Motion Analysis

OBJECTIVE: To characterize and describe the compensatory load redistribution that results from unilateral hind limb lameness in horses.

DESIGN: Retrospective case series.

ANIMALS: 37 client-owned horses.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate associations between inertial sensor and stationary force plate measurements of hind limb lameness in horses. ANIMALS 21 adult horses with no lameness or with mild hind limb lameness.

Authors: Falko Eckardt, Andreas Münz, Kerstin Witte
Journal: Journal of Equine Veterinary Science

With the steady further development of microelectromechanical systems, nowadays, it is possible to measure various specific kinematics of riders with inertial sensors. The aim of the study was to quantify the rider's posture on the horse with a full-body inertial measurement system (Xsens MVN) under field conditions. Ten high-level riders from the German National Equestrian Federation participated in this study. The measurements were performed in sitting trot (ST) in an indoor riding hall.

Category: Equine - Motion Analysis
Authors: S. E. Halley, M. J. Bey, J. A. Haladik, M. Lavagnino and S. P. Arnoczky
Journal: Equine Veterinary Journal

Reasons for performing study

Studies examining the effect of stifle joint angle on tibial rotation, adduction–abduction angle and articular contact area are lacking.
Objectives

To test the hypothesis that tibial rotation, adduction–abduction angle and articular contact area change with stifle joint angle.
Study design

Descriptive study of normal kinematics and articular contact patterns of the equine stifle through the functional range of motion using 3 dimensional (3D) radiosteriometric analysis (RSA) and equine cadaver stifles.
Methods

Category: Equine - Motion Analysis
Authors: Valerie J. Moorman, DVM, MS; Raoul F. Reiser II, PhD; C. Wayne McIlwraith, BVSc, PhD, DSc; Chris E. Kawcak, DVM, PhD
Journal: American Journal of Veterinary Research

Objective—To validate an equine inertial measurement unit (IMU) system rigidly attached to a hoof against a 3-D optical kinematics system in horses during walking and trotting.

Animals—5 clinically normal horses.

Procedures—5 swing phases of the hooves of the right forelimb and hind limb were collected via both 3-D optical and IMU systems from 5 horses during walking and trotting. Linear and angular positions, velocities, and accelerations were compared between the 2 systems.

Category: Equine - Motion Analysis
Authors: G. FOWLIE, S. P. ARNOCZKY, M. LAVAGNINO and J. A. STICK
Journal: Equine Veterinary Journal

Reason for performing the study: To identify potential functional-anatomical characteristics of the cranial horn attachment of the medial meniscus (MM) that may help explain the pathogenesis of the common tear patterns that have been reported.

Hypothesis: Full extension of the stifle generates a significant increase in tensile forces within the cranial meniscotibial ligament (CrMTL) of the MM, which may predispose this structure to injury.

Authors: H. M. CLAYTON and S. NAUWELAERTS
Journal: Equine Veterinary Journal

Reasons for performing study: Postural balance can be quantified using stabilographic variables derived from force plate data that describe movements of the horse's centre of pressure (COP) in the horizontal plane. Most force plates are not large enough to accommodate all 4 limbs of a standing horse, so the study was designed to assess whether representative stabilographic data could be collected from the forelimbs or hindlimbs.

Objective: To determine whether stabilographic data from either the forelimbs or the hindlimbs were representative of data for the total body.

Category: Equine - Motion Analysis
Authors: Elodie E. Huguet, BS, Kylee J. Duberstein, PhD
Journal: Journal of Equine Veterinary Science

To meet the needs of sport horses, horseshoes of various styles and materials have been implemented to enhance performance. Steel shoes are commonly used for their affordability and longevity; however, the use of aluminum horseshoes is being adopted to satisfy the various requirements of certain equestrian activities. Owing to the importance of the allure of movement in many aspects of competitive riding, the lightweight nature of aluminum horseshoes has been recognized to accentuate foreleg action.

Authors: J. G. FOWLIE, S. P. ARNOCZKY, J. A. STICK, A. P. PEASE
Journal: Equine Veterinary Journal

Reason for performing study: By study of the translocation and deformation of equine menisci throughout the range of motion, it may be possible to identify potential mechanical factors in the pathogenesis of injury to the cranial horn of the medial meniscus.

Objective: To quantitatively document meniscal translocation and deformation using radiographic and MR imaging, and to evaluate for potential variation between the medial and lateral menisci.

Authors: N. CREVIER-DENOIX, D. ROBIN, P. POURCELOT, S. FALALA, L. HOLDEN, P. ESTOUP, L. DESQUILBET, J. M. DENOIX, H. CHATEAU
Journal: Equine Veterinary Journal

Reasons for performing study: Although beach training is commonly used in horses, limb loading on beach sand has never been investigated. A dynamometric horseshoe (DHS) is well adapted for this purpose.

Objectives: To compare ground reaction force (GRF) and fetlock kinematics measured in harness trotters on 2 tracks of beach sand with different water content.

Category: Equine - Motion Analysis