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Nankervis KJ, Tranquille CA, Chojnacka K, Tacey JB, Deckers I, Newton JR, Murray RC. Effect of speed and water depth on limb and back kinematics in Thoroughbred horses walking on a water treadmill. Vet J 2023; 300-302:106033. [PMID: 37783310 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2023.106033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
Water treadmill (WT) exercise may induce limb and back kinematics that meet specific training and rehabilitation goals. The study aimed to investigate the effects of walk speed, at different water depths (WDs), on limb and back kinematics of six Thoroughbreds exercising on a WT. Horses walked at 2.8/4.3/5.5/6.0 km/h (i.e. 0.8/1.2/1.5/1.7 m/s) at dry, metacarpophalangeal and carpal WD. Videography captured limb movement in the sagittal plane. Motion-capture measured thoracolumbosacral flexion-extension (FE), and lateral bend (LB) ranges of movement (ROM) using skin surface markers on the sixth, tenth, thirteenth, eighteenth thoracic, third and fifth lumbar, and third sacral spinous processes. Inertial-motion-sensors measured poll, withers and pelvic displacements. Following preliminary univariable analyses, multivariable mixed-effects linear-regression analyses were used to examine the relationship between speed, WD and each outcome variable (P < 0.05). Peak metacarpophalangeal, carpal and tarsal joint flexion increased with speed (P ≤ 0.002) and depth combined (P 0.001) while peak metatarsophalangeal flexion increased with WD only (P 0.001). Thoracolumbar FE-ROM between T10 and L3 and hindlimb retraction was increased by speed and WD combined (P 0.001). Hindlimb protraction was increased by speed (P 0.001) while hindlimb retraction was increased by speed and WD combined (P 0.001). Dorsoventral poll displacement was increased by speed (P 0.001) and carpal WD (P = 0.013), craniocaudal poll displacement was increased by speed and WD combined (P 0.001). Pelvic (tubera coxae and sacrum) dorsoventral displacements increased with speed and WD combined (P 0.001). Understanding the effects of speed and WD on limb, back and pelvic kinematics will improve decision making relating to dry and WT exercise within training.
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Affiliation(s)
- K J Nankervis
- Hartpury University, Hartpury, Gloucestershire, GL19 3BE, UK.
| | - C A Tranquille
- Hartpury University, Hartpury, Gloucestershire, GL19 3BE, UK; Animal Health Trust, Lanwades Park, Newmarket, Suffolk CB8 7UU, UK
| | - K Chojnacka
- Animal Health Trust, Lanwades Park, Newmarket, Suffolk CB8 7UU, UK; Engelhard Road, Newmarket, Suffolk CB8 0SA, UK
| | - J B Tacey
- Animal Health Trust, Lanwades Park, Newmarket, Suffolk CB8 7UU, UK; JBT Veterinary Physiotherapy, Bostocks Lane, Nottingham NG10 4EH, UK
| | - I Deckers
- Hartpury University, Hartpury, Gloucestershire, GL19 3BE, UK
| | - J R Newton
- Animal Health Trust, Lanwades Park, Newmarket, Suffolk CB8 7UU, UK; Cambridge Veterinary School, Madingley Road, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire CB3 0ES, UK
| | - R C Murray
- Animal Health Trust, Lanwades Park, Newmarket, Suffolk CB8 7UU, UK; Rossdales Diagnostic Centre, Cotton End Lane, Exning, Suffolk CB8 7NN, UK
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King MR. Rehabilitation. Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract 2022; 38:557-568. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cveq.2022.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
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3
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Bliss M, Terry J, de Godoy RF. Limbs kinematics of dogs exercising at different water levels on the underwater treadmill. Vet Med Sci 2022; 8:2374-2381. [DOI: 10.1002/vms3.947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Megan Bliss
- Writtle University College School of Equine and Veterinary Physiotherapy Chelmsford UK
| | - Jade Terry
- Writtle University College School of Equine and Veterinary Physiotherapy Chelmsford UK
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Johnson SA. Rehabilitation Strategies for the Neurologic Horse. Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract 2022; 38:379-396. [PMID: 35810152 DOI: 10.1016/j.cveq.2022.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Rehabilitation of the neurologic horse represents a unique challenge for the equine practitioner. Improving postural stability and balance control through improving the strength of the spinal stabilizer muscle multifidus remains one of the most promising rehabilitative targets. This muscle can be targeted through the use of physiotherapeutic exercises, various forms of perturbation, and even whole-body vibration. Neuroanatomic localization and diagnosis specificity enable the practitioner to determine suitability for such rehabilitative tasks, and with the advent of evolving strategies and commercially available equipment, the bandwidth for professionally guided programs is continuously being developed and is expected to improve traditional outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sherry A Johnson
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Orthopaedic Research Center at the C. Wayne McIlwraith Translational Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA.
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Baccarin RYA, Seidel SRT, Michelacci YM, Tokawa PKA, Oliveira TM. Osteoarthritis: a common disease that should be avoided in the athletic horse's life. Anim Front 2022; 12:25-36. [PMID: 35711506 PMCID: PMC9197312 DOI: 10.1093/af/vfac026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Yvonne Arantes Baccarin
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Sarah Raphaela Torquato Seidel
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Yara Maria Michelacci
- Department of Biochemistry, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Paula Keiko Anadão Tokawa
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Tiago Marcelo Oliveira
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Moorman VJ, King MR. Angular orientations derived from a portable media device to assess postural stability during quiet standing in the horse. EQUINE VET EDUC 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/eve.13435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- V. J. Moorman
- Equine Orthopaedic Research Center College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences Colorado State University Fort Collins ColoradoUSA
- Department of Large Animal Medicine College of Veterinary Medicine University of Georgia Athens Georgia USA
| | - M. R. King
- Equine Orthopaedic Research Center College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences Colorado State University Fort Collins ColoradoUSA
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Walker V, Tranquillle C, MacKechnie-Guire R, Spear J, Newton R, Murray R. Effect of ground and raised poles on kinematics of the walk. J Equine Vet Sci 2022; 115:104005. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2022.104005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 04/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Equine Rehabilitation: A Scoping Review of the Literature. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11061508. [PMID: 34067449 PMCID: PMC8224607 DOI: 10.3390/ani11061508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary When a horse is diagnosed with a locomotor disorder, the veterinarian treats the specific injury to restore the horse to soundness. Even after the injury has healed, however, the horse may not be fully functional due to persistent limitations in movement or strength in specific areas of the body. As in people, rehabilitation seeks to optimize function and reduce any existing disability using a variety of methods including manual therapy, the use of physical and mechanical agents, and specialized exercise regimes. This study has reviewed the scientific literature with the goal of identifying which types of physical therapy have been described in horses over the past 20 years. The most frequently reported techniques were exercise, electrotherapy, and hydrotherapy but there are relatively few publications describing details of their use and outcomes in clinical cases. This study reviews the methodology and outcomes of rehabilitation in clinical cases. The results highlight the paucity of clinically-based reports on the practical applications of equine rehabilitation and physical therapy. Abstract Injuries to the locomotor system are a common problem in athletic horses. Veterinarians address these injuries using appropriate medical, surgical, and pharmacological treatments. During or after recovery from the initial injury, horses may be treated for functional locomotor deficits using specific rehabilitation techniques aimed at restoring full athletic performance. This study reviews the literature to identify which rehabilitative techniques have been used most frequently in horses over the past 20 years, the protocols that were used, and the outcomes of the treatments in naturally occurring injuries and diseases. Publications were identified using keyword selection (Equine Athlete OR Equine OR Horse) AND (Rehabilitation OR Physiotherapy OR Physical Therapy). After removing duplicates and screening papers for suitability, 49 manuscripts were included in the study. The majority of publications that met the inclusion criteria were narrative reviews (49%) in which the authors cited the relatively small number of published evidence-based studies supplemented by personal experience. Observational/descriptive studies were also popular (35%). Randomized control trials accounted for only 10%. The most frequently reported rehabilitation techniques were exercise, electrotherapy, and hydrotherapy. The findings highlight the need for further information regarding type of intervention, parameterization, and outcomes of equine rehabilitation in clinical practice.
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Haussler KK, King MR, Peck K, Adair HS. The development of safe and effective rehabilitation protocols for horses. EQUINE VET EDUC 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/eve.13253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- K. K. Haussler
- Gail Holmes Equine Orthopaedic Research Center Department of Clinical Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences Colorado State University Fort Collins Colorado USA
| | - M. R. King
- Gail Holmes Equine Orthopaedic Research Center Department of Clinical Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences Colorado State University Fort Collins Colorado USA
| | - K. Peck
- Department of Physical Therapy Creighton University Omaha Nebraska USA
| | - H. S. Adair
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Science University of Tennessee Knoxville Tennessee USA
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Consensus for the General Use of Equine Water Treadmills for Healthy Horses. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11020305. [PMID: 33530300 PMCID: PMC7912478 DOI: 10.3390/ani11020305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Water treadmill exercise has become popular in recent years for the training and rehabilitation of equine athletes. Water treadmill exercise sessions can be tailored to the individual horse and the training/rehabilitation goals by altering the frequency, duration of exercise, water depth and belt speed. Recent work suggests that there are large variations in current modes of use between users, despite shared training or rehabilitation goals. In 2019, a group of researchers and experienced water treadmill users met in the UK to establish what was commonly considered to be best practice in the use of the modality. The result of these discussions was the production of ‘Water treadmill guidelines—a guide for users’, released in 2020 via various equestrian websites. The purpose of this article is to describe the development of these guidelines and propose them as a starting point for further collaboration between researchers and practitioners in the pursuit of ‘best practice’ in water treadmill exercise for horses. Abstract Water treadmill exercise has become popular in recent years for the training and rehabilitation of equine athletes. In 2019, an equine hydrotherapy working group was formed to establish what was commonly considered to be best practice in the use of the modality. This article describes the process by which general guidelines for the application of water treadmill exercise in training and rehabilitation programmes were produced by the working group. The guidelines describe the consensus reached to date on (1) the potential benefits of water treadmill exercise, (2) general good practice in water treadmill exercise, (3) introduction of horses to the exercise, (4) factors influencing selection of belt speed, water depth and duration of exercise, and (5) monitoring movement on the water treadmill. The long-term goal is to reach a consensus on the optimal use of the modality within a training or rehabilitation programme. Collaboration between clinicians, researchers and experienced users is needed to develop research programmes and further guidelines regarding the most appropriate application of the modality for specific veterinary conditions.
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McCrae P, Bradley M, Rolian C, Léguillette R. Water height modifies forelimb kinematics of horses during water treadmill exercise. COMPARATIVE EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.3920/cep200013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Although equine water treadmills (WTs) are increasingly being used for the rehabilitation of equine athletes, the immediate- and short-term effects of this type of exercise on limb movement in the WT and overground are unknown. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of WT exercise on equine forelimb kinematics on land and under various WT conditions before and after a prolonged period of WT conditioning. External markers were used to collect 2D kinematic data (joint extension, flexion, range of motion (ROM), elevation; stride mechanics) at 120 frames/s. Thirteen mixed breed, English performance horses were filmed under three test conditions: (1) horses walked on sand; (2) horses walked on a WT (water heights: dry, carpus, stifle); (3) horses walked on sand immediately following a WT session. Walking speeds during testing varied between horses, ranging from 1.3-1.5 m/s, but were held constant for each individual horse for all tests on both days. Testing occurred on days 1 and 10, with horses being trained on the WT for days 2 through 8 (28 min/day). Comparisons were made using linear mixed effects models. Carpal ROM and elbow ROM were greater when horses were walked in water, compared to without water (dry treadmill) and overground (P<0.0001 for all). This increased ROM was achieved primarily via an increase in joint flexion. With the addition of water, stride length increased and stride frequency decreased, accompanied by an increased percentage duration of swing phase. No effects of conditioning on gait mechanics were observed overground. Therefore, WT exercise may be meaningful for physical rehabilitation through increased joint flexion and ROM observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- P. McCrae
- Department of Veterinary Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - M. Bradley
- Department of Evolutionary Anthropology, Duke University, 415 Chapel Dr, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - C. Rolian
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - R. Léguillette
- Department of Veterinary Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
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Potenza KN, Huggons NA, Jones ARE, Rosanowski SM, McIlwraith CW. Comparing racing performance following arthroscopic surgery of metacarpophalangeal/metatarsophalangeal and carpal joints in Thoroughbred racehorses rehabilitated using conventional and underwater treadmill therapies. Vet Rec 2020; 187:355. [PMID: 32967934 DOI: 10.1136/vr.105745] [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: 10/15/2019] [Revised: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rehabilitation of horses using underwater treadmill therapy has been shown to improve joint range of motion, joint mobility, stride length and proprioceptive parameters with experimental studies. However, studies investigating the prognosis and return to function following rehabilitation are lacking. METHODS A retrospective study of Thoroughbred racehorses treated with arthroscopic surgery for osteochondral fragments of the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) or metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joints or carpal joints undergoing conventional rehabilitation or underwater treadmill assisted rehabilitation at the same facility were included. The objective of the current study was to investigate if underwater treadmill assisted rehabilitation following arthroscopy in the Thoroughbred racehorse was positively associated with returning to racing, time to return to racing and postoperative racing performance including Beyer Speed Figures. RESULTS Surgery was performed on 165 horses on 174 surgical occasions; 70 (40.2 per cent) underwent underwater treadmill rehabilitation, with the remainder undergoing conventional rehabilitation. The time to return to racing was a median of 227 (IQR 185-281) days and 239 (IQR 205-303) days for underwater treadmill and conventional rehabilitation, respectively (P=0.16). Of the horses that raced presurgery, 83 per cent (58/70) of underwater treadmill rehabilitated horses and 61 per cent (63/104) of horses undergoing conventional rehabilitation returned to racing following surgery (P=0.02). CONCLUSION Underwater treadmill rehabilitation is superior in returning a Thoroughbred racehorse to racing following arthroscopic surgery of the carpus and/or MCP/MTP joints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Korin N Potenza
- San Luis Rey Equine Hospital, Bonsall, California, USA .,Trifecta Equine Athletic Center, Bonsall, California, USA
| | | | | | | | - C Wayne McIlwraith
- Gail Holmes Equine Orthopedic Research Center, Department of Clinical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA.,Equine Medical Center, Cypress, California, USA
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Relationship Between Postural Stability and Paraspinal Muscle Adaptation in Lame Horses Undergoing Rehabilitation. J Equine Vet Sci 2020; 91:103108. [PMID: 32684253 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2020.103108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Revised: 04/12/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Postural stability maintains balance, protects the spinal column, and allows accurate responses to destabilizing forces. The musculus multifidus (m. multifidus) is the major postural muscle located adjacent to the vertebrae along the length of the spinal column. Increased cross-sectional area (CSA) of the m. multifidus has been demonstrated in horses after a rehabilitation strengthening exercise program; however, correlation with functional postural stability has not been shown. The objective of the present study is to evaluate the relationship of the thoracolumbar m. multifidus CSA and measures of postural sway performance in lame horses undergoing rehabilitation exercises in clinical cases. Seven client-owned horses admitted to the equine rehabilitation service were included in the study. M. multifidus CSA was measured via ultrasonography at the start of a rehabilitation program (initial evaluation) and after 12 weeks of rehabilitation exercises (final evaluation). Postural sway data were also measured at initial and final evaluation. A significant increase in m. multifidus CSA was seen from initial to final evaluation. A moderate to strong correlation was present between m. multifidus CSA and postural sway variables. These results suggest that there is an association between postural stability and m. multifidus hypertrophy in lame horses undergoing individualized rehabilitation programs. However, more research is needed to provide a definitive answer on the nature of this relationship. Ideally, specific performance tests would better define and examine the relationship in which to guide clinicians in rehabilitation protocol development.
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Greco-Otto P, Bond S, Sides R, Bayly W, Leguillette R. Conditioning equine athletes on water treadmills significantly improves peak oxygen consumption. Vet Rec 2020; 186:250. [PMID: 31511399 PMCID: PMC7057798 DOI: 10.1136/vr.104684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2017] [Revised: 05/28/2019] [Accepted: 08/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Equine water treadmills (WT) were initially designed for rehabilitation of musculoskeletal injuries, but are also commonly used for conditioning sport horses, however the effects are not well documented. The purpose of this study was to test the effect of an 18-day WT conditioning programme on peak oxygen consumption (V̇O2peak). Nine unfit Thoroughbreds were used in a randomised controlled trial. Six horses worked daily for 18 days in stifle-height water (WT group), while 3 control horses worked without water (dry treadmill group (DT)). Preconditioning and postconditioning maximal exercise racetrack tests (800 m) were performed using a portable ergospirometry system. Measured outcomes were V̇O2, tidal volume, minute ventilation, breathing frequency, heart rate, blood lactate and instantaneous and average speed. The workload as assessed by V̇O2 was 21.7 per cent of preconditioning V̇O2peak values for WT horses. V̇O2peak on the racetrack increased by 16.1 per cent from preconditioning to postconditioning in the WT horses (P=0.03), but did not change in the DT horses. Therefore, exercising horses in high water heights may improve conditioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Persephone Greco-Otto
- Veterinary Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Stephanie Bond
- Veterinary Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Raymond Sides
- Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Pullman, Washington, USA
| | - Warwick Bayly
- Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Pullman, Washington, USA
| | - Renaud Leguillette
- Veterinary Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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Saitua A, Becero M, Argüelles D, Castejón-Riber C, Sánchez de Medina A, Satué K, Muñoz A. Combined Effects of Water Depth and Velocity on the Accelerometric Parameters Measured in Horses Exercised on a Water Treadmill. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10020236. [PMID: 32028600 PMCID: PMC7070311 DOI: 10.3390/ani10020236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Revised: 01/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Horse trainers often claim that exercise on a water treadmill (WT) leads to a greater muscle power and development compared to terrestrial locomotion, because of the greater viscosity of water compared to air. This research assesses locomotor changes measured with accelerometers fixed in the pectoral region and in the sacrum midline in six horses subjected to exercise sessions of 40 min duration on a WT without water (DT), and with water at the depth of fetlock (FET) and carpus (CAR) with velocities of 6 km/h and at the depth of stifle (STF) at 5 km/h. Another five horses performed the same exercise sessions but always with a velocity of 5 km/h. Total power increased from DT to FET and CAR, without significant differences between CAR and STF depths when the velocity was the same. However, a significant decrease was found when the velocity was reduced. The greater total power with water was distributed mainly to the dorsoventral axis, with significant increases in dorsoventral displacement and dorsoventral power. Both parameters were significantly affected by velocity and water depth. In conclusion, total and dorsoventral powers increased with velocity and water depth, leading to reduction in longitudinal and mediolateral power, during exercise on a WT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aritz Saitua
- Equine Sport Medicine Center, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Córdoba, 14014 Córdoba, Spain; (A.S.); (M.B.)
| | - Mireya Becero
- Equine Sport Medicine Center, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Córdoba, 14014 Córdoba, Spain; (A.S.); (M.B.)
| | - David Argüelles
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Córdoba, 14014 Córdoba, Spain; (D.A.); (A.S.d.M.)
- Veterinary Teaching Hospital, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Córdoba, 14014 Córdoba, Spain
| | | | - Antonia Sánchez de Medina
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Córdoba, 14014 Córdoba, Spain; (D.A.); (A.S.d.M.)
- Veterinary Teaching Hospital, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Córdoba, 14014 Córdoba, Spain
| | - Katy Satué
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine, University Cardenal Herrera-CEU, 46115 Valencia, Spain;
| | - Ana Muñoz
- Equine Sport Medicine Center, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Córdoba, 14014 Córdoba, Spain; (A.S.); (M.B.)
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Córdoba, 14014 Córdoba, Spain; (D.A.); (A.S.d.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-957-21-86-59
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Generation of Domains for the Equine Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation Outcome Score: Development by Expert Consensus. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10020203. [PMID: 31991716 PMCID: PMC7070405 DOI: 10.3390/ani10020203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2019] [Revised: 01/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Within rehabilitation, measurements taken before, during and after treatments are used to judge patient progress and the effectiveness of prescribed treatments. To know which measurements to use for a given health condition, practitioners must have knowledge of what should be measured, which measurement tools are available and accurate, alongside what they intend to measure. Composite outcome measures (OMs) are tools which use grouped measurement tests to monitor patient progress; they have been tested for a variety of human and canine conditions but none have been designed or tested for use in physical rehabilitation in horses. This study asked leading equine veterinarians, physiotherapists and researchers which measures should be included in an OM for use in the rehabilitation of horses. Using a process to evaluate agreement, ten areas of measurement were included in the final model: lameness, pain at rest, pain during exercise, behaviour during exercise, muscular symmetry, performance/functional capacity, behaviour at rest, palpation, balance and proprioception. Existing reliable tests used to measure these areas were evaluated and potential new measures discussed and now should be taken forward to testing as a composite outcome score to see if they are effective in measuring effectiveness of treatment. Abstract Outcome measures (OMs) are a requirement of professional practice standards in human and canine physiotherapy practice for measurement of health status. Measures such as pain and functional capacity of specific regions are used to track treatment impact and can be used to develop optimal management strategies. To achieve comparable patient care in equine physiotherapy, OMs must be incorporated into practice; however, no reliable and valid OMs exist for equine rehabilitation. This study utilised the experience and opinion of a panel of experts working in the equine rehabilitation sphere to gain consensus on the core areas (domains) to be included in a model, to lead to an OM scale for horses undergoing rehabilitation. The Delphi method and content validity ratio testing was used to determine agreement with domains reaching the critical value required for inclusion. The expert panel agreed on ten domains to be included in the OM scale: lameness, pain at rest, pain during exercise, behaviour during exercise, muscular symmetry, performance/functional capacity, behaviour at rest, palpation, balance and proprioception. An OM with these domains would provide a holistic objective assessment tool which could be used by equine rehabilitation professionals in clinical practice.
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Greco-Otto P, Baggaley M, Edwards WB, Léguillette R. Water treadmill exercise reduces equine limb segmental accelerations and increases shock attenuation. BMC Vet Res 2019; 15:329. [PMID: 31519197 PMCID: PMC6743102 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-019-2075-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2019] [Accepted: 09/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Equine water treadmills (WTs) are growing in popularity because they are believed to allow for high resistance, low impact exercise. However, little is known about the effect of water height on limb loading. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of water height and speed on segmental acceleration and impact attenuation during WT exercise in horses. Three uniaxial accelerometers (sampling rate: 2500 Hz) were secured on the left forelimb (hoof, mid-cannon, mid-radius). Horses walked at two speeds (S1: 0.83 m/s, S2: 1.39 m/s) and three water heights (mid-cannon, carpus, stifle), with a dry WT control. Peak acceleration of each segment was averaged over five strides, attenuation was calculated, and stride frequency was estimated by the time between successive hoof contacts. Linear mixed effects models were used to examine the effects of water height, speed, and accelerometer location on peak acceleration, attenuation and stride frequency (p < 0.05). RESULTS Peak acceleration at all locations was lower with water of any height compared to the dry control (p < 0.0001). Acceleration was reduced with water at the height of the stifle compared to mid-cannon water height (p = 0.02). Water at the height of the stifle attenuated more impact than water at the height of the cannon (p = 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS Water immersion during treadmill exercise reduced segmental accelerations and increased attenuation in horses. WT exercise may be beneficial in the rehabilitation of lower limb injuries in horses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Persephone Greco-Otto
- Department of Veterinary Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Michael Baggaley
- Human Performance Lab, Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - W B Edwards
- Human Performance Lab, Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Renaud Léguillette
- Department of Veterinary Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada.
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The Use of the Water Treadmill for the Rehabilitation of Musculoskeletal Injuries in the Sport Horse. J Vet Res 2019; 63:439-445. [PMID: 31572826 PMCID: PMC6749732 DOI: 10.2478/jvetres-2019-0050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2019] [Accepted: 08/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, exercise on a water treadmill has come to have great relevance in rehabilitation and training centres for sport horses. Its use exploits certain physical properties of water, related to the fundamental principles of hydrodynamics, such as buoyancy, viscosity, hydrostatic pressure, and water temperature. These properties together with deliberate specification of the depth of the water and the velocity of the treadmill provide a combination of parameters that can be varied according to the purpose of the rehabilitation or training programme, the disease to rehabilitate, or the healing phase. In the current article, kinematic adaptations to exercise on a water treadmill and the direct application of such exercise to the rehabilitation of superficial and deep digital flexor tendon and accessory ligament injuries and back and joint diseases are described.
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Tranquille CA, Tacey JB, Walker VA, Nankervis KJ, Murray RC. International Survey of Equine Water Treadmills—Why, When, and How? J Equine Vet Sci 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2018.05.220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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20
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Moorman VJ, Kawcak CE, King MR. Evaluation of a portable media device for use in determining postural stability in standing horses. Am J Vet Res 2017; 78:1036-1042. [DOI: 10.2460/ajvr.78.9.1036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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21
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King MR, Haussler KK, Kawcak CE, McIlwraith CW, Reiser RF, Frisbie DD, Werpy NM. Biomechanical and histologic evaluation of the effects of underwater treadmill exercise on horses with experimentally induced osteoarthritis of the middle carpal joint. Am J Vet Res 2017; 78:558-569. [PMID: 28441054 DOI: 10.2460/ajvr.78.5.558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effects of exercise in an underwater treadmill (UWT) on forelimb biomechanics and articular histologic outcomes in horses with experimentally induced osteoarthritis of the middle carpal joint. ANIMALS 16 horses. PROCEDURES An osteochondral fragment was induced arthroscopically (day 0) in 1 middle carpal joint of each horse. Beginning on day 15, horses were assigned to exercise in a UWT or in the UWT without water (simulating controlled hand walking) at the same speed, frequency, and duration. Thoracic and pelvic limb ground reaction forces, thoracic limb kinematics, and electromyographic results for select thoracic limb muscles acting on the carpi were collected on days -7 (baseline), 14, 42, and 70. Weekly evaluations included clinical assessments of lameness, response to carpal joint flexion, and goniometric measurements of thoracic limb articulations. At study conclusion, articular cartilage and synovial membrane from the middle carpal joints was histologically examined. RESULTS Exercise in a UWT significantly reduced synovial membrane inflammation and resulted in significant clinical improvements with regard to symmetric thoracic limb loading, uniform activation patterns of select thoracic limb muscles, and return to baseline values for carpal joint flexion, compared with results for horses with simulated hand walking. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Overall improvements in thoracic limb function, joint range of motion, and synovial membrane integrity indicated that exercise in a UWT was a potentially viable therapeutic option for the management of carpal joint osteoarthritis in horses.
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Nankervis KJ, Launder EJ, Murray RC. The Use of Treadmills Within the Rehabilitation of Horses. J Equine Vet Sci 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2017.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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23
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Current Knowledge of Equine Water Treadmill Exercise: What Can We Learn From Human and Canine Studies? J Equine Vet Sci 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2016.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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25
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Abstract
Hydrotherapy has become a key element within equine rehabilitation protocols and is used to address range of motion, proprioception, strength, neuromotor control, pain, and inflammation. Various forms of hydrotherapy can be tailored to the individual's injury and the expected return to athletic performance. This article describes the mechanisms of action of hydrotherapies and potential use in the clinical management of equine musculoskeletal injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa R King
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, 300 west drake street, Fort Collins, CO 80526, USA.
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26
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Comparison of subjective lameness evaluation, force platforms and an inertial-sensor system to identify mild lameness in an equine osteoarthritis model. Vet J 2015; 206:136-42. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2015.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2014] [Revised: 07/06/2015] [Accepted: 08/03/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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27
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McIlwraith CW. Management of joint diseases in horses: Current and future prospects. EQUINE VET EDUC 2015. [DOI: 10.1111/eve.12364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- C. W. McIlwraith
- Gail Holmes Equine Orthopaedic Research Center; Colorado State University; Fort Collins Colorado 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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