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Anderson K, Morrice-West AV, Walmsley EA, Fisher AD, Whitton RC, Hitchens PL. Validation of inertial measurement units to detect and predict horse behaviour while stabled. Equine Vet J 2023; 55:1128-1138. [PMID: 36537838 DOI: 10.1111/evj.13909] [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: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Musculoskeletal injuries are observed in Thoroughbred racehorses and may become catastrophic. Currently, there are limited methods for early detection of such injuries. Most injuries develop gradually due to accumulated damage, providing the opportunity for early detection. Horses experiencing pain or lameness may exhibit changes in behaviour so the development of an objective, real-time system monitoring horse behaviour may enable detection of bone injuries before catastrophic failure. OBJECTIVES To determine whether intensive observational methods of assessing horse behaviour can be replaced by use of inertial measurement units (IMUs). STUDY DESIGN Validation study assessing IMU use against video observation. METHODS Six hospitalised Thoroughbreds (algorithm training data) and 19 Thoroughbred racehorses in-training (algorithm testing data) were equipped with an IMU placed on the lateral side of both forelimbs (left fore, LF; right fore, RF) and monitored in a stable for 4 h. An algorithm was developed to classify behaviour and then validated against video recordings. RESULTS Standing was the most prevalent behaviour (LF 88.8%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 88.7-89.0; RF 88.5%, 95% CI 88.4-88.7). IMU classification of recumbent and standing activities showed excellent agreement (sensitivity) with video observation (>98%). This was followed by stepping (LF 89.4%, RF 85.5%) then weight-shifting (LF 54.3%, RF 61.5%). Predictions from the algorithm showed misclassification of 2.5% (LF 5500/225 352, RF 5218/210 170). Excluding standing, misclassification was 6.8% (1705/25 158) and 7.5% (1812/24 077) for the left and right forelimbs, respectively, with pawing and weight-shifting most frequently misclassified. MAIN LIMITATIONS Increasing the number of horses and types of behaviours observed may improve predictions. CONCLUSIONS IMUs displayed a high sensitivity to movement on a small number of horses, and with further validation they have the potential to effectively monitor behaviour of racehorses in training. However, more sensitive methods may be needed to validate the classification of weight-shifting behaviour. Future studies should evaluate the association between each behaviour and musculoskeletal injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrina Anderson
- Equine Lameness and Imaging Centre, Melbourne Veterinary School, University of Melbourne, Werribee, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ashleigh V Morrice-West
- Equine Lameness and Imaging Centre, Melbourne Veterinary School, University of Melbourne, Werribee, Victoria, Australia
| | - Elizabeth A Walmsley
- Equine Lameness and Imaging Centre, Melbourne Veterinary School, University of Melbourne, Werribee, Victoria, Australia
| | - Andrew D Fisher
- Animal Welfare Science Centre, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - R Chris Whitton
- Equine Lameness and Imaging Centre, Melbourne Veterinary School, University of Melbourne, Werribee, Victoria, Australia
| | - Peta L Hitchens
- Equine Lameness and Imaging Centre, Melbourne Veterinary School, University of Melbourne, Werribee, Victoria, Australia
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Lutonsky C, Peham C, Mucha M, Reicher B, Gaspar R, Tichy A, Bockstahler B. External mechanical perturbations challenge postural stability in dogs. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1249951. [PMID: 37789869 PMCID: PMC10544342 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1249951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to explore the effect of external mechanical perturbations on postural stability (PS) in dogs using the body center of pressure (COP). Thirteen sound adult dogs were included in this study. PS was tested during quiet standing on a pressure measurement plate. The conditions included a standard standing measurement and external mechanical perturbations conducted using six settings on a motorized training platform with different intensities of speed and amplitude. Measurement conditions were compared using linear mixed-effects models, followed by multiple comparisons using Sidak's alpha correction procedure. Compared with the standing measurement, external mechanical perturbations resulted in a significant increase in almost all COP parameters, indicating a challenge for the PS. Furthermore, an increase in amplitude had a greater effect than an increase in speed, whereas the combination of the highest intensities of amplitude and speed was not well tolerated by the dogs. The mediolateral COP displacement was significantly greater than the craniocaudal COP displacement during standing measurement and conditions with a small amplitude, whereas no significant difference was observed during settings with an increased amplitude. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to demonstrate the effects of a balance training device in dogs. Therefore, the intensity of the training programs on motorized platforms or similar devices can be controlled by the wobbling amplitude of the platform.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christiane Lutonsky
- Department of Companion Animals and Horses, University Clinic for Small Animals, Small Animal Surgery, Section of Physical Therapy, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christian Peham
- Department of Companion Animals and Horses, University Clinic for Horses, Movement Science Group, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Marion Mucha
- Department of Companion Animals and Horses, University Clinic for Small Animals, Small Animal Surgery, Section of Physical Therapy, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Bianca Reicher
- Department of Companion Animals and Horses, University Clinic for Small Animals, Small Animal Surgery, Section of Physical Therapy, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Rita Gaspar
- Department of Companion Animals and Horses, University Clinic for Small Animals, Small Animal Surgery, Section of Physical Therapy, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Alexander Tichy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Bioinformatics and Biostatistics Platform, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Barbara Bockstahler
- Department of Companion Animals and Horses, University Clinic for Small Animals, Small Animal Surgery, Section of Physical Therapy, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
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Charalambous D, Lutonsky C, Keider S, Tichy A, Bockstahler B. Vertical ground reaction forces, paw pressure distribution, and center of pressure during heelwork in working dogs competing in obedience. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1106170. [PMID: 36846253 PMCID: PMC9950403 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1106170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Heelwork walking is a command that competitive obedience and working dogs are trained to perform. Unlike other canine sports, the research for competitive obedience sport is limited and no research regarding biomechanical gait adaptions during heelwork walking has been published. The aim of the study was to investigate the changes in vertical ground reaction forces, paw pressure distribution (PPD), and center of pressure (COP) of Belgian Malinois during heelwork walking. Ten healthy Belgian Malinois were included in the study. The dogs walked first without heeling (normal walk) and then while heeling on a pressure platform. The comparison between normal and heelwork walking was performed using mixed-effects models. Post-hoc analyses were performed using Sidak's alpha correction procedure. During heelwork walking, a significant decrease in the vertical impulse and stance phase duration (SPD) and a significant increase in the craniocaudal index and speed of COP was observed in the forelimbs compared to normal walking. At the hindlimbs, a significant increase in vertical impulse and SPD was observed during heelwork walking. Regarding PPD, a significant decrease of vertical impulse was observed at the cranial quadrants of the right forelimb and craniolateral quadrant of the left forelimb during heelwork. The area was significantly decreased at the craniolateral quadrant of the left forelimb and the time for the peak vertical force was prolonged significantly at the caudal quadrants of the right forelimb during heelwork walking. The vertical impulse was significantly increased in all quadrants of the hindlimbs except the craniolateral quadrant of the left hindlimb. The effect of these changes on the musculoskeletal system of working dogs should be investigated in further studies, using electromyography and kinematic analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danae Charalambous
- Department of Companion Animals and Horses, University Clinic for Small Animals, Small Animal Surgery, Section of Physical Therapy, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria,*Correspondence: Danae Charalambous ✉
| | - Christiane Lutonsky
- Department of Companion Animals and Horses, University Clinic for Small Animals, Small Animal Surgery, Section of Physical Therapy, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Stefan Keider
- Department of Companion Animals and Horses, University Clinic for Small Animals, Small Animal Surgery, Section of Physical Therapy, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Alexander Tichy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Platform of Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Barbara Bockstahler
- Department of Companion Animals and Horses, University Clinic for Small Animals, Small Animal Surgery, Section of Physical Therapy, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
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Egan S, Brama PAJ, Goulding C, McKeown D, Kearney CM, McGrath D. The Feasibility of Equine Field-Based Postural Sway Analysis Using a Single Inertial Sensor. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 21:1286. [PMID: 33670238 PMCID: PMC7916957 DOI: 10.3390/s21041286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
(1) Background: Postural sway is frequently used to quantify human postural control, balance, injury, and neurological deficits. However, there is considerably less research investigating the value of the metric in horses. Much of the existing equine postural sway research uses force or pressure plates to examine the centre of pressure, inferring change at the centre of mass (COM). This study looks at the inverse, using an inertial measurement unit (IMU) on the withers to investigate change at the COM, exploring the potential of postural sway evaluation in the applied domain. (2) Methods: The lipopolysaccharide model was used to induce transient bilateral lameness in seven equines. Horses were monitored intermittently by a withers fixed IMU over seven days. (3) Results: There was a significant effect of time on total protein, carpal circumference, and white blood cell count in the horses, indicating the presence of, and recovery from, inflammation. There was a greater amplitude of displacement in the craniocaudal (CC) versus the mediolateral (ML) direction. A significant difference was observed in the amplitude of displacement in the ML direction between 4-12 h and 168 h. (4) Conclusions: The significant reduction in ML displacement during the acute inflammation period alongside greater overall CC displacement may be a compensatory behaviour for bilateral lameness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonja Egan
- Institute for Sport and Health, School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science, University College Dublin, Dublin D04 V1W8, Ireland;
| | - Pieter A. J. Brama
- Section Veterinary Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin D04 V1W8, Ireland; (P.A.J.B.); (C.M.K.)
| | - Cathy Goulding
- The Insight SFI Research Centre for Data Analytics, University College Dublin, Dublin D04 V1W8, Ireland;
| | - David McKeown
- School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, University College Dublin, Dublin D04 V1W8, Ireland;
| | - Clodagh M. Kearney
- Section Veterinary Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin D04 V1W8, Ireland; (P.A.J.B.); (C.M.K.)
| | - Denise McGrath
- Institute for Sport and Health, School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science, University College Dublin, Dublin D04 V1W8, Ireland;
- The Insight SFI Research Centre for Data Analytics, University College Dublin, Dublin D04 V1W8, Ireland;
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Pitti L, Oosterlinck M, Díaz-Bertrana ML, Carrillo JM, Rubio M, Sopena J, Santana A, Vilar JM. Assessment of static posturography and pedobarography for the detection of unilateral forelimb lameness in ponies. BMC Vet Res 2018; 14:151. [PMID: 29716596 PMCID: PMC5930758 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-018-1462-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2018] [Accepted: 04/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Static posturography and pedobarography are based on the detection of postural imbalance and, consequently, the pressure redistribution between limbs in lame subjects. These techniques have proven to be useful for the detection of lameness in humans and dogs. The main objective of this study was to test the suitability of static posturography and pedobarography in diagnosing lameness in ponies. A pressure platform was used to obtain postural data (statokinesiograms, mean X and Y, length, LFS ratio, and mean velocity) from 10 sound ponies and 7 ponies with unilateral forelimb lameness. Static pedobarographic data (pressure distribution, mean pressure, and peak pressure) were also collected and compared with force plate data (peak vertical force and vertical impulse) obtained from the same animals at the walk. RESULTS Significant differences were seen between lame and sound ponies for almost all evaluated parameters. With this sample size, differences between lame and sound limbs/groups were detected with a statistical power of 90%, except for mean X and Y. CONCLUSIONS Static posturography and pedobarography provide a complementary approach for lameness detection in equids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lidia Pitti
- Departamento de Patología Animal, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Maarten Oosterlinck
- Department of Surgery and Anaesthesiology of Domestic Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Maria L Díaz-Bertrana
- Departamento de Patología Animal, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - José M Carrillo
- Departamento Medicina y Cirugía Animal, Cátedra García Cugat, Universidad CEU Cardenal Herrera, Valencia, Spain
| | - Mónica Rubio
- Departamento Medicina y Cirugía Animal, Cátedra García Cugat, Universidad CEU Cardenal Herrera, Valencia, Spain
| | - Joaquin Sopena
- Departamento Medicina y Cirugía Animal, Cátedra García Cugat, Universidad CEU Cardenal Herrera, Valencia, Spain
| | - Angelo Santana
- Departamento de Matemáticas, Universidad de las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, Spain
| | - José M Vilar
- Departamento de Patología Animal, Instituto Universitario de Investigaciones Biomédicas Y Sanitarias, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Arucas, Spain.
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Nout-Lomas Y, Page K, Kang H, Aanstoos M, Greene H. Objective assessment of gait in xylazine-induced ataxic horses. Equine Vet J 2016; 49:334-340. [DOI: 10.1111/evj.12602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2015] [Accepted: 06/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Y.S. Nout-Lomas
- College of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences; Colorado State University; Fort Collins USA
| | - K.M. Page
- Equine Research Center; Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences; California State Polytechnic University Pomona; USA
| | - H.G. Kang
- Department of Kinesiology; California State University San Marcos; USA
| | - M.E. Aanstoos
- College of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences; Colorado State University; Fort Collins USA
| | - H.M. Greene
- Equine Research Center; Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences; California State Polytechnic University Pomona; USA
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Gomes-Costa M, Roupa I, Pequito M, Prazeres J, Gaivão M, Abrantes J, Clayton HM. The Use of Pressure Plates for Static Center of Pressure Analysis in Horses. J Equine Vet Sci 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2015.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Clayton HM, Nauwelaerts S. Effect of blindfolding on centre of pressure variables in healthy horses during quiet standing. Vet J 2013; 199:365-9. [PMID: 24461643 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2013.12.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2013] [Revised: 12/09/2013] [Accepted: 12/15/2013] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
In a standing horse the centre of pressure (COP), measured as the resultant vertical ground reaction force (GRF) of all supporting limbs, is adjusted in response to visual, vestibular and proprioceptive information. Stabilographic analysis measures balance by tracking COP movements in the horizontal plane. Loss of visual input affects stability of balance in people and has clinical implications in that instability inherent in some neurological diseases increases with the eyes closed. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the visual contribution to postural stability in horses. The hypothesis was that the magnitude and variability of postural sway variables increases when visual input is removed. Vertical GRFs were measured using two synchronized force plates and COP movements were tracked in 20 horses as they stood without visible movements of the hooves, head or neck. Three trials of 60 s duration were recorded under sighted and blindfolded conditions. Stabilographic variables (craniocaudal and mediolateral COP amplitudes, velocities and mean power frequencies and their within-trial variabilities) were calculated and compared using univariate analysis of variance. Compared with the sighted condition, blindfolding increased the magnitude and the within-trial variability of craniocaudal and mediolateral COP amplitudes and mediolateral COP velocity. The findings indicated that loss of visual input had more effect on the measured COP variables in the time domain (amplitudes, velocities) than in the frequency domain (mean power frequency). The effects of blindfolding on postural stability should be further investigated as part of a diagnostic approach to the evaluation of balance in horses with neurological impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hilary M Clayton
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, 736 Wilson Road, East Lansing, MI 48824-1314, USA.
| | - Sandra Nauwelaerts
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, 736 Wilson Road, East Lansing, MI 48824-1314, USA; Department of Biology, Antwerp University, Univeristeitsplein 1, B-2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
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Clayton HM, Buchholz R, Nauwelaerts S. Relationship between morphological and stabilographic variables in standing horses. Vet J 2013; 198 Suppl 1:e65-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2013.09.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Foss K, da Costa RC, Rajala-Schuttz PJ, Rajala-Shultz PJ, Allen MJ. Force plate gait analysis in Doberman Pinschers with and without cervical spondylomyelopathy. J Vet Intern Med 2012; 27:106-11. [PMID: 23278957 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.12025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2012] [Revised: 09/13/2012] [Accepted: 10/23/2012] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The most accepted means of evaluating the response of a patient with cervical spondylomyelopathy (CSM) to treatment is subjective and based on the owner and clinician's perception of the gait. OBJECTIVE To establish and compare kinetic parameters based on force plate gait analysis between normal and CSM-affected Dobermans. ANIMALS Nineteen Doberman Pinschers: 10 clinically normal and 9 with CSM. METHODS Force plate analysis was prospectively performed in all dogs. At least 4 runs of ipsilateral limbs were collected from each dog. Eight force platform parameters were evaluated, including peak vertical force (PVF) and peak vertical impulse (PVI), peak mediolateral force (PMLF) and peak mediolateral impulse, peak braking force and peak braking impulse, and peak propulsive force (PPF) and peak propulsive impulse. In addition, the coefficient of variation (CV) for each limb was calculated for each parameter. Data analysis was performed by a repeated measures approach. RESULTS PMLF (P = .0062), PVI (P = .0225), and PPF (P = .0408) were found to be lower in CSM-affected dogs compared with normal dogs. Analysis by CV as the outcome indicated more variability in PVF in CSM-affected dogs (P = 0.0045). The largest difference in the CV of PVF was seen in the thoracic limbs of affected dogs when compared with the thoracic limbs of normal dogs (P = 0.0019). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE The CV of PVF in all 4 limbs, especially the thoracic limbs, distinguished clinically normal Dobermans from those with CSM. Other kinetic parameters less reliably distinguished CSM-affected from clinically normal Dobermans.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Foss
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
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