Effect of exercise modalities on equine kinematics and their application to training and rehabilitation

Walker, Victoria

Abstract

During training and rehabilitation exercises are frequently conducted with the aim of influencing the locomotor pattern of the horse. Various modalities such as training aids, polework, dry and water treadmills are commonly employed for this purpose, however, there is limited evidence of their effect on equine kinematics. A multidisciplinary team of riders, trainers, veterinarians, and therapists seek evidence-based decisions, when considering the use of these modalities, highlighting the need for further experimental studies to support exercise selection in practice. The aim of this body of work was to investigate the effect of a Pessoa Training Aid (study 1), walking over poles (study 2) and walking in a water treadmill (study 3 and 4) on equine trunk and limb kinematics.

Participants were acclimatised to the use of the modalities as part of inclusion criteria and had a lameness grade of ≤1/5 on the AAEP scale. Study 1 utilised high-speed videography (125 Hz) and limb mounted inertial measurement units (IMUs) (104 Hz) to quantify linear and temporal kinematics of working trot with and without a Pessoa Training Aid. Study 2 and 4 employed high-speed videography (240 Hz) and upper body mounted IMUs (60 Hz) to collect data on limb and trunk kinematics during walking over poles and walking post water treadmill exercise. Study 3 expanded upon these methods incorporating optical motion capture (240 Hz) to measure spinal kinematics in addition to limb and trunk kinematics during walking on a water treadmill from dry to 47cm water depth.

Compared with a baseline of no intervention, the modalities induced kinematic changes. In study 1, the application of the Pessoa Training Aid resulted in a decrease in speed and stride length compared to without the training aid. Lumbosacral angle at maximum hindlimb retraction was decreased, suggesting that the lumbosacral junction was less extended at this point of the stride. Subjective evaluation identified an increase in dorsoventral displacement of the mid back, and grade of overall way of going based on British Dressage scoring.

In study 2, walking over poles increased fore and hind limb range of motion, via increased swing phase flexion, compared to overground walking. This effect increased from ground poles to raised poles and only raised poles increased shoulder range of motion. Upper body kinematics indicated that the horse may use its head to balance over raised poles, as observed by increased craniocaudal ROM of the head and that mediolateral trunk motion increased over raised poles, which may be task completion or a compensation to facilitate pole clearance. Walking in water (study 3) induced similar responses, in terms of limb ROM increasing with water depth and, in support of previous work, increased flexion-extension ROM of the thoracic spine. Increased mediolateral ROM of the pelvis was observed with increased water depth, coinciding with peak hock flexion. This has some similarities with the findings over poles and together these findings suggest that increased mediolateral pelvic ROM may be a strategy to facilitate limb elevation, this is indicated for further work. Post water walking (study 4) the horses had a decrease in hindlimb fetlock extension at midstance and an increase in subjectively assessed hock oscillation. The latter may suggest that the horse has local muscle fatigue, affecting the stabilisers, which should be considered in training and rehabilitation planning and general management of the horses who use water treadmills as part of their routine and especially those who are still being acclimatised to this type of exercise.

The outcome of these studies can support decision making to determine if the application of a given modality is warranted for a specific individual in relation to its training and/or rehabilitation goals. For example, the Pessoa Training Aid is prescribed for horses post kissing spine surgery due to the findings of increased spinal flexion during its use. The studies suggest that polework and water treadmill exercise are useful for increasing limb range of motion, but the action of the treadmill belt and the induction of increased limb retraction may influence the suitability of one over the other depending on the needs of the horse. The included studies have contributed novel information to the evidence base; however, caution should be applied when extrapolating the findings determined in non-lame horses to horses undergoing rehabilitation. The commentary provided in the thesis demonstrates the author’s contribution, outlines how this fulfils the doctoral criteria and more importantly that the studies presented can be utilised by the multidisciplinary team supporting the horse and provide some guidance regarding exercise selection in practice.

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Dec 14, 2023
• Publicly Available Date: Aug 27, 2024
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/11516310
• Award Date: Aug 27, 2024