthy subjects is essential in case-control studies. However, standardized definitions of healthy controls are lacking in equine orthopaedic research. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to define the non-invasive methods used for selecting healthy control horses in osteoarthritis (OA), desmitis and tendinitis research. METHODS Systematic review. Case-control studies with a healthy control group and longitudinal studies where horses had to be healthy at the start were included. Studies where joints were visualized by arthroscopy or post-mortem examination were excluded. RESULTS From 2,472 OA papers and 2,746 desmitis/tendinitis papers, 127 and 84 papers met the inclusion criteria respectively. For OA, 11 methods were identified for defining healthy subjects with a median of three methods used per paper. Dynamic examination, radiographic evaluation and clinical examination were the most frequent. Eight different methods were identified in the desmitis/tendinitis papers with a median of three methods per paper; ultrasonography, clinical- and dynamic examination were the most frequent. CONCLUSIONS Overall, the OA and desmitis/tendinitis studies used similar methods for defining subjects as healthy, but the way the examinations were performed and interpreted was inconsistent. In several studies, healthy controls were not examined for lameness. The most common methods have limitations for detecting horses with early OA, which may have implications for interpretation of results. Standardized use of more sensitive and objective methods could be beneficial.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - A Kendall
- Division of Pathology, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
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11
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Modelling fore- and hindlimb peak vertical force differences in trotting horses using upper body kinematic asymmetry variables. J Biomech 2022; 137:111097. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2022.111097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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12
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Briggs EV, Mazzà C. Automatic methods of hoof-on and -off detection in horses using wearable inertial sensors during walk and trot on asphalt, sand and grass. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0254813. [PMID: 34310630 PMCID: PMC8312981 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0254813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Detection of hoof-on and -off events are essential to gait classification in horses. Wearable sensors have been endorsed as a convenient alternative to the traditional force plate-based method. The aim of this study was to propose and validate inertial sensor-based methods of gait event detection, reviewing different sensor locations and their performance on different gaits and exercise surfaces. Eleven horses of various breeds and ages were recruited to wear inertial sensors attached to the hooves, pasterns and cannons. Gait events detected by pastern and cannon methods were compared to the reference, hoof-detected events. Walk and trot strides were recorded on asphalt, grass and sand. Pastern-based methods were found to be the most accurate and precise for detecting gait events, incurring mean errors of between 1 and 6ms, depending on the limb and gait, on asphalt. These methods incurred consistent errors when used to measure stance durations on all surfaces, with mean errors of 0.1 to 1.16% of a stride cycle. In conclusion, the methods developed and validated here will enable future studies to reliably detect equine gait events using inertial sensors, under a wide variety of field conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eloise V. Briggs
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
- INSIGNEO Institute for in silico Medicine, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Claudia Mazzà
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
- INSIGNEO Institute for in silico Medicine, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
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13
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Tijssen M, Serra Braganςa FM, Ask K, Rhodin M, Andersen PH, Telezhenko E, Bergsten C, Nielen M, Hernlund E. Kinematic gait characteristics of straight line walk in clinically sound dairy cows. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0253479. [PMID: 34288912 PMCID: PMC8294546 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0253479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study is to describe the kinematic gait characteristics of straight line walk in clinically sound dairy cows using body mounted Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs) at multiple anatomical locations. The temporal parameters used are speed and non-speed normalized stance duration, bipedal and tripedal support durations, maximal protraction and retraction angles of the distal limbs and vertical displacement curves of the upper body. Gait analysis was performed by letting 17 dairy cows walk in a straight line at their own chosen pace while equipped with IMU sensors on tubera sacrale, left and right tuber coxae (LTC and RTC), back, withers, head, neck and all four lower limbs. Data intervals with stride by stride regularity were selected based on video data. For temporal parameters, the median was calculated and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated based on linear mixed model (LMM) analysis, while for limb and vertical displacement curves, the median and most typical curves were calculated. The temporal parameters and distal limb angles showed consistent results with low variance and LMM analysis showed non-overlapping CI for all temporal parameters. The distal limb angle curves showed a larger and steeper retraction angle range for the distal front limbs compared with the hind limbs. The vertical displacement curves of the sacrum, withers, LTC and RTC showed a consistent sinusoidal pattern while the head, back and collar curves were less consistent and showed more variation between and within cows. This kinematic description might allow to objectively differentiate between normal and lame gait in the future and determine the best anatomical location for sensor attachment for lameness detection purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Tijssen
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- * E-mail:
| | - F. M. Serra Braganςa
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - K. Ask
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - M. Rhodin
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - P. H. Andersen
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - E. Telezhenko
- Department of Biosystems and Technology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Alnarp, Sweden
| | - C. Bergsten
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - M. Nielen
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - E. Hernlund
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
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14
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Serra Bragança FM, Hernlund E, Thomsen MH, Waldern NM, Rhodin M, Byström A, van Weeren PR, Weishaupt MA. Adaptation strategies of horses with induced forelimb lameness walking on a treadmill. Equine Vet J 2020; 53:600-611. [PMID: 32888199 PMCID: PMC8048804 DOI: 10.1111/evj.13344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2019] [Revised: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a paucity of research describing the gait pattern of lame horses at the walk. OBJECTIVES To describe the changes in motion pattern and vertical ground reaction forces (GRFz) in horses with induced forelimb lameness at the walk and compare those changes with the changes observed at the trot. STUDY DESIGN Experimental study. METHODS In 10 clinically sound Warmblood horses, moderate forelimb lameness was induced using a sole pressure model followed by trot and walk on a treadmill. Kinematic data were collected using 3D optical motion capture (OMC), and GRFz by an instrumented treadmill. Mixed models were used to compare sound baseline versus forelimb lameness (significance was set at P < .05). RESULTS Lameness induction significantly reduced peak GRFz on the second force peak, and vertical impulse in the lame limb. Stride and stance duration in all limbs were reduced. Lameness significantly affected the vertical movement symmetry of the head and withers. Maximum limb retraction angle, fetlock extension and protraction speed were reduced in the lame limb. Body centre of mass (COM) translation was reduced in the side-to-side direction and increased in the vertical and fore-aft directions. Several compensatory kinetic and kinematic changes were observed in the nonlame limbs. The observed changes in both kinetics and kinematics were generally smaller at walk with fewer variables being affected, compared to the trot. MAIN LIMITATIONS Only one degree and type of orthopaedic pain (sole pressure) was studied. CONCLUSIONS Compensatory strategies of forelimb lameness at the walk include alteration of several kinetic and kinematic parameters and have some specific patterns and inter-individual differences that are not seen at the trot. However, much like at the trot, head movement and forelimb vertical force symmetry seem to be the most useful parameters to detect forelimb lameness at walk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filipe M Serra Bragança
- Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Elin Hernlund
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Maj H Thomsen
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Taastrup, Denmark
| | - Nina M Waldern
- Equine Department, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Marie Rhodin
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Anna Byström
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - P René van Weeren
- Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Michael A Weishaupt
- Equine Department, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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