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Author |
Robert, C.; Valette, J.P.; Denoix, J.M. |
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Title |
The effects of treadmill inclination and speed on the activity of three trunk muscles in the trotting horse |
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Journal Article |
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Year |
2001 |
Publication |
Equine Veterinary Journal |
Abbreviated Journal |
Equine Vet J |
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Volume |
33 |
Issue |
5 |
Pages |
466-472 |
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Keywords |
Animals; Biomechanics; Electromyography/methods/veterinary; Exercise Test/veterinary; Gait/physiology; Horses/*physiology; Muscle, Skeletal/*physiology; Physical Conditioning, Animal; Rectus Abdominis/physiology; Time Factors |
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Abstract |
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of speed and slope on the activity of trunk muscles. The electromyographic (EMG) activity of the splenius (Sp), longissimus dorsi (LD) and rectus abdominis (RA) muscles was recorded with surface electrodes during treadmill locomotion at trot for different combinations of speed (3.5 to 6 m/s) and slope (0 to 6%). Raw EMG signals were processed to determine activity duration, onset and end and integrated EMG (IEMG). For the 3 muscles investigated, onset and end of activity were obtained earlier in the stride cycle when speed increased. A longer duration of activity for the LD, a shorter duration for the RA and an unchanged duration for the Sp were also observed. The IEMG of the latter was poorly affected by speed, whereas it increased linearly with speed for the 2 other muscles. When treadmill inclination changed from 0 to 6%, EMG activity of the LD and RA began and ended later; a longer activity duration was noted. Temporal parameters for Sp did not change with slope. A significant and progressive increase in the IEMG of the 3 muscles was observed with increasing slope. This evaluation of the activity of trunk muscles provides objective data for the use of speed or slope in training programmes. |
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UMR INRA-DGER, Biomecanique et Pathalogie Locomotrice du Cheval, UP Anatomie, Ecole Nationale Veterinaire d'Alfort, Maisons-Alfort, France |
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0425-1644 |
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PMID:11558741 |
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Call Number |
Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
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4052 |
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Author |
Morales, J.L.; Manchado, M.; Vivo, J.; Galisteo, A.M.; Aguera, E.; Miro, F. |
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Title |
Angular kinematic patterns of limbs in elite and riding horses at trot |
Type |
Journal Article |
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Year |
1998 |
Publication |
Equine Veterinary Journal |
Abbreviated Journal |
Equine Vet J |
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Volume |
30 |
Issue |
6 |
Pages |
528-533 |
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Keywords |
Animals; Biomechanics; Breeding; Extremities/*physiology; Gait/*physiology; Horses/*physiology; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; Joints/*physiology; Male; Video Recording |
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Abstract |
Normal speed videography was used to determine the angular parameters of 28 Spanish Thoroughbreds at trot. Horses were divided into 3 groups: Group UT, comprising 9 animals (provided by the VII National Stud, Cordoba, Spain) which had undergone no specific training programme and which were hand led at the trot; Group T, formed by 19 horses considered to be highly bred and trained, and which were also hand led; and Group RT, comprising the same horses as the latter group but this time trotted by a rider. Each animal was filmed 6 times from the right-hand side, using a Hi8 (25 Hz) video camera. Angular parameters for fore- and hindlimb joints were measured in each stride from computer-grabbed frames and entered into a spreadsheet for calculation; parameters included maximum and minimum angles, range of motion, and angles at landing, lift off and maximum hoof height; the times at which maximum angle, minimum angle, lift off and maximum hoof height occurred were calculated as percentages of total stride duration. Stride velocity (mean [s.d.]) was 4.01 (0.62), 3.60 (0.34) and 3.07 (0.36) m/s for Groups UT, T and RT, respectively. Data were then compared between Groups UT-T and Groups T-RT. Compared with Group UT, horses from Group T featured a shorter stance percentage (P<0.001) in both fore- and hindlimbs. The range of motion in forelimbs was smaller (P<0.05), due to lower retraction (P<0.001); moreover, maximum retraction appeared earlier (P<0.05). Greater scapular inclination was in evidence (P<0.05) and the shoulder joint extended further (P<0.05). Fore- and hind fetlock joints revealed a relatively shorter hyperextension period during the stance phase (P<0.01). Compared with Group T, horses from Group RT had a longer stance percentage, with belated maximum retraction of the fore- and hindlimbs. The range of movement in scapular inclination was greater (P<0.05), due to a smaller minimum angle (P<0.01), and the shoulder joint flexed more (P<0.05). The elbow joint extended more and for longer during the stance phase. Initial extension of the hip joint (P<0.05) and tarsus (P<0.001) lasted longer. The carpal and fore and hind fetlock joints recorded relatively longer hyperextension times, in addition to greater hyperextension during the stance phase. The results from the present study suggest that rider-effect must be taken in consideration when well gaited horses are selected for dressage purposes. |
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Department of Compared Anatomy and Pathology, University of Cordoba, Veterinary Faculty, Spain |
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0425-1644 |
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PMID:9844972 |
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Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
Serial |
3734 |
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Author |
Holmstrom, M.; Fredricson, I.; Drevemo, S. |
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Title |
Biokinematic effects of collection on the trotting gaits in the elite dressage horse |
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Journal Article |
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Year |
1995 |
Publication |
Equine Veterinary Journal |
Abbreviated Journal |
Equine Vet J |
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Volume |
27 |
Issue |
4 |
Pages |
281-287 |
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Keywords |
Animals; Biomechanics; Female; Gait/*physiology; Horses/*physiology; Kinesics; Male; Video Recording |
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Abstract |
Trot in hand, working trot, collected trot, passage and piaffe of 6 Grand Prix dressage horses were recorded by high speed film (250 frames/s). Angular patterns and hoof trajectories of the left fore- and hindlimbs were analysed and presented as mean and standard deviation (s.d.) curves. Speed and stride length decreased and fore- and hind stance phase durations increased with collection resulting in no suspension in piaffe. The diagonal advanced placement was positive in all gaits except for piaffe. Most of the changes in forelimb angular patterns were effects of reduction in forelimb pendulation. The horses did not step under themselves more in collected trot, passage and piaffe than in trot in hand. The stifle and hock joints were more flexed at the start of the stance phase in piaffe and passage than in the other gaits. Flexion of the hock joint at the middle of the stance phase was largest in passage and piaffe. In spite of the limited number of horses the present study confirmed earlier observations of conformation and gaits in dressage horses. Hindlimb pendulation, femur and pelvis inclinations and elbow, carpal, stifle and hock joint angles seem to be the most significant angular measurements for dressage performance. |
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Swedish National Stud, Flyinge |
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0425-1644 |
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PMID:8536664 |
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Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
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3742 |
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Author |
Clayton, H.M. |
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Title |
Comparison of the stride kinematics of the collected, working, medium and extended trot in horses |
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Journal Article |
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Year |
1994 |
Publication |
Equine Veterinary Journal |
Abbreviated Journal |
Equine Vet J |
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Volume |
26 |
Issue |
3 |
Pages |
230-234 |
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Keywords |
Analysis of Variance; Animals; Biomechanics; Female; Forelimb/anatomy & histology/physiology; Gait/*physiology; Hindlimb/anatomy & histology/physiology; Horses/anatomy & histology/*physiology; Locomotion/physiology; Male; Motion Pictures |
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Abstract |
Highly-trained dressage horses were studied to test the hypothesis that stride length is altered independently of stride duration in the transitions between the collected, working, medium and extended trot. Six well-trained dressage horses were filmed at a frame rate of 150 frames/s performing the collected, working, medium and extended trots in a sand arena. Temporal, linear and angular data were extracted from the films, with 4 strides being analysed for each horse and gait type. There were no significant asymmetries between the left and rights limbs or diagonals when data from the whole group were pooled, but 3 horses showed asymmetries in one or more variables (P < 0.01). Analysis of variance and post-hoc tests indicated that the speed increased significantly (P < 0.01) from the collected (3.20 m/s) to the working (3.61 m/s) to the medium (4.47 m/s) to the extended (4.93 m/s) trot. The increases in speed were associated with a significant increase in stride length from 250 cm in the collected trot, to 273 cm in the working trot, 326 cm in the medium trot and 355 cm in the extended trot (P < 0.01). The lengthening of the stride was a result of increases between each gait type in the over-reach distance, whereas the diagonal distance was significantly longer in the extended than the collected trot only (P < 0.01). The stride duration tended to decrease as speed increased, and the difference became significant between the collected and extended trots (P < 0.01). |
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Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada |
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0425-1644 |
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PMID:8542844 |
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Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
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3746 |
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Author |
Steiner, M. |
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Title |
Biomechanics of tendon healing |
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Journal Article |
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Year |
1982 |
Publication |
Journal of Biomechanics |
Abbreviated Journal |
J Biomech |
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Volume |
15 |
Issue |
12 |
Pages |
951-958 |
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Keywords |
Achilles Tendon/injuries; Animals; Biomechanics; Rats; Tendon Injuries/pathology/*physiopathology; Tensile Strength; Time Factors; *Wound Healing |
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Abstract |
The biomechanics of tendon healing was investigated with unsutured rat achilles tendons. After two, three, and four weeks of healing tensile parameters were assayed with a bone-muscle-tendon-bone preparation elongated to failure at a controlled physiological strain rate. In the third week of healing, stiffness, strength, and energy absorbing capacity all increased approximately 50%. These changes correlated with early fibroplasia. In the fourth week of healing, strength, energy absorbing capacity and elongation to failure all increased relatively more than stiffness. Histologically, larger fibers with better longitudinal alignment developed during this period. At the end of four weeks the tendon's strength was approximately 25% of normal. To summarize, the return of stiffness in a healing tendon preparation correlated with the presence of fibroplasia and the return of other tensile parameters was a function of the amount and organization of the fibroplasia. |
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0021-9290 |
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PMID:7166555 |
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Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
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4448 |
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Author |
Denoix, J.M. |
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Title |
Approche mecanique des allures et du saut chez le cheval |
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Journal Article |
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Year |
1991 |
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Science & Sports |
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6 |
Issue |
2 |
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117-124 |
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Keywords |
cheval; locomotion; biomecanique; horse; locomotion; biomechanics |
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Resume La locomotion du cheval implique des contraintes mecaniques elevees sur les os, les articulations, les muscles et les tendons. Son etude permet de mieux connaitre les interventions actives ou passives de ces organes au cours des allures et du saut. Ces elements sont utiles pour la mise en oeuvre rationnelle d'exercices d'entrainement chez le cheval de sport ou de courses, en fonction des exigences de la discipline et des eventuels problemes locomoteurs du sujet. L'etude mecanique de la locomotion du cheval est par ailleurs indispensable pour l'amelioration de la connaissance des boiteries. Elle permet de preciser la genese des lesions osteoarticulaires et musculo-tendineuses et contribue a ameliorer leur traitement.Summary Locomotion of the horse is correlated with a great variety of mechanical stresses on bones, joints, muscles and tendons. Research on locomotion increases the knowledge of passive and active interventions of these structures during gaits and jump. These data are useful to manage the training of sport and jump horses, especially to fit with the particularities of the sport speciality and individual locomotor problems of horses. Beside, studies of locomotion in the horse are of importance to improve the knowledge of lamenesses. They contribute to precise the pathogenesis of osteoarticular and musculotendinous injuries and improve their treatment. |
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refbase @ user @ |
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3976 |
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Author |
Powers, P.; Harrison, A. |
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Title |
Effects of the rider on the linear kinematics of jumping horses |
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Journal Article |
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Year |
2002 |
Publication |
Sports Biomechanics / International Society of Biomechanics in Sports |
Abbreviated Journal |
Sports Biomech |
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Volume |
1 |
Issue |
2 |
Pages |
135-146 |
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Keywords |
Animals; Behavior, Animal/*physiology; Biomechanics; Communication; Exertion/*physiology; Gait/*physiology; Horses/*physiology; Humans; Locomotion/*physiology; Posture/*physiology; Task Performance and Analysis; Video Recording; Weight-Bearing/*physiology |
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This study examined the effects of the rider on the linear projectile kinematics of show-jumping horses. SVHS video recordings (50 Hz) of eight horses jumping a vertical fence 1 m high were used for the study. Horses jumped the fence under two conditions: loose (no rider or tack) and ridden. Recordings were digitised using Peak Motus. After digitising the sequences, each rider's digitised data were removed from the ridden horse data so that three conditions were examined: loose, ridden (including the rider's data) and riderless (rider's data removed). Repeated measures ANOVA revealed significant differences between ridden and loose conditions for CG height at take-off (p < 0.001), CG distance to the fence at take-off (p = 0.001), maximum CG during the suspension phase (p < 0.001), CG position over the centre of the fence (p < 0.001), CG height at landing (p < 0.001), and vertical velocity at take-off (p < 0.001). The results indicated that the rider's effect on jumping horses was primarily due to behavioural changes in the horses motion (resulting from the rider's instruction), rather than inertial effects (due to the positioning of the rider on the horse). These findings have implications for the coaching of riders and horses. |
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Department of PE and Sports Sciences, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland |
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1476-3141 |
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PMID:14658371 |
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1904 |
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Author |
Bystrom, A.; Roepstorff, L.; Johnston, C. |
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Title |
Effects of draw reins on limb kinematics |
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Journal Article |
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Year |
2006 |
Publication |
Equine Veterinary Journal. Supplement |
Abbreviated Journal |
Equine Vet J Suppl |
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Volume |
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Issue |
36 |
Pages |
452-456 |
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Keywords |
Animals; Biomechanics; Exercise Test; Forelimb/physiology; Head/physiology; Hindlimb/physiology; Horses/*physiology; Humans; Movement/physiology; Neck/physiology; Physical Conditioning, Animal/*methods/*physiology; Weight-Bearing/physiology |
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REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: No data exist on the GRF-kinematics relation due to changes caused by equestrian interventions. HYPOTHESIS: Through the judicious use of draw reins the rider can influence the kinematics of the horse to meet stated goals of dressage training. Relating the results to previously published kinetic data of the same experiment implies a possible relationship between kinetics and kinematics. METHODS: The kinematics of 8 sound Swedish Warmblood horses were measured whilst the horses were being ridden with and without draw reins. Three conditions were evaluated: 1) draw reins only (DR), 2) combination of draw reins and normal reins (NR+DR) and 3) normal reins only (NR). RESULTS: Head and neck angles were significantly decreased by the draw rein but 4-5 times more so for DR when with NR+DR. The forelimb position at hoof lift-off was significantly more caudal with DR. In the hind limb the hip joint extended more quickly and the hock joint flexed more with NR+DR than with NR. Compared to DR the hip joint angular pattern was not significantly different, but the pelvis was more horizontal. CONCLUSION: Riding with a draw rein can have significant influence on the kinematics of the horse. Some of the observed changes can be coupled to changes in kinetics. The hock joint angle seems to be a fairly reliable indicator of load on the hind limb and the angle of femur appears important for hind limb propulsion, when considered in conjunction with the orientation of the pelvis. POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: These findings are important for riders and trainers, as kinematic changes are what trainers observe. It is thereby important to ascertain which kinematic changes are consistently coupled to changes in kinetics in order for trainers to be able to judge correctly the success of intended goals. Further studies are warranted to validate and confirm suggested relationships between kinetics and kinematics. |
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Department of Equine Studies, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, S-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden |
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PMID:17402465 |
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Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
Serial |
3701 |
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Author |
Gomez Alvarez, C.B.; Rhodin, M.; Bobber, M.F.; Meyer, H.; Weishaupt, M.A.; Johnston, C.; Van Weeren, P.R. |
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Title |
The effect of head and neck position on the thoracolumbar kinematics in the unridden horse |
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Journal Article |
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Year |
2006 |
Publication |
Equine Veterinary Journal. Supplement |
Abbreviated Journal |
Equine Vet J Suppl |
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Volume |
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Issue |
36 |
Pages |
445-451 |
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Keywords |
Animals; Biomechanics; Head/*physiology; Horses/*physiology; Lumbar Vertebrae/physiology; Male; Neck/*physiology; Physical Conditioning, Animal/physiology; Posture/*physiology; Sports; Thoracic Vertebrae/physiology; Weight-Bearing |
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REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: In many equestrian activities a specific position of head and/or neck is required that is dissimilar to the natural position. There is controversy about the effects of these positions on locomotion pattern, but few quantitative data are available. OBJECTIVES: To quantify the effects of 5 different head and neck positions on thoracolumbar kinematics of the horse. METHODS: Kinematics of 7 high level dressage horses were measured walking and trotting on an instrumented treadmill with the head and neck in the following positions: HNP2 = neck raised, bridge of the nose in front of the vertical; HNP3 = as HNP2 with bridge of the nose behind the vertical; HNP4 = head and neck lowered, nose behind the vertical; HNP5 = head and neck in extreme high position; HNP6 = head and neck forward and downward. HNP1 was a speed-matched control (head and neck unrestrained). RESULTS: The head and neck positions affected only the flexion-extension motion. The positions in which the neck was extended (HNP2, 3, 5) increased extension in the anterior thoracic region, but increased flexion in the posterior thoracic and lumbar region. For HNP4 the pattern was the opposite. Positions 2, 3 and 5 reduced the flexion-extension range of motion (ROM) while HNP4 increased it. HNP5 was the only position that negatively affected intravertebral pattern symmetry and reduced hindlimb protraction. The stride length was significantly reduced at walk in positions 2, 3, 4 and 5. CONCLUSIONS: There is a significant influence of head/neck position on back kinematics. Elevated head and neck induce extension in the thoracic region and flexion in the lumbar region; besides reducing the sagittal range of motion. Lowered head and neck produces the opposite. A very high position of the head and neck seems to disturb normal kinematics. POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: This study provides quantitative data on the effect of head/neck positions on thoracolumbar motion and may help in discussions on the ethical acceptability of some training methods. |
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Department of Equine Sciences, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 12, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands |
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PMID:17402464 |
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Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
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3702 |
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Permanent link to this record |
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Author |
Weishaupt, M.A.; Wiestner, T.; von Peinen, K.; Waldern, N.; Roepstorff, L.; van Weeren, R.; Meyer, H.; Johnston, C. |
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Title |
Effect of head and neck position on vertical ground reaction forces and interlimb coordination in the dressage horse ridden at walk and trot on a treadmill |
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Journal Article |
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Year |
2006 |
Publication |
Equine Veterinary Journal. Supplement |
Abbreviated Journal |
Equine Vet J Suppl |
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Volume |
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36 |
Pages |
387-392 |
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Keywords |
Animals; Biomechanics; Exercise Test/instrumentation/methods/*veterinary; Forelimb/physiology; Gait; Head/physiology; Hindlimb/physiology; Horses/*physiology; Locomotion/*physiology; Male; Neck/physiology; Physical Conditioning, Animal/methods/*physiology; Posture; Statistics, Nonparametric; Walking/*physiology |
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Abstract |
REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Little is known in quantitative terms about the influence of different head-neck positions (HNPs) on the loading pattern of the locomotor apparatus. Therefore it is difficult to predict whether a specific riding technique is beneficial for the horse or if it may increase the risk for injury. OBJECTIVE: To improve the understanding of forelimb-hindlimb balance and its underlying temporal changes in relation to different head and neck positions. METHODS: Vertical ground reaction force and time parameters of each limb were measured in 7 high level dressage horses while being ridden at walk and trot on an instrumented treadmill in 6 predetermined HNPs: HNP1 – free, unrestrained with loose reins; HNP2 – neck raised, bridge of the nose in front of the vertical; HNP3 – neck raised, bridge of the nose behind the vertical; HNP4 – neck lowered and flexed, bridge of the nose considerably behind the vertical; HNP5 – neck extremely elevated and bridge of the nose considerably in front of the vertical; HNP6 – neck and head extended forward and downward. Positions were judged by a qualified dressage judge. HNPs were assessed by comparing the data to a velocity-matched reference HNP (HNP2). Differences were tested using paired t test or Wilcoxon signed rank test (P<0.05). RESULTS: At the walk, stride duration and overreach distance increased in HNP1, but decreased in HNP3 and HNP5. Stride impulse was shifted to the forehand in HNP1 and HNP6, but shifted to the hindquarters in HNP5. At the trot, stride duration increased in HNP4 and HNP5. Overreach distance was shorter in HNP4. Stride impulse shifted to the hindquarters in HNP5. In HNP1 peak forces decreased in the forelimbs; in HNP5 peak forces increased in fore- and hindlimbs. CONCLUSIONS: HNP5 had the biggest impact on limb timing and load distribution and behaved inversely to HNP1 and HNP6. Shortening of forelimb stance duration in HNP5 increased peak forces although the percentage of stride impulse carried by the forelimbs decreased. POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: An extremely high HNP affects functionality much more than an extremely low neck. |
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Equine Hospital, University of Zurich, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland |
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PMID:17402453 |
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Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
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3704 |
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