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Domańska-Kruppa N, Wierzbicka M, Stefanik E. Advances in the Clinical Diagnostics to Equine Back Pain: A Review of Imaging and Functional Modalities. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:698. [PMID: 38473083 DOI: 10.3390/ani14050698] [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: 02/03/2024] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Back pain is common in ridden horses. Back diseases in horses include Impinging Dorsal Spinous Processes, Ventral Spondylosis, Osteoarthritis of Articular Process, Intervertebral Discs Disease, Vertebral Fractures, Conformational Abnormalities, Desmopathy of the Supraspinous Ligament, Desmopathy of the Intraspinous Ligament, and Longissimus Muscle Strain. Back pain may also develop as a result of lameness (particularly hindlimb lameness). A poorly fitting saddle and an unbalanced rider are also considered important factors influencing the development of back pain in horses. The conventional diagnosis of equine back pain includes a clinical examination and diagnostic imaging examination using ultrasound, radiography, and thermography. Advanced diagnostic modalities of equine back pain involve the objectification of standard procedures through the use of algometers, a lameness locator, biometric mats, and the geometric morphometrics method. In addition to modern diagnostic methods, such as computed tomography and scintigraphy, advances in the diagnosis of equine back pain include the use of electromyography and functional electrical stimulation. The aim of this review article is to familiarize clinicians with the usefulness and capabilities of conventional diagnostic protocols and advanced diagnostic modalities. Although orthopedic examination and traditional diagnostic methods will remain the foundation of the diagnosis of back diseases, modern methods meet the growing expectations towards high-performance horses and allow for deeper diagnostics and objective monitoring of rehabilitation and training progress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Domańska-Kruppa
- Department of Large Animal Diseases and Clinic, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, 02-787 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Wierzbicka
- Department of Large Animal Diseases and Clinic, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, 02-787 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Elżbieta Stefanik
- Department of Large Animal Diseases and Clinic, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, 02-787 Warsaw, Poland
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Knaggs H, Tabor G, Williams J. An initial investigation into the effects of the equine transeva technique (pulsating current electrotherapy) on the equine Gluteus superficialis. COMPARATIVE EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.3920/cep210001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The equine transeva technique (ETT), is a novel electrotherapy, which utilises pulsating current electrotherapy to target sensory and motor neurons. The technique may facilitate increased circulation and correction of musculoskeletal issues and injuries, such as tendon and ligament tears and muscle atrophy. Despite the importance of understanding the impact of ETT on horses, no current scientific research exists in this area. This preliminary study investigated the effects of ETT on the musculoskeletal system of the horse, specifically within the Gluteus superficialis (GS). Using surface electromyography, muscle workload was measured in 11 sound and healthy horses of varying breeds and disciplines within the inclusion criteria. Integrated electromyography (iEMG) calculated the percentage change in maximal contractions before and after ETT treatment during one minute trials at 30 s intervals. An ANCOVA determined if these constituted significant changes (Bonferroni adjusted alpha: P≤0.02). Significant differences in muscle workload were found on the left side between pre- and post-treatment readings across trials (P≤0.02), however no significant changes occurred for the right side. The majority of horses (82%; n=9) experienced bilateral changes, with 78% of these (n=7) exhibiting a negative change in muscle workload recorded from the pretreatment condition, which may indicate muscular relaxation. The results suggest ETT may have some effect on muscle workload in the athletic horse, however further research is needed to confirm the effects observed. Future studies should include randomising the side which is treated first, a larger sample size, expansion of temporal variables and consideration of a longitudinal study to determine if these trends accrue over multiple maintenance-purposed treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- H. Knaggs
- Hartpury University, Hartpury, Gloucester, GL19 3BE, United Kingdom
| | - G. Tabor
- Hartpury University, Hartpury, Gloucester, GL19 3BE, United Kingdom
| | - J.M. Williams
- Hartpury University, Hartpury, Gloucester, GL19 3BE, United Kingdom
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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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St. George L, Clayton HM, Sinclair J, Richards J, Roy SH, Hobbs SJ. Muscle Function and Kinematics during Submaximal Equine Jumping: What Can Objective Outcomes Tell Us about Athletic Performance Indicators? Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11020414. [PMID: 33562875 PMCID: PMC7915507 DOI: 10.3390/ani11020414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Revised: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Selection and training practices for jumping horses have not yet been validated using objective performance analyses. This study aimed to quantify the differences and relationships between movement and muscle activation strategies in horses with varying jump technique to identify objective jumping performance indicators. Surface electromyography (sEMG) and three-dimensional kinematic data were collected from horses executing a submaximal jump. Kinematic variables were calculated based on equestrian-derived performance indicators relating to impulsion, engagement and joint articulation. Horses were grouped using an objective performance indicator-center of mass (CM) elevation during jump suspension (ZCM). Between-group differences in kinematic variables and muscle activation timings, calculated from sEMG data, were analyzed using one-way ANOVA. Statistical parametric mapping (SPM) evaluated between-group differences in time and amplitude-normalized sEMG waveforms. Relationships between movement and muscle activation were evaluated using Pearson correlation coefficients. Horses with the greatest ZCM displayed significantly (p < 0.05) shorter gluteal contractions at take-off, which were significantly correlated (p < 0.05) with a faster approach and more rapid hindlimb shortening and CM vertical displacement and velocity, as well as shorter hindlimb stance duration at take-off. Findings provide objective support for prioritizing equestrian-derived performance indicators related to the generation of engagement, impulsion and hindlimb muscle power when selecting or training jumping horses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay St. George
- School of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Preston PR1 2HE, UK; (J.S.); (J.R.); (S.J.H.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +44-7502-239579
| | | | - Jonathan Sinclair
- School of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Preston PR1 2HE, UK; (J.S.); (J.R.); (S.J.H.)
| | - James Richards
- School of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Preston PR1 2HE, UK; (J.S.); (J.R.); (S.J.H.)
| | | | - Sarah Jane Hobbs
- School of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Preston PR1 2HE, UK; (J.S.); (J.R.); (S.J.H.)
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Parkinson S, Wills A, Tabor G, Williams J. Effect of water depth on muscle activity of dogs when walking on a water treadmill. COMPARATIVE EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY 2018. [DOI: 10.3920/cep170031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Evidence-informed practice is currently lacking in canine hydrotherapy. This study aimed to investigate if the estimated workload of the gluteus medius (GM) and longissimus dorsi (LD) increased in dogs at different water depths when walking on a water treadmill. Seven dogs were walked for 2 min continuously on a water treadmill at depths of no submersion (depth 1), mid-tarsal (depth 2), between lateral malleolus and lateral epicondyle (depth 3) and between the lateral epicondyle and greater trochanter (depth 4). Continuous electromyographic data from the right and left sides of GM and LD were collected simultaneously during exercise. Friedman’s analyses with post-hoc Wilcoxon tests established if significant differences in GM and LD muscle activity occurred between the water depths for mean estimated-workload. Significant differences occurred in estimated-workload in GM and LD between water depths (P<0.05). Mean estimated-workload decreased in the right and left GM between depths 2 (mid-tarsal) and 3 (between lateral malleolus and epicondyle) (P<0.007) and depths 2 and 4 (between lateral epicondyle and greater trochanter) (P<0.001), a pattern which was repeated for left and right LD (P<0.007). Right GM mean estimated-workload increased between depth 1 (no submersion) and depth 2 only (P<0.013). Water depth influences GM and LD activity in dogs walking on a water treadmill. Increasing knowledge of canine locomotion in water treadmills could be used to inform individualised rehabilitation regimes for dogs undertaking hydrotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. Parkinson
- Animal Welfare Research Group, University Centre Hartpury, Hartpury, Gloucestershire, GL19 3BE, United Kingdom
| | - A.P. Wills
- Animal Welfare Research Group, University Centre Hartpury, Hartpury, Gloucestershire, GL19 3BE, United Kingdom
| | - G. Tabor
- Animal Welfare Research Group, University Centre Hartpury, Hartpury, Gloucestershire, GL19 3BE, United Kingdom
| | - J.M. Williams
- Animal Welfare Research Group, University Centre Hartpury, Hartpury, Gloucestershire, GL19 3BE, United Kingdom
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Waran N, Randle H. What we can measure, we can manage: The importance of using robust welfare indicators in Equitation Science. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2017.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
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Vögele AM, Zsoldos RR, Krüger B, Licka T. Novel Methods for Surface EMG Analysis and Exploration Based on Multi-Modal Gaussian Mixture Models. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0157239. [PMID: 27362752 PMCID: PMC4928879 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0157239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2015] [Accepted: 05/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
This paper introduces a new method for data analysis of animal muscle activation during locomotion. It is based on fitting Gaussian mixture models (GMMs) to surface EMG data (sEMG). This approach enables researchers/users to isolate parts of the overall muscle activation within locomotion EMG data. Furthermore, it provides new opportunities for analysis and exploration of sEMG data by using the resulting Gaussian modes as atomic building blocks for a hierarchical clustering. In our experiments, composite peak models representing the general activation pattern per sensor location (one sensor on the long back muscle, three sensors on the gluteus muscle on each body side) were identified per individual for all 14 horses during walk and trot in the present study. Hereby we show the applicability of the method to identify composite peak models, which describe activation of different muscles throughout cycles of locomotion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Magdalena Vögele
- Multimedia, Simulation and Virtual Reality Group, Institute of Computer Science II, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- * E-mail:
| | - Rebeka R. Zsoldos
- Working Group Animal Breeding, Department of Sustainable Agricultural Systems, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Björn Krüger
- Gokhale Method Institute, Stanford, CA, United States of America
| | - Theresia Licka
- Movement Science Group, Department for Small Animals and Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom
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Valentin S, Zsoldos RR. Surface electromyography in animal biomechanics: A systematic review. J Electromyogr Kinesiol 2016; 28:167-83. [PMID: 26763600 PMCID: PMC5518891 DOI: 10.1016/j.jelekin.2015.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2015] [Revised: 11/22/2015] [Accepted: 12/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The study of muscle activity using surface electromyography (sEMG) is commonly used for investigations of the neuromuscular system in man. Although sEMG has faced methodological challenges, considerable technical advances have been made in the last few decades. Similarly, the field of animal biomechanics, including sEMG, has grown despite being confronted with often complex experimental conditions. In human sEMG research, standardised protocols have been developed, however these are lacking in animal sEMG. Before standards can be proposed in this population group, the existing research in animal sEMG should be collated and evaluated. Therefore the aim of this review is to systematically identify and summarise the literature in animal sEMG focussing on (1) species, breeds, activities and muscles investigated, and (2) electrode placement and normalisation methods used. The databases PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Vetmed Resource were searched systematically for sEMG studies in animals and 38 articles were included in the final review. Data on methodological quality was collected and summarised. The findings from this systematic review indicate the divergence in animal sEMG methodology and as a result, future steps required to develop standardisation in animal sEMG are proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rebeka R Zsoldos
- Working Group Animal Breeding, Department of Sustainable Agricultural Systems, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Williams J, Johnson C, Bales R, Lloyd G, Barron L, Quest D. Analysis of Temporalis and Masseter adaptation after routine dental treatment in the horse via surface electromyography. COMPARATIVE EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY 2014. [DOI: 10.3920/cep143004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Limited knowledge of how routine dental treatment (rasping) alters the mastication cycle exists. To our knowledge, Masseter and Temporalis muscle activity after rasping has not been previously evaluated. A descriptive, experimental study compared muscle activity pre- and post-routine dental treatment using surface electromyography (sEMG) to investigate the hypothesis that Masseter activity would increase and Temporalis activity decrease, over a 6 week time period after routine dentistry. Motor unit action potential amplitude (MUAP) and peak amplitude contraction (PAC), for 5 chewing cycles, were measured using sEMG in the right and left Masseter and Temporalis muscles of 10 horses, selected opportunistically due to their dental pathology that required routine rasping (week 0). Routine dental treatment was undertaken and sEMG measurements repeated at 1, 3 and 6 weeks post treatment. Mean MUAP and PAC were calculated for each week and compared both across the cohort and for each horse. For the cohort: Temporalis MUAP fluctuated after rasping, but was only significant in the left muscle between weeks 0 and 6, and weeks 1 and 6 (P<0.02). PAC did not differ significantly, with the exception of a decrease occurring on the left from week 0 to 1 (P<0.01). Masseter activity varied throughout the investigation, but few significant differences were found. A non-significant but consistent reduction in magnitude of PAC was found. For the individuals: MUAP and PAC in the Masseter and Temporalis muscles varied (increased / decreased) on an individual basis throughout the six weeks post rasping, although only MUAP fluctuations between weeks were significant (P<0.01). Adaptation occurs in the Masseter and Temporalis of individual horses after routine rasping; this appears to be associated with kinematic changes within the chewing cycle and is still occurring 6 weeks post-treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- J.M. Williams
- Centre for Performance in Equestrian Sport, Hartpury College, University of the West of England, GL19 3BE Gloucester, United Kingdom
| | - C. Johnson
- Centre for Performance in Equestrian Sport, Hartpury College, University of the West of England, GL19 3BE Gloucester, United Kingdom
| | - R. Bales
- Centre for Performance in Equestrian Sport, Hartpury College, University of the West of England, GL19 3BE Gloucester, United Kingdom
| | - G. Lloyd
- Centre for Performance in Equestrian Sport, Hartpury College, University of the West of England, GL19 3BE Gloucester, United Kingdom
| | - L. Barron
- Centre for Performance in Equestrian Sport, Hartpury College, University of the West of England, GL19 3BE Gloucester, United Kingdom
| | - D. Quest
- Centre for Performance in Equestrian Sport, Hartpury College, University of the West of England, GL19 3BE Gloucester, United Kingdom
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Abstract
The use of performance analysis is commonplace throughout competitive sports, however, uptake is limited within equestrianism. This review considers the potential for wider implementation of performance analysis techniques within equine sports via contextualisation to showjumping: the horse, rider and the horse and rider dyad. There appears to be limited research available to underpin evaluation of the multiple facets that comprise competitive success in showjumping, with biomechanical evaluation of the jumping phases most established. This presents opportunities for collaboration between the equine industry, researchers and performance analysts to expand knowledge of what contributes to success for horse and rider partnerships in all equine disciplines.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. Williams
- University of the West of England, Hartpury, Gloucester, GL19 3BE, United Kingdom
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