1
|
Gmel AI, Haraldsdóttir EH, Bragança FMS, Cruz AM, Weishaupt MA. Comparison of speed-dependent time, force and spatial parameters between Franches-Montagnes and European Warmblood horses walking and trotting on a treadmill. J Equine Vet Sci 2024; 133:105005. [PMID: 38237705 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2024.105005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
Speed alterations affect many gait analysis parameters. How horses adapt to speed is relevant in many equestrian disciplines and may differ between breeds. This study described changes in gait parameters in 38 Warmblood (WB) and 24 Franches-Montagnes (FM) horses subjected to an incremental speed test at walk (1.35-2.05 m/s) and trot (3.25-5.5 m/s). Time, force and spatial parameters of each limb were measured with an instrumented treadmill and analysed with regression analysis using speed as the independent variable. With higher speeds, stride rate, length, over-tracking distance and vertical ground reaction forces increased while the impulses decreased. The parameters followed the same linear or polynomial regression curves independent of breed, while the slope (linear) or incurvation (polynomial) often differed significantly between breeds. Some differences between the breeds were associated with height and speed (e.g. stride length at walk), and would disappear when scaling the data. The main differences between the breeds seem to stem from the movement of the hind limbs, with the FM obtaining long over-tracking distances despite the shorter height at withers. Some parameters relevant to gait quality could be improved in the FM to resemble WB movement by strict selection using objective measurements systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A I Gmel
- Equine Department, Vetsuisse Faculty University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, Zurich 8057, Switzerland; Animal GenoPhenomics, Agroscope, Route de la Tioleyre 4, 1725 Posieux, Switzerland.
| | - E H Haraldsdóttir
- Equine Department, Vetsuisse Faculty University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, Zurich 8057, Switzerland
| | - F M Serra Bragança
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 114, CM, Utrecht 3584, the Netherlands
| | - A M Cruz
- Klinik für Pferdechirurgie und Orthopädie, Justus-Liebig Universität Giessen, Frankfurterstrasse 108, Giessen 39352, Germany
| | - M A Weishaupt
- Equine Department, Vetsuisse Faculty University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, Zurich 8057, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Hobbs SJ, Serra Braganca FM, Rhodin M, Hernlund E, Peterson M, Clayton HM. Evaluating Overall Performance in High-Level Dressage Horse-Rider Combinations by Comparing Measurements from Inertial Sensors with General Impression Scores Awarded by Judges. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2496. [PMID: 37570304 PMCID: PMC10417551 DOI: 10.3390/ani13152496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
In the sport of dressage, one or more judges score the combined performance of a horse and rider with an emphasis on the technical correctness of the movements performed. At the end of the test, a single score is awarded for the 'general impression', which considers the overall performance of the horse and rider as a team. This study explored original measures that contributed to the general impression score in a group of 20 horse-rider combinations. Horses and riders were equipped with inertial measurement units (200 Hz) to represent the angular motion of a horse's back and the motions of a rider's pelvis and trunk. Each combination performed a standard dressage test that was recorded to video. Sections of the video were identified for straight-line movements. The videos were analyzed by two or three judges. Four components were scored separately: gaits of the horse, rider posture, effectiveness of aids, and harmony with the horse. The main contributor to the score for gaits was stride frequency (R = -0.252, p = 0.015), with a slower frequency being preferred. Higher rider component scores were associated with more symmetrical transverse-plane trunk motion, indicating that this original measure is the most useful predictor of rider performance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Jane Hobbs
- Research Centre for Applied Sport, Physical Activity and Performance, University of Central Lancashire, Preston PR1 2HE, UK
| | - Filipe Manuel Serra Braganca
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 112–114, NL-3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands;
| | - Marie Rhodin
- Department of Anatomy Physiology and Biochemistry, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, S-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden; (M.R.); (E.H.)
| | - Elin Hernlund
- Department of Anatomy Physiology and Biochemistry, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, S-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden; (M.R.); (E.H.)
| | - Mick Peterson
- Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering and UK Ag Equine Programs, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546, USA;
| | - Hilary M. Clayton
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA;
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Crecan CM, Peștean CP. Inertial Sensor Technologies-Their Role in Equine Gait Analysis, a Review. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 23:6301. [PMID: 37514599 PMCID: PMC10386433 DOI: 10.3390/s23146301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Objective gait analysis provides valuable information about the locomotion characteristics of sound and lame horses. Due to their high accuracy and sensitivity, inertial measurement units (IMUs) have gained popularity over objective measurement techniques such as force plates and optical motion capture (OMC) systems. IMUs are wearable sensors that measure acceleration forces and angular velocities, providing the possibility of a non-invasive and continuous monitoring of horse gait during walk, trot, or canter during field conditions. The present narrative review aimed to describe the inertial sensor technologies and summarize their role in equine gait analysis. The literature was searched using general terms related to inertial sensors and their applicability, gait analysis methods, and lameness evaluation. The efficacy and performance of IMU-based methods for the assessment of normal gait, detection of lameness, analysis of horse-rider interaction, as well as the influence of sedative drugs, are discussed and compared with force plate and OMC techniques. The collected evidence indicated that IMU-based sensor systems can monitor and quantify horse locomotion with high accuracy and precision, having comparable or superior performance to objective measurement techniques. IMUs are reliable tools for the evaluation of horse-rider interactions. The observed efficacy and performance of IMU systems in equine gait analysis warrant further research in this population, with special focus on the potential implementation of novel techniques described and validated in humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cristian Mihăiță Crecan
- University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Cosmin Petru Peștean
- University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Parmentier JIM, Bosch S, van der Zwaag BJ, Weishaupt MA, Gmel AI, Havinga PJM, van Weeren PR, Braganca FMS. Prediction of continuous and discrete kinetic parameters in horses from inertial measurement units data using recurrent artificial neural networks. Sci Rep 2023; 13:740. [PMID: 36639409 PMCID: PMC9839734 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-27899-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Vertical ground reaction force (GRFz) measurements are the best tool for assessing horses' weight-bearing lameness. However, collection of these data is often impractical for clinical use. This study evaluates GRFz predicted using data from body-mounted IMUs and long short-term memory recurrent neural networks (LSTM-RNN). Twenty-four clinically sound horses, equipped with IMUs on the upper-body (UB) and each limb, walked and trotted on a GRFz measuring treadmill (TiF). Both systems were time-synchronised. Data from randomly selected 16, 4, and 4 horses formed training, validation, and test datasets, respectively. LSTM-RNN with different input sets (All, Limbs, UB, Sacrum, or Withers) were trained to predict GRFz curves or peak-GRFz. Our models could predict GRFz shapes at both gaits with RMSE below 0.40 N.kg-1. The best peak-GRFz values were obtained when extracted from the predicted curves by the all dataset. For both GRFz curves and peak-GRFz values, predictions made with the All or UB datasets were systematically better than with the Limbs dataset, showing the importance of including upper-body kinematic information for kinetic parameters predictions. More data should be gathered to confirm the usability of LSTM-RNN for GRFz predictions, as they highly depend on factors like speed, gait, and the presence of weight-bearing lameness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J I M Parmentier
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CM, Utrecht, The Netherlands. .,Pervasive Systems Group, Department of Computer Science, University of Twente, 7522 NB, Enschede, The Netherlands.
| | - S Bosch
- Inertia Technology B.V., 7521 AG, Enschede, The Netherlands.,Pervasive Systems Group, Department of Computer Science, University of Twente, 7522 NB, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - B J van der Zwaag
- Inertia Technology B.V., 7521 AG, Enschede, The Netherlands.,Pervasive Systems Group, Department of Computer Science, University of Twente, 7522 NB, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - M A Weishaupt
- Equine Department, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zürich, Winterhurerstrasse 260, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - A I Gmel
- Equine Department, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zürich, Winterhurerstrasse 260, Zurich, Switzerland.,Animal GenoPhenomics, Agroscope, 1725, Posieux, Switzerland
| | - P J M Havinga
- Pervasive Systems Group, Department of Computer Science, University of Twente, 7522 NB, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - P R van Weeren
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CM, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - F M Serra Braganca
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CM, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Rhodin M, Smit IH, Persson-Sjodin E, Pfau T, Gunnarsson V, Björnsdóttir S, Zetterberg E, Clayton HM, Hobbs SJ, Serra Bragança F, Hernlund E. Timing of Vertical Head, Withers and Pelvis Movements Relative to the Footfalls in Different Equine Gaits and Breeds. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12213053. [PMID: 36359178 PMCID: PMC9657284 DOI: 10.3390/ani12213053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Movement symmetry of the head and pelvis are used to measure lameness in horses in trot. Although head, pelvis and limb movements have been described, less is known about the temporal relationships between them. This information is needed to understand how the movements change with lameness. This is particularly relevant in gaited horses, such as the Icelandic horse that perform gaits such as tölt and pace, which are challenging to evaluate. This study used inertial measurement units to investigate head, withers and pelvis motion relative to limb movements in Icelandic, Warmblood and Iberian horses. Limb movements, together with vertical movements and lowest/highest positions of the head, withers and pelvis were calculated, and the relative timing of the events was compared across breeds. Additionally, data for tölt and pace were collected and evaluated in ridden Icelandic horses. For all gaits except walk and pace, the lowest/highest positions of the head/withers/pelvis were closely temporally related to midstance and hoof-off, respectively. Pelvic and withers total range of motion differed between all breeds. The Icelandic horses showed shorter stride duration and smaller movements of the upper body than the other breeds at trot, which may explain why lameness evaluation in this breed is challenging. Abstract Knowledge of vertical motion patterns of the axial body segments is a prerequisite for the development of algorithms used in automated detection of lameness. To date, the focus has been on the trot. This study investigates the temporal synchronization between vertical motion of the axial body segments with limb kinematic events in walk and trot across three popular types of sport horses (19 Warmbloods, 23 Iberians, 26 Icelandics) that are known to have different stride kinematics, and it presents novel data describing vertical motion of the axial body segments in tölting and pacing Icelandic horses. Inertial measurement unit sensors recorded limb kinematics, vertical motion of the axial body at all symmetrical gaits that the horse could perform (walk, trot, tölt, pace). Limb kinematics, vertical range of motion and lowest/highest positions of the head, withers and pelvis were calculated. For all gaits except walk and pace, lowest/highest positions of the pelvis and withers were found to be closely related temporally to midstance and start of suspension of the hind/fore quarter, respectively. There were differences in pelvic/withers range of motion between all breeds where the Icelandic horses showed the smallest motion, which may explain why lameness evaluation in this breed is challenging.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marie Rhodin
- Department of Anatomy Physiology and Biochemistry, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, S-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +461-867-2194
| | - Ineke H. Smit
- Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 112-114, NL-3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Emma Persson-Sjodin
- Department of Anatomy Physiology and Biochemistry, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, S-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Thilo Pfau
- Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
| | | | - Sigridur Björnsdóttir
- Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Agricultural University of Iceland, 311 Hvanneyri, Iceland
| | - Ebba Zetterberg
- Department of Anatomy Physiology and Biochemistry, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, S-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
| | | | - Sarah J. Hobbs
- Research Centre for Applied Sport, Physical Activity and Performance, University of Central Lancashire, Preston PR1 2HE, UK
| | - Filipe Serra Bragança
- Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 112-114, NL-3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Elin Hernlund
- Department of Anatomy Physiology and Biochemistry, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, S-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Pagliara E, Marenchino M, Antenucci L, Costantini M, Zoppi G, Giacobini MDL, Bullone M, Riccio B, Bertuglia A. Fetlock Joint Angle Pattern and Range of Motion Quantification Using Two Synchronized Wearable Inertial Sensors per Limb in Sound Horses and Horses with Single Limb Naturally Occurring Lameness. Vet Sci 2022; 9:vetsci9090456. [PMID: 36136672 PMCID: PMC9502055 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9090456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 08/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Fetlock joint angle (FJA) pattern is a sensitive indicator of lameness. The first aim of this study is to describe a network of inertial measurement units system (IMUs) for quantifying FJA simultaneously in all limbs. The second aim is to evaluate the accuracy of IMUs for quantifying the sagittal plane FJA overground in comparison to bi-dimensional (2-D) optical motion capture (OMC). 14 horses (7 free from lameness and 7 lame) were enrolled and analyzed with both systems at walk and trot on a firm surface. All enrolled horses were instrumented with 8 IMUs (a pair for each limb) positioned at the dorsal aspect of the metacarpal/metatarsal bone and pastern and acquiring data at 200 Hz. Passive markers were glued on the center of rotation of carpus/tarsus, fetlock, and distal interphalangeal joint, and video footages were captured at 60 Hz and digitalized for OMC acquisition. The IMU system accuracy was reported as Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) and Pearson Correlation Coefficient (PCC). The Granger Causality Test (GCT) and the Bland−Altman analysis were computed between the IMUs and OMC patterns to determine the agreement between the two systems. The proposed IMU system was able to provide FJAs in all limbs using a patented method for sensor calibration and related algorithms. Fetlock joint range of motion (FJROM) variability of three consecutive strides was analyzed in the population through 3-way ANOVA. FJA patterns quantified by IMUs demonstrated high accuracy at the walk (RMSE 8.23° ± 3.74°; PCC 0.95 ± 0.03) and trot (RMSE 9.44° ± 3.96°; PCC 0.96 ± 0.02) on both sound (RMSE 7.91° ± 3.19°; PCC 0.97 ± 0.03) and lame horses (RMSE 9.78° ± 4.33°; PCC 0.95 ± 0.03). The two systems’ measurements agreed (mean bias around 0) and produced patterns that were in temporal agreement in 97.33% of the cases (p < 0.01). The main source of variability between left and right FJROM in the population was the presence of lameness (p < 0.0001) and accounted for 28.46% of this total variation. IMUs system accurately quantified sagittal plane FJA at walk and trot in both sound and lame horses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Pagliara
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Turin, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Giacomo Zoppi
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Turin, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy
| | | | - Michela Bullone
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Turin, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy
| | - Barbara Riccio
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Turin, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Andrea Bertuglia
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Turin, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Briggs EV, Mazzà C. Automatic methods of hoof-on and -off detection in horses using wearable inertial sensors during walk and trot on asphalt, sand and grass. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0254813. [PMID: 34310630 PMCID: PMC8312981 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0254813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Detection of hoof-on and -off events are essential to gait classification in horses. Wearable sensors have been endorsed as a convenient alternative to the traditional force plate-based method. The aim of this study was to propose and validate inertial sensor-based methods of gait event detection, reviewing different sensor locations and their performance on different gaits and exercise surfaces. Eleven horses of various breeds and ages were recruited to wear inertial sensors attached to the hooves, pasterns and cannons. Gait events detected by pastern and cannon methods were compared to the reference, hoof-detected events. Walk and trot strides were recorded on asphalt, grass and sand. Pastern-based methods were found to be the most accurate and precise for detecting gait events, incurring mean errors of between 1 and 6ms, depending on the limb and gait, on asphalt. These methods incurred consistent errors when used to measure stance durations on all surfaces, with mean errors of 0.1 to 1.16% of a stride cycle. In conclusion, the methods developed and validated here will enable future studies to reliably detect equine gait events using inertial sensors, under a wide variety of field conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eloise V. Briggs
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
- INSIGNEO Institute for in silico Medicine, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Claudia Mazzà
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
- INSIGNEO Institute for in silico Medicine, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Tijssen M, Serra Braganςa FM, Ask K, Rhodin M, Andersen PH, Telezhenko E, Bergsten C, Nielen M, Hernlund E. Kinematic gait characteristics of straight line walk in clinically sound dairy cows. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0253479. [PMID: 34288912 PMCID: PMC8294546 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0253479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study is to describe the kinematic gait characteristics of straight line walk in clinically sound dairy cows using body mounted Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs) at multiple anatomical locations. The temporal parameters used are speed and non-speed normalized stance duration, bipedal and tripedal support durations, maximal protraction and retraction angles of the distal limbs and vertical displacement curves of the upper body. Gait analysis was performed by letting 17 dairy cows walk in a straight line at their own chosen pace while equipped with IMU sensors on tubera sacrale, left and right tuber coxae (LTC and RTC), back, withers, head, neck and all four lower limbs. Data intervals with stride by stride regularity were selected based on video data. For temporal parameters, the median was calculated and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated based on linear mixed model (LMM) analysis, while for limb and vertical displacement curves, the median and most typical curves were calculated. The temporal parameters and distal limb angles showed consistent results with low variance and LMM analysis showed non-overlapping CI for all temporal parameters. The distal limb angle curves showed a larger and steeper retraction angle range for the distal front limbs compared with the hind limbs. The vertical displacement curves of the sacrum, withers, LTC and RTC showed a consistent sinusoidal pattern while the head, back and collar curves were less consistent and showed more variation between and within cows. This kinematic description might allow to objectively differentiate between normal and lame gait in the future and determine the best anatomical location for sensor attachment for lameness detection purposes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M. Tijssen
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- * E-mail:
| | - F. M. Serra Braganςa
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - K. Ask
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - M. Rhodin
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - P. H. Andersen
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - E. Telezhenko
- Department of Biosystems and Technology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Alnarp, Sweden
| | - C. Bergsten
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - M. Nielen
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - E. Hernlund
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Steinke SL, Montgomery JB, Barden JM. Accelerometry-Based Step Count Validation for Horse Movement Analysis During Stall Confinement. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:681213. [PMID: 34239913 PMCID: PMC8259880 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.681213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Quantitative tracking of equine movement during stall confinement has the potential to detect subtle changes in mobility due to injury. These changes may warn of potential complications, providing vital information to direct rehabilitation protocols. Inertial measurement units (IMUs) are readily available and easily attached to a limb or surcingle to objectively record step count in horses. The objectives of this study were: (1) to compare IMU-based step counts to a visually-based criterion measure (video) for three different types of movements in a stall environment, and (2) to compare three different sensor positions to determine the ideal location on the horse to assess movement. An IMU was attached at the withers, right forelimb and hindlimb of six horses to assess free-movement, circles, and figure-eights recorded in 5 min intervals and to determine the best location, through analysis of all three axes of the triaxial accelerometer, for step count during stall confinement. Mean step count difference, absolute error (%) and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were determined to assess the sensor's ability to track steps compared to the criterion measure. When comparing sensor location for all movement conditions, the right-forelimb vertical-axis produced the best results (ICC = 1.0, % error = 6.8, mean step count difference = 1.3) followed closely by the right-hindlimb (ICC = 0.999, % error = 15.2, mean step count difference = 1.8). Limitations included the small number of horse participants and the lack of random selection due to limited availability and accessibility. Overall, the findings demonstrate excellent levels of agreement between the IMU's vertical axis and the video-based criterion at the forelimb and hindlimb locations for all movement conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samantha L Steinke
- Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada.,Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Julia B Montgomery
- Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada.,Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - John M Barden
- Faculty of Kinesiology and Health Studies, University of Regina, Regina, SK, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Hagen J, Jung FT, Brouwer J, Bos R. Detection of Equine Hoof Motion by Using a Hoof-Mounted Inertial Measurement Unit Sensor in Comparison to Examinations with an Optoelectronic Technique - A Pilot Study. J Equine Vet Sci 2021; 101:103454. [PMID: 33993950 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2021.103454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Revised: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to determine whether a hoof-mounted inertial measurement unit (IMU) system would provide similar timing characteristics and step lengths, in walk and trot on different grounds, compared to those of an established optoelectronic motion system. The right hoof of one horse was equipped with an IMU sensor with an optical reference marker on top. Fifteen steps on firm ground, and five on penetrable ground, were performed at walk and trot. Level of agreement between the two measurement systems was determined by assessing the concordance correlation coefficients, accuracy, and precision of the duration of different gait events and step length. Timing characteristics and step length were in strong agreement between the two techniques for the majority of assessed parameters in walk and trot on both grounds. The agreement between techniques decreased for breakover and landing duration at trot on penetrable ground. Disparity between the measurement techniques was related to difficulties in accurately defining single parts of the stance phase with marker-based optoelectronic analysis on penetrable ground. Detailed examinations of different parts of the stance phase are more accurately performed using hoof-mounted IMU sensors. Results emphasise the great potential of IMU sensors for equine motion analysis in daily practice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jenny Hagen
- Institute of Veterinary Anatomy, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Leipzig University, Germany.
| | - Franziska Theresa Jung
- Institute of Veterinary Anatomy, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Leipzig University, Germany
| | - Joris Brouwer
- Joris Brouwer Consultancy - Research and product development, Doetinchem, The Netherlands
| | - Ramon Bos
- Werkman Equilytics, Groningen, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Darbandi H, Serra Bragança F, van der Zwaag BJ, Voskamp J, Gmel AI, Haraldsdóttir EH, Havinga P. Using Different Combinations of Body-Mounted IMU Sensors to Estimate Speed of Horses-A Machine Learning Approach. SENSORS 2021; 21:s21030798. [PMID: 33530288 PMCID: PMC7865839 DOI: 10.3390/s21030798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Revised: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Speed is an essential parameter in biomechanical analysis and general locomotion research. It is possible to estimate the speed using global positioning systems (GPS) or inertial measurement units (IMUs). However, GPS requires a consistent signal connection to satellites, and errors accumulate during IMU signals integration. In an attempt to overcome these issues, we have investigated the possibility of estimating the horse speed by developing machine learning (ML) models using the signals from seven body-mounted IMUs. Since motion patterns extracted from IMU signals are different between breeds and gaits, we trained the models based on data from 40 Icelandic and Franches-Montagnes horses during walk, trot, tölt, pace, and canter. In addition, we studied the estimation accuracy between IMU locations on the body (sacrum, withers, head, and limbs). The models were evaluated per gait and were compared between ML algorithms and IMU location. The model yielded the highest estimation accuracy of speed (RMSE = 0.25 m/s) within equine and most of human speed estimation literature. In conclusion, highly accurate horse speed estimation models, independent of IMU(s) location on-body and gait, were developed using ML.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hamed Darbandi
- Pervasive Systems Group, Department of Computer Science, University of Twente, 7522 NB Enschede, The Netherlands; (B.J.v.d.Z.); (P.H.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Filipe Serra Bragança
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands;
| | - Berend Jan van der Zwaag
- Pervasive Systems Group, Department of Computer Science, University of Twente, 7522 NB Enschede, The Netherlands; (B.J.v.d.Z.); (P.H.)
- Inertia Technology B.V., 7521 AG Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - John Voskamp
- Rosmark Consultancy, 6733 AA Wekerom, The Netherlands;
| | - Annik Imogen Gmel
- Equine Department, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland; (A.I.G.); (E.H.H.)
- Agroscope—Swiss National Stud Farm, Les Longs-Prés, 1580 Avenches, Switzerland
| | - Eyrún Halla Haraldsdóttir
- Equine Department, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland; (A.I.G.); (E.H.H.)
| | - Paul Havinga
- Pervasive Systems Group, Department of Computer Science, University of Twente, 7522 NB Enschede, The Netherlands; (B.J.v.d.Z.); (P.H.)
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Improving gait classification in horses by using inertial measurement unit (IMU) generated data and machine learning. Sci Rep 2020; 10:17785. [PMID: 33082367 PMCID: PMC7576586 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-73215-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
For centuries humans have been fascinated by the natural beauty of horses in motion and their different gaits. Gait classification (GC) is commonly performed through visual assessment and reliable, automated methods for real-time objective GC in horses are warranted. In this study, we used a full body network of wireless, high sampling-rate sensors combined with machine learning to fully automatically classify gait. Using data from 120 horses of four different domestic breeds, equipped with seven motion sensors, we included 7576 strides from eight different gaits. GC was trained using several machine-learning approaches, both from feature-extracted data and from raw sensor data. Our best GC model achieved 97% accuracy. Our technique facilitated accurate, GC that enables in-depth biomechanical studies and allows for highly accurate phenotyping of gait for genetic research and breeding. Our approach lends itself for potential use in other quadrupedal species without the need for developing gait/animal specific algorithms.
Collapse
|
13
|
Evaluation of Inertial Sensor Data by a Comparison with Optical Motion Capture Data of Guitar Strumming Gestures. SENSORS 2020; 20:s20195722. [PMID: 33050093 PMCID: PMC7583031 DOI: 10.3390/s20195722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Revised: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Computing technologies have opened up a myriad of possibilities for expanding the sonic capabilities of acoustic musical instruments. Musicians nowadays employ a variety of rather inexpensive, wireless sensor-based systems to obtain refined control of interactive musical performances in actual musical situations like live music concerts. It is essential though to clearly understand the capabilities and limitations of such acquisition systems and their potential influence on high-level control of musical processes. In this study, we evaluate one such system composed of an inertial sensor (MetaMotionR) and a hexaphonic nylon guitar for capturing strumming gestures. To characterize this system, we compared it with a high-end commercial motion capture system (Qualisys) typically used in the controlled environments of research laboratories, in two complementary tasks: comparisons of rotational and translational data. For the rotations, we were able to compare our results with those that are found in the literature, obtaining RMSE below 10° for 88% of the curves. The translations were compared in two ways: by double derivation of positional data from the mocap and by double integration of IMU acceleration data. For the task of estimating displacements from acceleration data, we developed a compensative-integration method to deal with the oscillatory character of the strumming, whose approximative results are very dependent on the type of gestures and segmentation; a value of 0.77 was obtained for the average of the normalized covariance coefficients of the displacement magnitudes. Although not in the ideal range, these results point to a clearly acceptable trade-off between the flexibility, portability and low cost of the proposed system when compared to the limited use and cost of the high-end motion capture standard in interactive music setups.
Collapse
|
14
|
Gómez Álvarez CB, van Weeren PR. Practical uses of quantitative gait analysis in horses. Equine Vet J 2020; 51:811-812. [PMID: 31584725 DOI: 10.1111/evj.13162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- C B Gómez Álvarez
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.,Department of Life Sciences, Brunel University London, London, UK
| | - P R van Weeren
- Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Tijssen M, Hernlund E, Rhodin M, Bosch S, Voskamp JP, Nielen M, Serra Braganςa FM. Automatic hoof-on and -off detection in horses using hoof-mounted inertial measurement unit sensors. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0233266. [PMID: 32492034 PMCID: PMC7269263 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0233266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2019] [Accepted: 05/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
For gait classification, hoof-on and hoof-off events are fundamental locomotion characteristics of interest. These events can be measured with inertial measurement units (IMUs) which measure the acceleration and angular velocity in three directions. The aim of this study was to present two algorithms for automatic detection of hoof-events from the acceleration and angular velocity signals measured by hoof-mounted IMUs in walk and trot on a hard surface. Seven Warmblood horses were equipped with two wireless IMUs, which were attached to the lateral wall of the right front (RF) and hind (RH) hooves. Horses were walked and trotted on a lead over a force plate for internal validation. The agreement between the algorithms for the acceleration and angular velocity signals with the force plate was evaluated by Bland Altman analysis and linear mixed model analysis. These analyses were performed for both hoof-on and hoof-off detection and for both algorithms separately. For the hoof-on detection, the angular velocity algorithm was the most accurate with an accuracy between 2.39 and 12.22 ms and a precision of around 13.80 ms, depending on gait and hoof. For hoof-off detection, the acceleration algorithm was the most accurate with an accuracy of 3.20 ms and precision of 6.39 ms, independent of gait and hoof. These algorithms look highly promising for gait classification purposes although the applicability of these algorithms should be investigated under different circumstances, such as different surfaces and different hoof trimming conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M. Tijssen
- Department Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - E. Hernlund
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - M. Rhodin
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - S. Bosch
- Inertia Technology B.V., Enschede, The Netherlands
- Department of Computer Science, Pervasive Systems Group, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - J. P. Voskamp
- Rosmark Consultancy, Wekerom, The Netherlands
- Department Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - M. Nielen
- Department Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - F. M. Serra Braganςa
- Department Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Tijssen M, Hernlund E, Rhodin M, Bosch S, Voskamp JP, Nielen M, Serra Braganςa FM. Automatic detection of break-over phase onset in horses using hoof-mounted inertial measurement unit sensors. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0233649. [PMID: 32469939 PMCID: PMC7259550 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0233649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2019] [Accepted: 05/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
A prolonged break-over phase might be an indication of a variety of musculoskeletal disorders and can be measured with optical motion capture (OMC) systems, inertial measurement units (IMUs) and force plates. The aim of this study was to present two algorithms for automatic detection of the break-over phase onset from the acceleration and angular velocity signals measured by hoof-mounted IMUs in walk and trot on a hard surface. The performance of these algorithms was evaluated by internal validation with an OMC system and a force plate separately. Seven Warmblood horses were equipped with two wireless IMUs which were attached to the lateral wall of the right front (RF) and hind (RH) hooves. Horses were walked and trotted over a force plate for internal validation while simultaneously the 3D position of three reflective markers, attached to lateral heel, lateral toe and lateral coronet of each hoof, were measured by six infrared cameras of an OMC system. The performance of the algorithms was evaluated by linear mixed model analysis. The acceleration algorithm was the most accurate with an accuracy between -9 and 23 ms and a precision around 24 ms (against OMC system), and an accuracy between -37 and 20 ms and a precision around 29 ms (against force plate), depending on gait and hoof. This algorithm seems promising for quantification of the break-over phase onset although the applicability for clinical purposes, such as lameness detection and evaluation of trimming and shoeing techniques, should be investigated more in-depth.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M. Tijssen
- Department Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- * E-mail:
| | - E. Hernlund
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - M. Rhodin
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - S. Bosch
- Inertia Technology B.V., Enschede, The Netherlands
- Department of Computer Science, Pervasive Systems Group, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - J. P. Voskamp
- Rosmark Consultancy, Wekerom, The Netherlands
- Department Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - M. Nielen
- Department Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - F. M. Serra Braganςa
- Department Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Sapone M, Martin P, Ben Mansour K, Château H, Marin F. Comparison of Trotting Stance Detection Methods from an Inertial Measurement Unit Mounted on the Horse's Limb. SENSORS 2020; 20:s20102983. [PMID: 32466104 PMCID: PMC7288211 DOI: 10.3390/s20102983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2020] [Revised: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The development of on-board sensors, such as inertial measurement units (IMU), has made it possible to develop new methods for analyzing horse locomotion to detect lameness. The detection of spatiotemporal events is one of the keystones in the analysis of horse locomotion. This study assesses the performance of four methods for detecting Foot on and Foot off events. They were developed from an IMU positioned on the canon bone of eight horses during trotting recording on a treadmill and compared to a standard gold method based on motion capture. These methods are based on accelerometer and gyroscope data and use either thresholding or wavelets to detect stride events. The two methods developed from gyroscopic data showed more precision than those developed from accelerometric data with a bias less than 0.6% of stride duration for Foot on and 0.1% of stride duration for Foot off. The gyroscope is less impacted by the different patterns of strides, specific to each horse. To conclude, methods using the gyroscope present the potential of further developments to investigate the effects of different gait paces and ground types in the analysis of horse locomotion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marie Sapone
- Université de Technologie de Compiègne, Alliance Sorbonne Université, UMR CNRS 7338 BioMécanique et BioIngénierie, 60200 Compiègne, France; (K.B.M.) ; (F.M.)
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, USC INRAE-ENVA 957 BPLC, CWD-VetLab, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France; (P.M.) ; (H.C.)
- LIM France, Chemin Fontaine de Fanny, 24300 Nontron, France
- Correspondence:
| | - Pauline Martin
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, USC INRAE-ENVA 957 BPLC, CWD-VetLab, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France; (P.M.) ; (H.C.)
- LIM France, Chemin Fontaine de Fanny, 24300 Nontron, France
| | - Khalil Ben Mansour
- Université de Technologie de Compiègne, Alliance Sorbonne Université, UMR CNRS 7338 BioMécanique et BioIngénierie, 60200 Compiègne, France; (K.B.M.) ; (F.M.)
| | - Henry Château
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, USC INRAE-ENVA 957 BPLC, CWD-VetLab, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France; (P.M.) ; (H.C.)
| | - Frédéric Marin
- Université de Technologie de Compiègne, Alliance Sorbonne Université, UMR CNRS 7338 BioMécanique et BioIngénierie, 60200 Compiègne, France; (K.B.M.) ; (F.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Egan S, Brama P, McGrath D. Research trends in equine movement analysis, future opportunities and potential barriers in the digital age: A scoping review from 1978 to 2018. Equine Vet J 2019; 51:813-824. [PMID: 30659639 DOI: 10.1111/evj.13076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2018] [Accepted: 12/31/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Since Muybridge's 'horse in motion', researchers in the equine movement analysis field continue to improve objective analysis and performance monitoring while ensuring representative data capture. However, subjective evaluation remains the primary method of equine gait analysis in the applied setting, despite evidence highlighting the unreliability of this approach. OBJECTIVES To map research trends, limitations and opportunities across the diverse equine gait analysis literature. STUDY DESIGN Joanna Briggs Institute and Cochrane systematic scoping review. METHODS Search terms were chosen based on the 'PICO' framework and included keywords such as: Equine, Gait, Kinematics and Analysis. Studies were excluded based on predetermined criteria by two independent researchers. Data were extracted from 510 articles from 1978 to 2018. RESULTS Insights derived from movement analysis appear to be driven by tool availability. Observational research (42.9%) was the most popular study design. Use of wearable technology as a primary research tool is established within the field, accounting for 13.5% of studies. Analysis of limitations identified 17.8% of studies citing challenges to the transferability of research results. Restricted sample size appears to be an underlying contributor to many of the limitations identified. In terms of research opportunities, advances in intervention studies were called for (10.4% of studies) in the following three areas; clinical, rehabilitative exercise and performance/training. MAIN LIMITATIONS This review was confined to research in the English language. CONCLUSIONS Standardised research reporting may alleviate sample size issues by facilitating data pooling, database creation and meta-analyses. Large holistic data collections and application frameworks based on wearable technologies are not reflected in the current equine gait analysis literature and thus represent an interesting opportunity for this field. Progress and lessons learned from the human field of movement analysis can be useful in supporting this potential development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Egan
- Institute for Sport and Health, School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sport Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - P Brama
- Section Veterinary Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - D McGrath
- Institute for Sport and Health, School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sport Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
|
20
|
Mackechnie-Guire R, Mackechnie-Guire E, Fisher M, Mathie H, Bush R, Pfau T, Weller R. Relationship Between Saddle and Rider Kinematics, Horse Locomotion, and Thoracolumbar Pressures in Sound Horses. J Equine Vet Sci 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2018.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
|
21
|
Stutz JC, Vidondo B, Ramseyer A, Maninchedda UE, Cruz AM. Effect of three types of horseshoes and unshod feet on selected non-podal forelimb kinematic variables measured by an extremity mounted inertial measurement unit sensor system in sound horses at the trot under conditions of treadmill and soft geotextile surface exercise. Vet Rec Open 2018; 5:e000237. [PMID: 29955366 PMCID: PMC6018867 DOI: 10.1136/vetreco-2017-000237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2017] [Revised: 04/11/2018] [Accepted: 04/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Therapeutic farriery is part of the management of certain orthopaedic conditions. Non-podal parameters are important as most horses shod with therapeutic shoes are expected to perform again and the choice of shoe type may be influenced by the effects they may have on gait. The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the effects of three different shoe designs and unshod front feet on forelimb non-podal kinematic variables using an extremity mounted inertial measurement unit (IMU) system under conditions of treadmill and overground exercise on a soft geotextile surface at the trot. Ten sound horses with no underlying orthopaedic problem were instrumented with eight IMUs at distal radii, tibia and third metacarpal/tarsal regions. Measurements were performed during four consecutive days. During the first three days, the three shoe types were randomly selected per horse and day. On the fourth day, all horses were tested unshod. Data were collected at the trot on a treadmill, and on a soft geotextile surface. Specifically designed software and a proprietary algorithm processed the accelerometer and gyroscope signals to obtain orientation and temporal data to describe selected kinematic variables predetermined by the system. Repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to assess differences between shoe type and surface. The presence of shoes produced significant changes in spatiotemporal variables which seemed to be related to shoe mass rather than shoe design as there were no significant differences found between different shoe types. Shod horses showed a gait characterised by an increased range of motion (ROM) of the fore limbs. Previously reported effects of the investigated shoes on podal kinematics do not seem to affect the investigated kinematic variables indicating perhaps a compensatory effect occurring at some level in the extremity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Beatriz Vidondo
- Institute suisse de médicine équine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Veterinary Public Health Institute, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Antonio M Cruz
- Institute suisse de médicine équine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, Valencia, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Bosch S, Serra Bragança F, Marin-Perianu M, Marin-Perianu R, van der Zwaag BJ, Voskamp J, Back W, van Weeren R, Havinga P. EquiMoves: A Wireless Networked Inertial Measurement System for Objective Examination of Horse Gait. SENSORS 2018. [PMID: 29534022 PMCID: PMC5877382 DOI: 10.3390/s18030850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
In this paper, we describe and validate the EquiMoves system, which aims to support equine veterinarians in assessing lameness and gait performance in horses. The system works by capturing horse motion from up to eight synchronized wireless inertial measurement units. It can be used in various equine gait modes, and analyzes both upper-body and limb movements. The validation against an optical motion capture system is based on a Bland-Altman analysis that illustrates the agreement between the two systems. The sagittal kinematic results (protraction, retraction, and sagittal range of motion) show limits of agreement of ± 2.3 degrees and an absolute bias of 0.3 degrees in the worst case. The coronal kinematic results (adduction, abduction, and coronal range of motion) show limits of agreement of - 8.8 and 8.1 degrees, and an absolute bias of 0.4 degrees in the worst case. The worse coronal kinematic results are most likely caused by the optical system setup (depth perception difficulty and suboptimal marker placement). The upper-body symmetry results show no significant bias in the agreement between the two systems; in most cases, the agreement is within ±5 mm. On a trial-level basis, the limits of agreement for withers and sacrum are within ±2 mm, meaning that the system can properly quantify motion asymmetry. Overall, the bias for all symmetry-related results is less than 1 mm, which is important for reproducibility and further comparison to other systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephan Bosch
- Inertia Technology B.V., 7521 AG Enschede, The Netherlands.
- Department of Computer Science, Pervasive Systems Group, University of Twente, 7522 NB Enschede, The Netherlands.
| | - Filipe Serra Bragança
- Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | | | | | | | - John Voskamp
- Rosmark Consultancy, 6733 AA Wekerom, The Netherlands.
| | - Willem Back
- Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands.
- Department of Surgery and Anaesthesia of Domestic Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium.
| | - René van Weeren
- Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Paul Havinga
- Department of Computer Science, Pervasive Systems Group, University of Twente, 7522 NB Enschede, The Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Olsen E, FouchÉ N, Jordan H, Pfau T, Piercy RJ. Kinematic discrimination of ataxia in horses is facilitated by blindfolding. Equine Vet J 2017; 50:166-171. [DOI: 10.1111/evj.12737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2017] [Accepted: 08/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- E. Olsen
- Structure and Motion Laboratory The Royal Veterinary College London UK
- Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine Ithaca New York USA
| | - N. FouchÉ
- Swiss Institute of Equine Medicine (ISME) Vetsuisse‐Faculty University of Bern and Agroscope Berne Switzerland
| | - H. Jordan
- Structure and Motion Laboratory The Royal Veterinary College London UK
| | - T. Pfau
- Structure and Motion Laboratory The Royal Veterinary College London UK
| | - R. J. Piercy
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Services The Royal Veterinary College London UK
| |
Collapse
|