Head and pelvic movement asymmetry during lungeing in horses with symmetrical movement on the straight

Abstract

SummaryReasons for performing studyLungeing is commonly used as part of standard lameness examinations in horses. Knowledge of how lungeing influences motion symmetry in sound horses is needed.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to objectively evaluate the symmetry of vertical head and pelvic motion during lungeing in a large number of horses with symmetric motion during straight line evaluation.Study designCross‐sectional prospective study.MethodsA pool of 201 riding horses, all functioning well and considered sound by their owners, were evaluated in trot on a straight line and during lungeing to the left and right. From this pool, horses with symmetric vertical head and pelvic movement during the straight line trot (n = 94) were retained for analysis. Vertical head and pelvic movements were measured with body mounted uniaxial accelerometers. Differences between vertical maximum and minimum head (HDmax, HDmin) and pelvic (PDmax, PDmin) heights between left and right forelimb and hindlimb stances were compared between straight line trot and lungeing in either direction.ResultsVertical head and pelvic movements during lungeing were more asymmetric than during trot on a straight line. Common asymmetric patterns seen in the head were more upward movement during push‐off of the outside forelimb and less downward movement during impact of the inside limb. Common asymmetric patterns seen in the pelvis were less upward movement during push‐off of the outside hindlimb and less downward movement of the pelvis during impact of the inside hindlimb. Asymmetric patterns in one lunge direction were frequently not the same as in the opposite direction.ConclusionsLungeing induces systematic asymmetries in vertical head and pelvic motion patterns in horses that may not be the same in both directions. These asymmetries may mask or mimic fore‐ or hindlimb lameness.

Analysis and characterization of the normal gait phases of walking Warmblood horses as a tool for the diagnosis of lameness

“…The horse-rider´s interaction has also been studied and the graphics of rider movement have been consistent with those reported by the horse trunk (Halling-Thomsen et al 2010, Eckardt et al 2014, Rhodin et al 2016. Following this line, Miro et al (2006) conducted a comparison of the horse's gait with and without riders, where they found no difference between the two movement conditions.…”

“…The development of photogrammetry and accelerometry have enabled a more detailed study of motion (Keegan et al 2004, Abson et al 2015. The studies have focused primarily on the analysis of the gait symmetry of horses to identify potential injury (Rhodin et al 2016).…”

“…In this respect, Zsoldos & Licka (2015) characterized the importance of the neck movement and its relationship with injuries. Rhodin et al (2016) studied the neck movement in regards to the symmetry of the pelvis and head movements of trotting horses. Meanwhile, Starke et al (2012) used accelerometers in the trunk, pelvis and limb to estimate the hoof contact time.…”

Comparison of visual lameness scores to gait asymmetry in racing Thoroughbreds during trot in‐hand

“…, ; Rhodin et al . , ). The comparatively high percentage (up to 67%) of Polo horses found outside previously reported clinical thresholds (Pfau et al .…”

Quantitative assessment of gait parameters in horses: Useful for aiding clinical decision making?

“…However, a study in over 90 horses found to present within stringent symmetry thresholds on the straight, showed a more mixed distribution between increased head drop during inside and outside forelimb stance (Rhodin et al . ). It seems noteworthy that in these horses the head asymmetry is generally of a small magnitude with mean values of 6–9 mm in both lungeing directions.…”