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Motion analysis and its use in equine practice and research

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 Wien. Tierärztl. Mschr. - Vet. Med. Austria 97 (2010), 55 - 64

From the Centre for Applied Sport and Exercise Sciences, University of Lancashire1, Preston, UK, from the Department
of Physical Therapy, The University of Tennessee and Chattanooga2, Chattanooga, USA, from the School of Public Health
& Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Health, University of Central Lancashire3, Preston, UK, from the Department of Large Ani-
mal Clinical Sciences, Michigan State University4, East Lansing, USA, and from the Department of Exercise, Sport and
Leisure Studies, University of Tennessee at Knoxville5, Knoxville, USA

Motion analysis and its use in equine practice and research

S.J. HOBBS1, D. LEVINE2, J. RICHARDS3, H. CLAYTON4, J. TATE5 and R. WALKER2
received July 8, 2009
accepted for publication November 27, 2009

Keywords: equine locomotion, kinematics, kinetics, for- Schlüsselwörter: Lokomotion des Pferdes, Kinematik,
ces, horses. Kinetik, Kräfte, Pferd.

Summary Zusammenfassung
Motion analysis techniques have been used in vete- Bewegungsanalyse und deren Nutzen in Pferdepraxis
rinary research for the measurement of normal and patho- und -forschung
logical gait in horses since the late 19th century. Many of the Die Methoden der Bewegungsanalyse werden seit dem
early studies involved capturing moving images in 2 späten neunzehnten Jahrhundert in der veterinärmedizini-
dimensions, and these techniques are still commonly used schen Forschung für die Messung des normalen und
in field based research and clinical practice. In recent pathologischen Ganges des Pferdes genutzt. Viele dieser
times, more advanced methods employed in human medi- frühen Studien beinhalteten die Aufnahme von Bildern in 2
cine have been adopted to measure forces and motion in Dimensionen - diese Techniken werden oftmals auch heute
3 dimensions along with other aspects of locomotion in noch in der Feldforschung und klinischen Praxis verwendet.
horses. This paper describes kinematic and kinetic techni- In letzter Zeit wurden in der Humanmedizin fortschrittlichere
ques that are currently used in equine veterinary research Methoden angewendet und auch für die Messung von Kräf-
and reviews normative and clinical data that have been ten und Bewegungen in 3 Dimensionen aber auch anderen
obtained using these methods. Aspekten der Bewegung bei Pferden adaptiert. Dieser Arti-
kel beschreibt kinematische und kinetische Messtechni-
ken, die heutzugtage in der Forschung beim Pferd ver-
wendet werden, und bewertet normative und klinische
Abbreviations: BM = body mass; EMG = electromyography; GRFs =
ground reaction forces Daten, die mit diesen Methoden erhalten werden.

Introduction is evident from the number of studies conducted since the

work of Fredricson and Drevemo in the 1970s.
The latter half of the 20th century has also seen the intro-
In the late 19th century the first motion picture cameras
duction of other methods of recording movement, including
recorded faster gait patterns of locomotion for both instrumented walkmats, accelerometers and electrogonio-
humans and animals. In 1877 Muybridge demonstrated, meters, which have all contributed to our current knowled-
using photographs, that when a horse is moving at a fast ge of movement. However these systems have been used
trot there is a moment when all of the animal's feet are off sparingly in veterinary medicine due to the cost, and the
the ground. It took him 5 years to develop the capabilities challenges of adapting software created for bipeds to hor-
to capture these movements with a series of single lens ses. Veterinary colleges around the world now utilize this
cameras. technology although it is still an emerging field of research.
The 20th century saw the development of systems capa- The motion analysis laboratory typically contains sever-
ble of automated and semi-automated computer-aided al pieces of equipment. The first is usually an array of
motion analysis using both manual and automatic marker infrared cameras, at least 2 but more typically 5 or more
identification techniques. Both the hardware and software depending on the complexity of the biomechanical model
that these systems use has developed rapidly in the last 10 used. Data is acquired at speeds varying from 50 Hz to
years and a large variety of different methods can now be 1,000 Hz, depending on the speed of the activity. Activi-
used to track movement in two (2-D) or three-dimensions ties such as gait analysis at walk only require camera
(3-D). Most systems use either image based or signal speeds of 50 Hz but analyzing activities such as trot, gal-
based tracking with one or more cameras or receivers to lop, or a jump require higher speed acquisition to obtain
record the image or signal. All systems require the volume valid data as the angular velocities involved in these activi-
of interest to be calibrated and the number of cameras or ties are much higher. The typical motion capture space
receivers used by the system and their capabilities will (usually termed capture volume) is comprised of an area in
influence the accuracy of the measurements recorded. The which data can be seen by 2 or more infrared cameras.
popularity of motion analysis systems in veterinary research The horse has reflective markers attached to the body at

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 Wien. Tierärztl. Mschr. - Vet. Med. Austria 97 (2010)

predetermined landmarks that will be used to calculate derivatives (velocity and acceleration). These data inhe-
joint angles (Fig. 1). At least 3 markers are required per rently include errors which are recorded along with the real
body segment to create a local coordinate system. These movement and these errors are removed using filters.
markers can be as small as 1mm or as large as 25 mm, Commonly low pass digital filters (such as Butterworth fil-
are lightweight and are easy to replace if they are dislod- ters), fourier analysis or splines are used to filter equine
ged. Typically the larger the marker, the better the camera movement data. The frequencies contained within the
resolution but larger markers may interfere with the move- recorded measurement will depend on the speed of the
ment being observed and it may be difficult to differentiate movement, the capture frequency and the systematic and
multiple large markers attached to small body segments. random errors that are present. Filters are usually applied
As the horse moves through the capture volume, infrared to the labeled marker data or the calculated displacement
light emitted from the cameras is reflected off of the mar- data to remove errors before any derivatives are calcula-
kers and back into the camera lens, striking a light sensitive ted, as errors are amplified during velocity and accelerati-
plate that creates a video signal. Computers collect these on calculations if they have not previously been removed.
signals and determine the position of each marker in 3-D Together with a motion analysis system, many labs now
space. These systems can also be used in the field with contain other commercially available, complementary
active (light emitting) markers, but wires from the markers equipment. One or more force platforms can be embedded
to a control device must be attached to the horse. into a walkway or measurement volume to collect ground
If markers are impractical, such as in an underwater reaction forces together with synchronized motion data,
treadmill, swimming, or on a racetrack, a video-based from which muscle forces can be estimated. Muscle activi-
system can be utilized. Multiple video cameras on tripods ty can be measured during movement using electromyo-
collect data, which are transferred to a computer. The graphy, transient shock can be measured at foot strike
points can later be manually or automatically labeled and using accelerometry and pressure mats can be used to
angles then calculated. The accuracy may suffer, and determine the foot positions or pressure distribution under
approximately 10 cubic meters is realistically the largest the foot. In addition, prototype equipment is emerging from
volume that can be captured, but the versatility is excep- veterinary colleges and universities to answer more chal-
tional using these methods. For field work signal based lenging questions, such as the ultrasound equipment deve-
techniques, such as ultrasound emitting diodes can also loped by CREVIER-DENOIX et al. (2009) to estimate ten-
be used. Often they only require one receiver, but for these don strain.
systems the emitters must be attached to the horse using Kinematic or motion analysis of gait is a powerful tool
wires, which can limit their use at faster gaits. Precision of that can be used to measure movement patterns during
one system was reported by CHATEAU et al. (2004) to be gait and other activities, such as jumping. As 3-D motion
0.3 mm and 0.5 degrees for distance and angle measure- analysis systems are very expensive and require extensi-
ments, respectively. ve training to use there is limited information in the vete-
Measurements produced from motion analysis systems rinary literature regarding 3-D gait analysis. 2-D systems
include displacements of segments, joints angles and their are less expensive, and have a place in clinical gait analy-

Fig. 1: Photograph (left) and stick figure (right) of a horse walking over a series of force plates; the left hind, right hind
and left front limbs are in the stance phase, with each hoof contacting a different force plate. The grey arrows on the stick
figure represent the ground reaction force vectors. The marker set shown in this figure is suitable for 2D, sagittal plane
analysis. Reflective markers are placed in the following locations: 1: facial crest, 2: wing of atlas, 3: 6th thoracic vertebra,
4: 1st lumbar vertebra, 5: 1st coccygeal vertebra, 6: tuber spinae scapulae, 7: greater tubercle of humerus, 8: lateral hume-
ral epicondyle, 9: ulnar carpal bone, 10: lateral metacarpal epicondyle, 11: ventral part of tuber coxae, 12: cranioventral
part of greater tuberosity, 13: lateral femoral epicondyle, 14: talus, 15: lateral metatarsal epicondyle. There are 3 markers
on each hoof: midlaterally on the coronet, mid-dorsally on the coronet and mid-dorsally 3 cm distal to the coronet. Hoof
markers are proximally located to reduce the risk of contact with the other hooves. This is why the point of application of
the ground reaction force at the hoof-ground interface appears is below the position of the hoof markers. (Photo credit:
Britt Larson)

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 Wien. Tierärztl. Mschr. - Vet. Med. Austria 97 (2010)

Fig. 2: Forelimb joint angles during one stride at

trot starting with hoof contact; the stick figures
are taken at the instants of hoof contact, mid-
stance, lift off, midswing and the next hoof
contact. The forelimb segments corresponding to
the graphs are drawn in black. The arrows
beneath each stick diagram indicate the corre-
sponding time during the stride. The joints repre-
sented from the top down are the shoulder,
elbow, carpal, metacarpophalangeal and distal
interphalangeal.

sis for studying sagittal plane motions (flexion and extensi- (1996) studied the kinematics of walk (1.6 m.s-1) and rela-
on movements). To date they have been used more exten- ted stride length, joint angles and range of motion of joints
sively in laboratory and field based studies of equine loco- at trot (4.0 m.s-1) on a treadmill using a CODA-3 system.
motion, but as rotations are not limited to flexion and exten- For 24 Dutch Warmblood horses stride length at trot (2.7
sion it may be beneficial in some studies to analyze 3-D m) was 1.6 times that of walk and the increase was due to
movements. Also the additional time and effort required for an increase in protraction of 1.6 degrees in the forelimb
a full 3-D analysis are substantial and may not be justified and 1.4 degrees in the hind limb. Except for the fetlock
if flexion-extension are the movements of primary interest. joint, similar patterns were reported for joint angle time dia-
grams for the limb joints at walk and trot. However, absolu-
Kinematic (motion) analysis of gait te differences in temporal and spatial kinematics were
observed. In walk 2 extension maxima were recorded whe-
in horses reas at trot there was only one maximum. Variability in ran-
ge of motion in both limbs was highest in the higher moti-
Many research questions are still answered in relation on joints, so the range of motion (mean, SD) for the
to equine locomotion using 2-D techniques. Sagittal plane forelimb fetlock, forelimb carpus and hind limb fetlock joints
kinematics are commonly collected using a variety of late- were 80.6 ± 7.1, 90.8 ± 7.1 and 85.0 ± 7.7 degrees, res-
ral marker sets which often simplify the lower limbs, due to pectively, at trot. Forelimb joint angles are illustrated in Fig.
the small size of the pastern segments. Consequently the 2 for one full stride at trot.
definition of what constitutes a joint in terms of angle cal- Recent studies have reported detailed 3-D kinematics
culation varies between methods. Joint movement is also for the digital joints, including pastern joint rotations (CHA-
reported to be overestimated due to soft tissue artifacts TEAU et al., 2004; HOBBS et al., 2006; CLAYTON et al.,
(WEEREN et al., 1992; DREVEMO et al., 1999; CLAYTON 2007a,b). Flexion of the pastern joint occurs early in the
et al., 2002). stance phase. The joint then extends to a peak at the start
Despite this concern, little variation is found for intra- of breakover after which rapid flexion is seen to toe off. As
individual stride characteristics in the sagittal plane using the range of motion is small the variability is greater.
2-D methods, provided speed is controlled. Greater varia- HOBBS et al. (2006) reported a coefficient of variability of
bility is documented for inter-individual stride characteri- 22 % for stance phase range of motion for this joint at walk
stics, particularly where differences in breed and confor- for 4 horses. CHATEAU et al. (2004), who studied 4 trot-
mation are evident (GALISTEO et al., 2001). BACK et al. ters, reported inter-individual variability for the lower limb

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 Wien. Tierärztl. Mschr. - Vet. Med. Austria 97 (2010)

segments and joints to be greater than intra-individual by evidence indicating a direct relationship between fetlock
variability for all rotations at walk. Sagittal plane hoof rota- joint extension and magnitude of the peak vertical force
tions were reported to vary at foot strike by 5.2 degrees (McGUIGAN and WILSON, 2003). However, PELOSO et
and landing kinematics of the hoof together with global al. (1993) found that fetlock extension did not consistently
adduction of the limb were thought to be mainly responsi- characterize lameness. Proximal joints then actively con-
ble for out of plane movements of the distal joints (CHA- trol braking and act as load dampers through active increa-
TEAU et al., 2004; HOBBS et al., 2006; CLAYTON et al. ses in flexion of the shoulder and tarsal joints (BUCHNER
2007a,b). et al., 1996b).
3-D kinematic analyses and correction algorithms for 3-D Studies of alterations in hoof balance, on sagittal and
skin displacement have been described for the tibia, third out of plane distal joint rotations have been carried out at
metatarsus (LANOVAZ et al., 2004) and the radius walk and trot (NILSSON et al., 1973; WILLEMEN et al.,
(CLAYTON et al., 2004; SHA et al., 2004). Bone fixed mar- 1999; SCHEFFER and BACK, 2001; CHATEAU et al.,
kers were used as a reference to model the 3-D displace- 2006; PEHAM et al., 2006). Heel or toe wedges are com-
ment patterns of 6 markers on the skin of the equine radi- monly recommended for various orthopaedic conditions
us by SHA et al. (2004) and 6 markers on the skin of the and knowledge of their effects on distal joint rotations is
tibia and third metatarsus by LANOVAZ et al. (2004). Skin important although conflicting results exist in relation to
displacements were greater at the proximal end of the seg- fetlock joint rotation. Earlier 2-D studies using simpler non-
ments, often due to greater musculature, and SHA et al. invasive modeling techniques (NILSSON et al., 1973;
(2004) found the largest skin movements in the longitudi- WILLEMEN et al., 1999; SCHEFFER and BACK, 2001)
nal direction, which supports the findings of WEEREN et reported a decrease in maximum fetlock extension using
al. (1992). heel wedges during gait. A more recent study using ultra-
sound emitting diodes and invasive techniques found an
Clinical studies using kinematic increase in maximal flexion of the pastern and coffin joints
and no significant differences in maximal extension of the
techniques fetlock joint for heel wedges and generally the opposite
(except for pastern joint extension) using toe wedges
As motion analysis systems advanced towards the end (CHATEAU et al., 2006). In addition, heel and toe wedges
of the 20th century 2 prominent research groups carried out appear only to influence sagittal plane and not out of pla-
a number of 2-D kinematic clinical studies with horses. ne joint rotations (CHATEAU et al., 2006; HOBBS et al.,
Hilary Clayton investigated clinical lameness conditions 2009). In another study using a 3-D 6 camera system and
using high speed cinematography, some years later a team non-invasive techniques PEHAM et al. (2006) reported that
from Utrecht investigated changes in gait factors due to hind limb heel wedges increase flexion of the coffin and
experimentally induced lameness with a CODA-3 system. hock joints and decrease extension of the fetlock joint
In both studies temporal patterns and relationships bet- during the stance phase. Differences in these results may
ween stride variables and lameness were explored over- relate to different marker sets, soft tissue artefacts present
ground (CLAYTON, 1986a,b, 1987a,b, 1988) and using using non-invasive markers and/or the effects of using
treadmills (BUCHNER et al. 1995a,b, 1996a,b). invasive techniques. Confirming the changes in maximal
Lame horses that are led in hand tend to reduce varia- joint rotations are important as increasing or reducing a
bles such as stride length and stride duration so their over- joint angle will alter tendon and ligament strain (LAWSON
all speed is reduced (CLAYTON, 1986a; BUCHNER et al., et al., 2007) and therefore influence the success of treat-
1995a), whereas on treadmills where speed can be con- ment, rehabilitation and pain management.
trolled, the lame horse maintains speed using shorter, As the spine is central to the body, lameness forcibly
quicker strides than a sound horse moving at the same affects motion of the trunk and vertebrae (GOMEZ ALVA-
speed (BUCHNER et al., 1995a; KEEGAN et al., 1997). In REZ et al., 2008) and using 3-D motion capture systems
supporting limb lameness a shortening of the swing phase researchers are beginning to take advantage of this tech-
and increased stance duration is usually seen in both lame nology to explore lateral bending and axial rotation
and sound limbs (BUCHNER et al., 1995a). Head and together with flexion-extension. One study of the effects of
neck motion in forelimb lameness and croup motion in hind induced hind limb lameness (GOMEZ ALVAREZ et al.,
limb lameness are asymmetrical; vertical displacement 2008) found increased axial rotation of the pelvis together
increases during stance of the sound limb and decreases with an overall increase in thoracolumbar flexion-extension
during stance of the lame limb (BUCHNER et al., 1996a). at walk, whereas at trot there was reduced flexion-extensi-
In addition, the suspension phase following stance of the on in the lumbosacral spine. Another study of limb and
lame limb is reduced at trot (CLAYTON, 1986a; BUCHNER trunk motion developed kinematic indices to quantify loco-
et al., 1995a) and placement of the lame forelimb usually motion symmetry using sound and lame horses (AUDIGIE
precedes the diagonal hind limb. In the lame horse there is et al., 1998). Markers used to detect body and limb motion
a need to reduce load on the lame limb and compensate were successfully used by STROBACH et al. (2006) to
for this by redistributing the load to the other limbs (WEIS- detect coordination competence in ataxic horses and
HAUPT, 2008). Passive distal joint rotations reflect the baseline data of horses with stringhalt have also been
reduction in loads upon them, with flexion of the coffin joint measured using similar techniques (KAUFMANN et al.,
and extension of the fetlock joint being reduced during 2008).
weight bearing of the lame limb (BUCHNER et al., 1996b). Currently 2-D motion analysis is more commonly used
For this reason fetlock joint rotation is often used as an as a diagnostic tool, as it is more versatile and as an exam-
indicator of supporting limb lameness, which is supported ple has been documented recently to aid clinical farriery

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 Wien. Tierärztl. Mschr. - Vet. Med. Austria 97 (2010)

treatment (WOODALL et al., 2008). In contrast 3-D techni- walkway of adequate length is essential to ensure a stea-
ques are mainly used in research to extend knowledge and dy state gait pattern is achieved. Many systems have
understanding of clinical conditions and treatment. Howe- timing lights that are triggered as the handler and horse
ver, more novel studies are emerging such as the study by approach and cross the force plate to allow the calculation
CLAYTON et al. (2008) where the effect of tactile stimulati- of mean velocity and acceleration. Control of velocity and
on on gait was explored. These and other work investiga- acceleration within an appropriate range is essential for
ting the benefits of physical therapies may, in time, enhan- repeatable data collection, because these greatly affect the
ce equine rehabilitation methods. force placed on each limb (McLAUGHIN and ROUSH,
1995).
Kinetics (measurement of forces) A force plate can be used to provide objective measures
of weight-bearing on limbs when proper technique is utili-
in horses zed. Comparing the changes in forces over time is extre-
mely valuable to monitor the progression of a disease
Force plates or instrumented horseshoes are the 2 (such as osteoarthritis), or to assess a conservative treat-
types of force transducers commonly used to measure ment (such as an anti-inflammatory or analgesic medicati-
GRFs during equine locomotion. Force plates are consi- on), or surgery (DEULAND et al., 1977).
dered a basic and fundamentally important tool for gait Force plates of varying sizes are usually concealed
analysis. The first recording of force measurements dates under examination tracks and walkways (see Fig. 5)
back to the late 19th century when MAREY (1873) used a (SCHRYVER et al., 1978; MERKENS and SCHAMHARDT,
wooden frame on rubber supports. ELFTMAN (1939a) 1994; GUSTAS et al., 2004), arenas or treadmills (WEIS-
used a similar method with a platform on springs. However, HAUPT et al., 2004), and have been used with a number
it was not until the advancement of computers and electro- of different coverings (WILSON and PARDOE, 2001).
nic technology that the readings could be accurately mea- Inter-horse variability in GRFs between strides at a parti-
sured. In 1965, PETERSEN and co-workers developed cular gait and speed is small (CLAYTON, 2005), but regu-
one of the first strain-gauge force plates. A plethora of lating speed can be problematic. In addition, the size of the
publications now exists on the applications of such devices plates will influence the ability to obtain successful foot stri-
in both clinical research and sports. Since 1965 forces pla- kes at different speeds. WEISHAUPT et al. (2004) incorpo-
tes have undergone considerable development by 3 inter- rated a force plate into a treadmill to overcome this pro-
nationally accepted manufacturers, Kistler Instruments, blem, but as multiple hooves contact the force plate, indivi-
AMTI and the Bertec Corporation. Advances have made dual hoof forces must be derived mathematically. A draw-
the plates more accurate (reducing crosstalk), with increa- back to this system is that only the vertical force compo-
sed sensitivity (increasing the natural frequency), and bet- nent is measured.
ter portability (RICHARDS and THEWLIS, 2008). Instrumented or force shoes provide an alternative
Force plates simply measure forces as the limbs strike method of force measurement, are able to record forces
them (ground reaction forces [GRFs]) and relay the infor- during a number of strides (DALIN and JEFFCOTT, 1985)
mation to the computer as analog data. This analog data is and are particularly useful at higher speeds where stride
a continuous measure of voltage as the sensors in each length may be over 5 m. Several designs have been deve-
corner of a force plate generate a voltage as they are loped and tested (BJÖRK, 1958; FREDERICK and HEN-
deformed. The sensors are typically stacked in each cor- DERSON, 1970; RATZLAFF et al., 1987, 1993; HJERTEN
ner (3 high, one for each axis). This data is then converted and DREVEMO, 1994; BARREY, 1990; ROLLOT et al.,
to digital data (though mathematical equations), which allows 2004; ROBIN et al., 2009), but depending on the design,
it to be viewed as a unit of force. The digital data can be differences in reliability and accuracy have been reported.
reported as force components; vertical forces (z), longitu- With the exception of the boot developed by BARREY
dinal or braking and propulsive forces (y), and medio-late- (1990) all of the instrumented horse shoes require some
ral forces (x), and can be displayed as a 3-D force vector farriery work in order that testing may take place, which
making it helpful for visualization of the effects. A number may limit their use for clinical gait analysis. Furthermore,
of measurements can be reported from the force graphs the weight of the force shoes, which tend to be considera-
produced, which include peak forces, times to peak forces, bly heavier than steel horse shoes, may affect limb kine-
averages force over the stance phase, limb loading rate matics, especially in the swing phase.
and impulse (force multiplied by time). During normal gait peak vertical forces (Fig. 6) were
Force plates can also be used to measure the center of found to be 6 body mass (BM) at walk (SCHRYVER et al.,
pressure during stance, walking, trotting, or other activities 1978; RIEMERSMA et al. 1996), approximately 10 BM at
(see Fig. 3). Center of pressure analysis has been shown trot (SCHRYVER et al., 1978; HJERTEN and DREVEMO,
to be a reliable tool for tracking movements of the horse's 1994; MERKENS and SCHAMHARDT, 1994) and 17.5 BM
center of pressure during standing (CLAYTON et al., 2003) at gallop (RATZLAFF et al., 1993). At walk the vertical for-
and this technique has been applied to assess the effects ce profile has a double peak for both forelimbs and hind
of sedation with detomidine on the horse's balance limbs. The first peak occurs at about 20 % of the stance
(BIALSKI et al., 2004). Center of pressure analysis is also phase and the point where the superficial digital flexor ten-
a promising technique for the detection of neurological don experiences peak strain (JANSEN et al., 1993). At
diseases (CLAYTON et al.,1999). midstance the centre of mass approaches its highest point,
The force plate is either mounted within a raised plat- decelerating the body in its upwards motion at which point
form (Fig. 3) or embedded in the floor (Fig. 4) so that it is the vertical GRF reduces (MERKENS and SCHAM-
even with the surface and unnoticeable to the horse. A HARDT, 1994) and the suspensory ligament was found to

59
 Wien. Tierärztl. Mschr. - Vet. Med. Austria 97 (2010)

Fig. 3: Horse standing on a platform with embedded 2 for-

ce plates to measure the location and movements of the
horse's center of pressure (Photo credit: Erin Grooms)

Fig. 4: Horse cantering over the force plate system in the

Mary Anne McPhail Equine Performance Center at Michi-
gan State University; the runway is viewed from behind the
screen of the Motion Analysis System (Motion Analysis
Corp., Santa Rosa, CA). The screen shows a real time
image of the horse as a stick figure, including the corre-
sponding ground reaction force vectors. 3 of the 10 infra-
red cameras arranged around the data collection volume.
are visible behind the horse (Photo credit: Britt Larson)

Fig. 5: View of the data collection runway and alcove in the

Mary Anne McPhail Equine Performance Center at Michi-
gan State University; the horse is standing on the force
plates in the center of the data collection volume and
several cameras are visible distributed around this volume.
(Photo credit: Britt Larson)

Fig. 6: Vertical (above) and longitudinal (below)

ground reaction forces for a horse at walk (left
panel) and trot (right panel); black lines represent
the forelimbs, grey lines represent the hind limbs.
Forces are normalized to body mass (N/kg) and
time is normalized to stride duration (% stride).

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 Wien. Tierärztl. Mschr. - Vet. Med. Austria 97 (2010)

experience peak strain (JANSEN et al., 1993). The centre first 40 % of the stance phase and then increased to reach
of mass then lowers as the limb retracts. The second verti- a peak of 6.41 BM in the breakover phase. It was suggested
cal force peak and peak propulsion are found close to heel that treatment should aim to reduce forces during breakover
off and during breakover, after which the limb is gradually in horses with this condition.
unloaded (MERKENS and SCHAMHARDT, 1994). At Navicular disease has also been studied using force
faster gaits only a single vertical peak is observed platforms and motion analysis. WILLIAMS (2001) carried
(SCHRYVER et al., 1978; RATZLAFF et al., 1993; HJER- out a principal component analysis of force data from the
TEN and DREVEMO, 1994; MERKENS and SCHAM- beginning and end of the stance phase in normal horses
HARDT, 1994). Fig. 6 illustrates the force patterns and dif- and horses with navicular disease. Horses with navicular
ferences in vertical and longitudinal force profiles between disease were found to exhibit abnormal limb loading pat-
fore and hind limbs at walk and trot. terns both before and after a palmer nerve block. WILSON
et al. (2001) used a force platform together with radio-
graphs and motion analysis to determine the contact area
Clinical studies using kinetic tech- between the deep digital flexor tendon and the navicular
niques bone and compressive stress on the navicular bone in vivo.
Stresses on the navicular bone were much higher in early
Force data is useful to clinicians, as the lame horse will stance in horses with navicular disease, which was repor-
modify its gait to reduce loads on the lame limb and com- ted to be due to contraction of the deep digital flexor
pensate by redistributing the load to the other limbs. In muscle resulting in unloading of the heels. In another stu-
addition, to provide the momentum for propulsion they will dy (McGUIGAN and WILSON, 2001) a bilateral palmer
increase the time the lame limb is on the ground as a digital nerve block was administered to horses with navicu-
means of maintaining the impulse with a lower peak verti- lar disease. A reduction in compressive force on the navi-
cal force. Force platforms measure the force produced over cular bone was found throughout the stance phase, which
time, so these adaptations can be captured from this was thought to be a general response to a reduction in heel
equipment. WEISHAUPT et al. (2001) compared force pain, although force patterns did not return to the shape
measurements to the results of traditional orthopaedic reported for normal horses.
examinations and suggested that they were a helpful com- Other studies have found force platforms useful for dia-
plementary tool, but data should be carefully interpreted gnostic purposes and to evaluate the effects of different
and related to clinical observations. BOCKSTAHLER et al. treatments. ISHIHARA et al. (2009) used a force platform
(2008) also suggested that force data alone was useful, but to differentiate between horses with hind limb lameness
had diminished value as an evaluation of joint fuction was and horses with spinal ataxia. From these results it was
not possible. suggested that peak lateral force and the variation in verti-
For this reason laboratory based studies often collect cal force could be used to differentiate between the 2 con-
both force and motion data. One such study (CLAYTON et ditions. The effects of different dosages of a COX-2 inhibi-
al., 2000b) measured changes in force and motion of the tor were evaluated in horses with osteoarthritis using a for-
distal forelimb following induced superficial digital flexor ce platform to determine the optimal dose for reducing
tendinitis. Lower peak vertical GRFs along with changes at lameness (BACK et al., 2009). Peak vertical force was
the pastern and fetlock joint were reported in the lame limb used to quantify lameness severity and found to be a relia-
and increased braking forces and impulse in the sound ble measure. As no significant differences were found be-
limb. Another study investigated the effect of heel wedges tween 0.1 mg/kg and 0.25 mg/kg the lower dose was con-
in horses with experimentally induced superficial digital sidered to be effective in the control of pain and inflamma-
flexor tendinitis. Force and motion data were collected at tion.
trot after the application of heel wedges (CLAYTON et al.,
2000c), tendon forces were then estimated from an in vitro Future Applications
model (MEERSHOEK et al., 2002). Superficial digital ten-
don force was calculated to increase in the contralateral Currently, the biggest need is to develop morphometric
sound limb and tendon forces did not decrease following models that can be used with inverse dynamic methods to
the application of heel wedges in either limb. The results determine joint loading (that is, moments and joint reaction
indicated that heel wedges are not beneficial in horses with forces). This research is currently underway and will
this condition and instead may exacerbate the problem. enhance the field of gait analysis in veterinary practice
Calculation techniques (known as inverse dynamics) greatly in years to come.
can also be used to estimate muscle and tendon forces at The use of either surface or fine wire electromyography
each joint when force and motion data are combined. This (EMG) is also in its infancy in veterinary motion analysis.
can be useful for studying normal locomotion (CLAYTON et Fine wire needle electrodes are reported to affect gait or
al., 1998), the effect of interventions such as farriery other motions to a large degree whereas surface electro-
(SINGLETON et al., 2003), the changes associated with des developed for humans have been used more success-
lameness (CLAYTON et al., 2000a) and the effects of the- fully equine studies to date (JANSEN et al., 1992; WIJN-
rapeutic interventions (CLAYTON et al., 2000c). McGUI- BERG et al., 2003, 2004, 2009; ZANEB et al., 2008). As
GAN et al. (2005) used this method to estimate the deep this technology develops, we can learn more about the
digital flexor tendon loads at trot in ponies with distal pha- timing of muscles and when they are active in the gait cycle
langeal rotation compared to normal ponies. GRFs were or other activities. While EMG provides some quantitative
reduced in the ponies with rotation, but more importantly information about the force of a muscle contraction during
tension on the deep digital flexor tendon was zero for the gait, the relationship between EMG activity and muscle for-

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ce is not linear and depends on many factors. What EMG CLAYTON, H.M. (1987a): Cinematographic analysis of the gait of
does provide is the timing of the firing sequences of the lame horses. III. Fracture of the third carpal bone. Journal of
muscles involved which provides a more complete picture Equine Veterinary Science 7, 130-135.
CLAYTON, H.M. (1987b): Cinematographic analysis of the gait of
of how locomotion is achieved.
lame horses. IV. Tarsal degenerative joint disease. Journal of
Motion analysis has been employed in human medicine Equine Veterinary Science 7, 274-278.
for decades and has been used for a variety of purposes CLAYTON, H.M. (1988): Cinematographic analysis of the gait of
including surgical planning, evaluating the effectiveness of lame horses. V. Fibrotic myopathy. Journal of Equine Veterinary
surgery or implementation of treatment intervention, and Science 8, 297-301.
evaluating range of motion needed for a particular activity. CLAYTON, H.M. (2005): The force plate: established technology,
As the hardware systems and software applications advan- new applications. The Veterinary Journal 169, 15-16.
ce, the usefulness of motion analysis within equine vete- CLAYTON, H.M., BIALSKI D., LANOVAZ J.L., MULLINEAUX D.L.
rinary medicine will continue to evolve. (2003): Reliability of a technique to measure postural sway in
horses. American Journal of Veterinary Research 64, 1354-
1359.
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Authors´ address:
Sarah J. Hobbs, BEng (Hons), PG CERT, PhD, Jim Richards, PhD.
MSc., BEng, Darwin Building 110, Preston, PR1 2HE Lancashire,
UK; Hilary Clayton,BVMS, PhD, MRCVS, D202 Veterinary Medical
Center, East Lansing, MI 48824.1314, USA; Jeremiah J. Tate, PT,
MS, 1914 Andy Holt Avenue, 322 HPER Bldg, Knoxville, TN
37996-2700, USA; David Levine, PT, PhD, DPT, OVS, CCRP,
Randy Walker jr., PT, PhD, DPT, CMP, 615 McCallie Ave Dept #
3253, Chattanooga, TN 37403, USA.
e-mail: [email protected]

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