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Egenvall A, Engström H, Byström A. Back motion in unridden horses in walk, trot and canter on a circle. Vet Res Commun 2023; 47:1831-1843. [PMID: 37127806 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-023-10132-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Equine back function is of concern to riders, as well as to veterinarians and physiotherapists; these groups may benefit from knowledge about spinal motion on the circle. This descriptive and comparative study aimed to quantify equine neck, back and pelvic motion in walk, trot and canter on a 9 m circle. Sixteen healthy horses in training, of varying breed and conformation, were measured using optical motion capture (150 Hz), with optical markers on the poll, withers, T15, tubera coxae and lumbosacral joint. Cervicothoracic and thoracolumbar flexion-extension and lateral bending, and pelvic roll, pitch and yaw, were statistically evaluated using mixed models. Motion patterns showed distinct differences between gaits, but were generally similar between horses. The thoracolumbar back was bent towards the inside of the circle (stride mean 5-6º for all gaits). The cervicothoracic spine was more flexed in walk (18°), and more extended in canter (-4--8°), compared to trot (6-7°), whereas the thoracolumbar spine was slightly less extended in canter than in walk. Thoracolumbar flexion-extension range of motion (ROM) increased from walk (4°) to canter (9°), as did pelvic pitch ROM (walk 7° and canter 15-16°), while back lateral bending ROM and pelvic yaw ROM were lowest in trot. Taken together, the study findings suggest that neck and back motion patterns on the circle reflect an interaction between the constraints of circular movement, and the mechanics and characteristics of each gait.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agneta Egenvall
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | | | - Anna Byström
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
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Spoormakers TJP, St George L, Smit IH, Hobbs SJ, Brommer H, Clayton HM, Roy SH, Richards J, Serra Bragança FM. Adaptations in equine axial movement and muscle activity occur during induced fore- and hindlimb lameness: A kinematic and electromyographic evaluation during in-hand trot. Equine Vet J 2023; 55:1112-1127. [PMID: 36516302 DOI: 10.1111/evj.13906] [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: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The inter-relationship between equine thoracolumbar motion and muscle activation during normal locomotion and lameness is poorly understood. OBJECTIVE To compare thoracolumbar and pelvic kinematics and longissimus dorsi (longissimus) activity of trotting horses between baseline and induced forelimb (iFL) and hindlimb (iHL) lameness. STUDY DESIGN Controlled experimental cross-over study. METHODS Three-dimensional kinematic data from the thoracolumbar vertebrae and pelvis, and bilateral surface electromyography (sEMG) data from longissimus at T14 and L1, were collected synchronously from clinically nonlame horses (n = 8) trotting overground during a baseline evaluation, and during iFL and iHL conditions (2-3/5 AAEP), induced on separate days using a lameness model (modified horseshoe). Motion asymmetry parameters, maximal thoracolumbar flexion/extension and lateral bending angles, and pelvis range of motion (ROM) were calculated from kinematic data. Normalised average rectified value (ARV) and muscle activation onset, offset and activity duration were calculated from sEMG signals. Mixed model analysis and statistical parametric mapping compared discrete and continuous variables between conditions (α = 0.05). RESULTS Asymmetry parameters reflected the degree of iFL and iHL. Maximal thoracolumbar flexion and pelvis pitch ROM increased significantly following iFL and iHL. During iHL, peak lateral bending increased towards the nonlame side (NLS) and decreased towards the lame side (LS). Longissimus ARV significantly increased bilaterally at T14 and L1 for iHL, but only at LS L1 for iFL. Longissimus activation was significantly delayed on the NLS and precipitated on the LS during iHL, but these clear phasic shifts were not observed in iFL. MAIN LIMITATIONS Findings should be confirmed in clinical cases. CONCLUSIONS Distinctive, significant adaptations in thoracolumbar and pelvic motion and underlying longissimus activity occur during iFL and iHL and are detectable using combined motion capture and sEMG. For iFL, these adaptations occur primarily in a cranio-caudal direction, whereas for iHL, lateral bending and axial rotation are also involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tijn J P Spoormakers
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Lindsay St George
- Research Centre for Applied Sport, Physical Activity and Performance, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, UK
| | - Ineke H Smit
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Sarah Jane Hobbs
- Research Centre for Applied Sport, Physical Activity and Performance, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, UK
| | - Harold Brommer
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Hilary M Clayton
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Serge H Roy
- Delsys/Altec Inc., Natick, Massachusetts, USA
| | - James Richards
- Allied Health Research Unit, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, UK
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St. George LB, Clayton HM, Sinclair JK, Richards J, Roy SH, Hobbs SJ. Electromyographic and Kinematic Comparison of the Leading and Trailing Fore- and Hindlimbs of Horses during Canter. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:1755. [PMID: 37889657 PMCID: PMC10252091 DOI: 10.3390/ani13111755] [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: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
This study compared muscle activity and movement between the leading (Ld) and trailing (Tr) fore- (F) and hindlimbs (H) of horses cantering overground. Three-dimensional kinematic and surface electromyography (sEMG) data were collected from right triceps brachii, biceps femoris, middle gluteal, and splenius from 10 ridden horses during straight left- and right-lead canter. Statistical parametric mapping evaluated between-limb (LdF vs. TrF, LdH vs. TrH) differences in time- and amplitude-normalized sEMG and joint angle-time waveforms over the stride. Linear mixed models evaluated between-limb differences in discrete sEMG activation timings, average rectified values (ARV), and spatio-temporal kinematics. Significantly greater gluteal ARV and activity duration facilitated greater limb retraction, hip extension, and stifle flexion (p < 0.05) in the TrH during stance. Earlier splenius activation during the LdF movement cycle (p < 0.05), reflected bilateral activation during TrF/LdH diagonal stance, contributing to body pitching mechanisms in canter. Limb muscles were generally quiescent during swing, where significantly greater LdF/H protraction was observed through greater elbow and hip flexion (p < 0.05), respectively. Alterations in muscle activation facilitate different timing and movement cycles of the leading and trailing limbs, which justifies equal training on both canter leads to develop symmetry in muscular strength, enhance athletic performance, and mitigate overuse injury risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay B. St. George
- Research Centre for Applied Sport, Physical Activity and Performance, University of Central Lancashire, Preston PR1 2HE, UK (S.J.H.)
| | - Hilary M. Clayton
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Jonathan K. Sinclair
- Research Centre for Applied Sport, Physical Activity and Performance, University of Central Lancashire, Preston PR1 2HE, UK (S.J.H.)
| | - Jim Richards
- Allied Health Research Unit, University of Central Lancashire, Preston PR1 2HE, UK
| | | | - Sarah Jane Hobbs
- Research Centre for Applied Sport, Physical Activity and Performance, University of Central Lancashire, Preston PR1 2HE, UK (S.J.H.)
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Logan AA, Nielsen BD, Robison CI, Hallock DB, Manfredi JM, Hiney KM, Buskirk DD, Popovich JM. Impact of Gait and Diameter during Circular Exercise on Front Hoof Area, Vertical Force, and Pressure in Mature Horses. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:3581. [PMID: 34944357 PMCID: PMC8697886 DOI: 10.3390/ani11123581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Circular exercise can be used at varying gaits and diameters to exercise horses, with repeated use anecdotally relating to increased lameness. This work sought to characterize mean area, mean vertical force, and mean pressure of the front hooves while exercising in a straight line at the walk and trot, and small (10-m diameter) and large circles (15-m diameter) at the walk, trot, and canter. Nine mature horses wore TekscanTM Hoof Sensors on their forelimbs adhered with a glue-on shoe. Statistical analysis was performed in SAS 9.4 with fixed effects of leg, gait, and exercise type (PROC GLIMMIX) and p < 0.05 as significant. For all exercise types, the walk had greater mean pressure than the trot (p < 0.01). At the walk, the straight line had greater mean area loaded than the large circle (p = 0.01), and both circle sizes had lower mean vertical force than the straight line (p = 0.003). During circular exercise at the canter, the outside front limb had greater mean area loaded than at the walk and trot (p = 0.001). This study found that gait is an important factor when evaluating circular exercise and should be considered when exercising horses to prevent injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyssa A. Logan
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, 474 S. Shaw Ln., East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; (B.D.N.); (C.I.R.); (D.D.B.)
| | - Brian D. Nielsen
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, 474 S. Shaw Ln., East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; (B.D.N.); (C.I.R.); (D.D.B.)
| | - Cara I. Robison
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, 474 S. Shaw Ln., East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; (B.D.N.); (C.I.R.); (D.D.B.)
| | | | - Jane M. Manfredi
- Department of Pathobiology and Diagnostic Investigation, Michigan State University, 784 Wilson, Rd., East Lansing, MI 48824, USA;
| | - Kristina M. Hiney
- Department of Animal and Food Sciences, Oklahoma State University, 201J Animal Sciences, Stillwater, OK 74074, USA;
| | - Daniel D. Buskirk
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, 474 S. Shaw Ln., East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; (B.D.N.); (C.I.R.); (D.D.B.)
| | - John M. Popovich
- Department of Osteopathic Surgical Specialties, Michigan State University, 909 Fee Rd., B405, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA;
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Biau S, Burgaud I. Application of kinesiology taping to equine abdominal musculature in a tension frame for muscle facilitation increases longitudinal activity at the trot. Equine Vet J 2021; 54:973-978. [PMID: 34719053 DOI: 10.1111/evj.13533] [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: 12/14/2020] [Revised: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Kinesiology taping (KT) has been used on human subjects for many years. More recently, KT has been used in sport horses. The physiological mechanisms involved remain unclear and its benefits are controversial. OBJECTIVES To investigate the effects of application of kinesiology taping to abdominal muscles on locomotor parameters before and after lungeing exercise in horses. STUDY DESIGN Cross-over study. METHODS Eleven horses were tested twice, once with an application of KT without tension on abdominal muscles (condition 1) and once with a facilitation application of KT on abdominal muscles (condition 2). A triaxial accelerometric device, located in the trunk (Equimetrix system® ), was used at walk and trot in hand on a straight line before (30 min after the KT application) and after a lungeing session. Locomotor parameters were calculated, including stride frequency, regularity and symmetry, dorsoventral displacement and dorsoventral, mediolateral and longitudinal activities. RESULTS At trot, the longitudinal activity was significantly higher for condition 2 than for condition 1, before (7.6 ± 1.8 W/kg vs. 5.4 ± 2.2 W/kg, P = .02) and after (7.3 ± 1.3 W/kg vs. 6.1 ± 1.7 W/kg, P = .005) the lungeing session. MAIN LIMITATIONS The speed was not measured. The recording conditions and the experimenter, unaware of conditions, were the same for all horses to limit variations. CONCLUSIONS Kinesiology taping on abdominal muscles immediately increased longitudinal activity at trot in hand and this benefit was still present after a lungeing session. Longitudinal activity is a sought-after quality; thus, this method could be used as a way to enhance a training program. Future investigations are needed to confirm this result in horses being ridden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Biau
- Institut Français du Cheval et de l'Equitation, Avenue de l'école nationale d'équitation, Saumur, France
| | - Isabelle Burgaud
- Institut Français du Cheval et de l'Equitation, Avenue de l'école nationale d'équitation, Saumur, France
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Zsoldos RR, Khayatzadeh N, Soelkner J, Schroeder U, Hahn C, Licka TF. Comparison of gluteus medius muscle activity in Haflinger and Noriker horses with polysaccharide storage myopathy. J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr (Berl) 2021; 105:549-557. [PMID: 33609063 PMCID: PMC9291294 DOI: 10.1111/jpn.13504] [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: 04/16/2020] [Revised: 11/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Type 1 polysaccharide storage myopathy caused by genetic mutation in the glycogen synthase 1 gene is present in many breeds including the Noriker and Haflinger horses. In humans, EMG has already been used to document changes in the muscle activity patterns of patients affected by human glycogen storage disorders. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to describe gluteus muscle activity with surface electromyography (sEMG) in Haflinger and Noriker horses with known GYS1 mutation status during walk and trot. Thirty‐two horses (11 Haflinger and 21 Noriker horses) with homozygous non‐affected (GG), heterozygous affected (GA) and homozygous affected (AA) status of GYS1 mutation without overt clinical signs of any myopathy were selected for the current study. Using surface electromyography gluteus medius muscle activity at walk and at trot was measured, and muscle activity was described in relation to the maximum observed value at the same sensor and the same gait. In order to further describe the signals in detail comprising both frequencies and amplitudes, the crossings through the baseline and the 25, 50 and 75 percentile lines were determined. The result of the relative muscle activity did not show a consistent difference between affected and non‐affected horses. Genetically affected (GA and AA) horses showed significantly less density of muscle activity for both gaits and horse breeds except for the crossings per second at the baseline and 75 percentile at walk in the Haflinger horses and 75 percentile at trot in the Noriker horses. The medians of all calculated density values were significantly lower in the GA Haflingers compared to the GG Haflingers (p = 0.012) and also in the AA Norikers compared to the GG Norikers (p = 0.011). Results indicate that the GYS1 mutation reduces the number of functional muscle fibres detected by sEMG measurements even in the absence of overt clinical signs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebeka Roza Zsoldos
- Division Livestock Sciences, Department of Sustainable Agricultural Systems, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Qld, Australia
| | - Negar Khayatzadeh
- Division Livestock Sciences, Department of Sustainable Agricultural Systems, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Johann Soelkner
- Division Livestock Sciences, Department of Sustainable Agricultural Systems, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ulrike Schroeder
- Department for Companion Animals and Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Caroline Hahn
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, UK
| | - Theresia Franziska Licka
- Department for Companion Animals and Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, UK
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The effect of cut-off frequency when high-pass filtering equine sEMG signals during locomotion. J Electromyogr Kinesiol 2018; 43:28-40. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jelekin.2018.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2018] [Revised: 09/02/2018] [Accepted: 09/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
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Sagittal plane fore hoof unevenness is associated with fore and hindlimb asymmetrical force vectors in the sagittal and frontal planes. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0203134. [PMID: 30157249 PMCID: PMC6114892 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0203134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2018] [Accepted: 08/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Asymmetry in forelimb dorsal hoof wall angles, termed unevenness, is associated with forelimb gait asymmetries, but compensatory mechanisms and out of plane ground reaction forces (GRFs) due to unevenness have yet to be documented. The aim of this study was therefore to investigate the effects of fore hoof unevenness on contralateral fore and hind limb force vectors patterns, in both sagittal and frontal planes. A group of n = 34 riding horses were classified into four groups: hoof angle difference of more than 1.5 degrees (UNEVEN; n = 27), including higher left fore (HIGH-LF; n = 12), higher right fore (HIGH-RF; n = 15), and hoof angle difference of less than 1.5 degrees (EVEN; n = 7). Three dimensional ground reaction forces GRFs were collected during trotting. GRF summary vectors representing the magnitude (VecMag) and angular direction (VecAng) of the entire stance phase in the sagittal and the frontal plane were calculated. The effects of unevenness on GRF production were explored using linear regression, repeated measures ANOVA and statistical parametric mapping (SPM) with significance at (P<0.05). In all uneven groups, increasing unevenness affected sagittal VecAng values in the forelimbs, with more propulsive GRF in the high hoof. In the HIGH-RF group, medial GRFs were also found in the high RF hoof compared to lateral GRFs in the low LF hoof (RF VecAng: 0.97±1.64 (deg); LF VecAng: -0.64±1.19 (deg); P<0.05). In both HIGH groups, compensatory associations to increasing unevenness were only found in the RH, but also a significantly greater lateral VecAng was found in the LH (P<0.05) compared to the RH limb. No significant differences (P>0.05) were found between hindlimb pairs in the EVEN group. Unbalanced sagittal and increased frontal plane GRFs in uneven horses suggest that they have greater locomotory challenges, as the equine musculoskeletal system is not constructed to withstand movement and loading in the frontal plane as effectively as it is in the sagittal plane.
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