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Smit IH, Parmentier JIM, Rovel T, van Dieen J, Serra Bragança FM. Towards standardisation of surface electromyography measurements in the horse: Bipolar electrode location. J Electromyogr Kinesiol 2024; 76:102884. [PMID: 38593582 DOI: 10.1016/j.jelekin.2024.102884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
The use of surface electromyography in the field of animal locomotion has increased considerably over the past decade. However, no consensus exists on the methodology for data collection in horses. This study aimed to start the development of recommendations for bipolar electrode locations to collect surface electromyographic data from horses during dynamic tasks. Data were collected from 21 superficial muscles of three horses during trot on a treadmill using linear electrode arrays. The data were assessed both quantitatively (signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and coefficient of variation (CoV)) and qualitatively (presence of crosstalk and activation patterns) to compare and select electrode locations for each muscle. For most muscles and horses, the highest SNR values were detected near or cranial/proximal to the central region of the muscle. Concerning the CoV, there were larger differences between muscles and horses than within muscles. Qualitatively, crosstalk was suspected to be present in the signals of twelve muscles but not in all locations in the arrays. With this study, a first attempt is made to develop recommendations for bipolar electrode locations for muscle activity measurements during dynamic contractions in horses. The results may help to improve the reliability and reproducibility of study results in equine biomechanics.
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Affiliation(s)
- I H Smit
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584CM Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| | - J I M Parmentier
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584CM Utrecht, the Netherlands; Pervasive Systems Group, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Twente, 7522NB Enschede, the Netherlands
| | - T Rovel
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584CM Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - J van Dieen
- Department of Human Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam Movement Sciences, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - F M Serra Bragança
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584CM Utrecht, the Netherlands; Sleip AI, Birger Jarlsgatan 58, 11426 Stockholm, Sweden
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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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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.
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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
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St. George L, Spoormakers TJP, Roy SH, Hobbs SJ, Clayton HM, Richards J, Serra Bragança FM. Reliability of surface electromyographic (sEMG) measures of equine axial and appendicular muscles during overground trot. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0288664. [PMID: 37450555 PMCID: PMC10348569 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0288664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The reliability of surface electromyography (sEMG) has not been adequately demonstrated in the equine literature and is an essential consideration as a methodology for application in clinical gait analysis. This observational study investigated within-session, intra-subject (stride-to-stride) and inter-subject reliability, and between-session reliability of normalised sEMG activity profiles, from triceps brachii (triceps), latissimus dorsi (latissimus), longissimus dorsi (longissimus), biceps femoris (biceps), superficial gluteal (gluteal) and semitendinosus muscles in n = 8 clinically non-lame horses during in-hand trot. sEMG sensors were bilaterally located on muscles to collect data during two test sessions (session 1 and 2) with a minimum 24-hour interval. Raw sEMG signals from ten trot strides per horse and session were DC-offset removed, high-pass filtered (40 Hz), full-wave rectified, and low-pass filtered (25 Hz). Signals were normalised to peak amplitude and percent stride before calculating intra- and inter-subject ensemble average sEMG profiles across strides for each muscle and session. sEMG profiles were assessed using waveform similarity statistics: the coefficient of variation (CV) to assess intra- and inter-subject reliability and the adjusted coefficient of multiple correlation (CMC) to evaluate between-session reliability. Across muscles, CV data revealed that intra-horse sEMG profiles within- and between-sessions were comparatively more reliable than inter-horse profiles. Bilateral gluteal, semitendinosus, triceps and longissimus (at T14 and L1) and right biceps showed excellent between-session reliability with group-averaged CMCs > 0.90 (range 0.90-0.97). Bilateral latissimus and left biceps showed good between-session reliability with group-averaged CMCs > 0.75 (range 0.78-0.88). sEMG profiles can reliably describe fundamental muscle activity patterns for selected equine muscles within a test session for individual horses (intra-subject). However, these profiles are more variable across horses (inter-subject) and between sessions (between-session reliability), suggesting that it is reasonable to use sEMG to objectively monitor the intra-individual activity of these muscles across multiple gait evaluation sessions at in-hand trot.
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Affiliation(s)
- L. St. George
- Centre for Applied Sport and Exercise Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, Lancashire, United Kingdom
| | - T. J. P. Spoormakers
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - S. H. Roy
- Delsys/Altec Inc., Natick, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - S. J. Hobbs
- Centre for Applied Sport and Exercise Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, Lancashire, United Kingdom
| | - H. M. Clayton
- Sport Horse Science, Mason, Michigan, United States of America
| | - J. Richards
- Allied Health Research Unit, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, Lancashire, United Kingdom
| | - F. M. Serra Bragança
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Hardeman AM, Van Weeren PR, Serra Bragança FM, Warmerdam H, Bok HGJ. A first exploration of perceived pros and cons of quantitative gait analysis in equine clinical practice. EQUINE VET EDUC 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/eve.13505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A. M. Hardeman
- Tierklinik Luesche GmbH Luesche Germany
- Department of Clinical Sciences Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Utrecht University Utrecht The Netherlands
| | - P. R. Van Weeren
- Department of Clinical Sciences Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Utrecht University Utrecht The Netherlands
| | - F. M. Serra Bragança
- Department of Clinical Sciences Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Utrecht University Utrecht The Netherlands
| | - H. Warmerdam
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Educating Professionals Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Utrecht University Utrecht The Netherlands
| | - H. G. J. Bok
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Educating Professionals Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Utrecht University Utrecht The Netherlands
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Byström A, Hardeman AM, Serra Bragança FM, Roepstorff L, Swagemakers JH, van Weeren PR, Egenvall A. Differences in equine spinal kinematics between straight line and circle in trot. Sci Rep 2021; 11:12832. [PMID: 34145339 PMCID: PMC8213771 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-92272-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Work on curved tracks, e.g. on circles, is commonplace within all forms of horse training. Horse movements in circles are naturally asymmetric, including the load distribution between inner and outer limbs. Within equestrian dressage the horse is expected to bend the back laterally to follow the circle, but this has never been studied scientifically. In the current study 12 horses were measured (optical motion capture, 100 Hz) trotting on left and right circles and on the straight without rider (soft surface). Data from markers placed along the spine indicated increased lateral bending to the inside (e.g. left bending on the left circle) of the thoracolumbar back (difference left circle vs. straight − 3.75°; right circle + 3.61°) and the neck (left − 5.23°; right + 4.80° vs. straight). Lateral bending ROM increased on the circle (+ 0.87° and + 0.62°). Individual variation in straight-circle differences was evident, but each horse was generally consistent over multiple trials. Differences in back movements between circle and straight were generally small and may or may not be visible, but accompanying changes in muscle activity and limb movements may add to the visual impression.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Byström
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 750 07, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - A M Hardeman
- Tierklinik Luesche GmbH, Essenerstrasse 39a, 49456, Luesche, Germany.,Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 112-114, 3584 CM, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - F M Serra Bragança
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 112-114, 3584 CM, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - L Roepstorff
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 750 07, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - J H Swagemakers
- Tierklinik Luesche GmbH, Essenerstrasse 39a, 49456, Luesche, Germany
| | - P R van Weeren
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 112-114, 3584 CM, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - A Egenvall
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 750 07, Uppsala, Sweden
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Serra Bragança FM, Broomé S, Rhodin M, Björnsdóttir S, Gunnarsson V, Voskamp JP, Persson-Sjodin E, Back W, Lindgren G, Novoa-Bravo M, Gmel AI, Roepstorff C, van der Zwaag BJ, Van Weeren PR, Hernlund E. Author Correction: Improving gait classification in horses by using inertial measurement unit (IMU) generated data and machine learning. Sci Rep 2021; 11:9379. [PMID: 33903727 PMCID: PMC8076233 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-88880-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- F M Serra Bragança
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584CM , Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - S Broomé
- Division of Robotics, Perception and Learning, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - M Rhodin
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - S Björnsdóttir
- Agricultural University of Iceland, Hvanneyri, Borgarnes, Iceland
| | - V Gunnarsson
- Department of Equine Science, Hólar University College, Hólar, Iceland
| | - J P Voskamp
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584CM , Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - E Persson-Sjodin
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - W Back
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584CM , Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Department of Surgery and Anaesthesiology of Domestic Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - G Lindgren
- Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 75007, Uppsala, Sweden.,Livestock Genetics, Department of Biosystems, KU Leuven, 3001, Leuven, Belgium
| | - M Novoa-Bravo
- Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 75007, Uppsala, Sweden.,Genética Animal de Colombia Ltda, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - A I Gmel
- Agroscope - Swiss National Stud Farm, Les Longs-Prés, 1580, Avenches, Switzerland.,Institute of Genetics, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bremgartenstrasse 109a, 3012, Bern, Switzerland
| | - C Roepstorff
- Equine Department, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - P R Van Weeren
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584CM , Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - E Hernlund
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
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Bragança FMS, Brommer H, van den Belt AJM, Maree JTM, van Weeren PR, van Oldruitenborgh-Oosterbaan MMS. Subjective and objective evaluations of horses for fit-to-compete or unfit-to-compete judgement. Vet J 2020; 257:105454. [PMID: 32546354 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2020.105454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2019] [Revised: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 03/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
At Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) competitions, horses undergo veterinary inspection for judgement of 'fit-to-compete'. However, FEI Veterinary Delegates (VDs) often differ in opinion. The aim of the present study was to evaluate intra- and inter-observer agreements of fit-to-compete judgement and compare these with objective gait analysis measurements. Twelve horses were evaluated by three experienced VDs and one veterinary specialist and video-recorded for re-evaluation later. Simultaneously, quantitative gait analysis measurements were acquired. Inter-observer agreement during live evaluations was fair (κ = 0.395, 58% agreement). Intra-observer agreement between live observations and videos at one and 12 months was 71% and 73% respectively. Sensitivity and specificity of motion symmetry measured with quantitative gait analysis system were 83.3% and 66.7% respectively, against the consensus of all observers as a reference. These findings might suggest that more VDs should be used to adequately judge fit-to-compete. Quantitative-gait-analysis may be useful to support decision making during fit-to-compete judgement.
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Affiliation(s)
- F M Serra Bragança
- Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 114, NL-3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - H Brommer
- Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 114, NL-3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - A J M van den Belt
- Division of Diagnostic Imaging, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 110,3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - J T M Maree
- Huisdierenziekenhuis en Paardenkliniek Honselersdijk, Harteveldlaan 1a, 2675 LE Honselersdijk, The Netherlands
| | - P R van Weeren
- Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 114, NL-3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Hardeman AM, Byström A, Roepstorff L, Swagemakers JH, van Weeren PR, Serra Bragança FM. Range of motion and between-measurement variation of spinal kinematics in sound horses at trot on the straight line and on the lunge. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0222822. [PMID: 32097432 PMCID: PMC7041811 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0222822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2019] [Accepted: 01/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Clinical assessment of spinal motion in horses is part of many routine clinical exams but remains highly subjective. A prerequisite for the quantification of spinal motion is the assessment of the expected normal range of motion and variability of back kinematics. The aim of this study was to objectively quantify spinal kinematics and between -measurement, -surface and -day variation in owner-sound horses. In an observational study, twelve owner-sound horses were trotted 12 times on four different paths (hard/soft straight line, soft lunge left and right). Measurements were divided over three days, with five repetitions on day one and two, and two repetitions on day three (recheck) which occurred 28-55 days later. Optical motion capture was used to collect kinematic data. Elements of the outcome were: 1) Ranges of Motion (ROM) with confidence intervals per path and surface, 2) a variability model to calculate between-measurement variation and test the effect of time, surface and path, 3) intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) to determine repeatability. ROM was lowest on the hard straight line. Cervical lateral bending was doubled on the left compared to the right lunge. Mean variation for the flexion-extension and lateral bending of the whole back were 0.8 and 1 degrees. Pelvic motion showed a variation of 1.0 (pitch), 0.7 (yaw) and 1.3 (roll) degrees. For these five parameters, a tendency for more variation on the hard surface and reduced variation with increased repetitions was observed. More variation was seen on the recheck (p<0.001). ICC values for pelvic rotations were between 0.76 and 0.93, for the whole back flexion-extension and lateral bending between 0.51 and 0.91. Between-horse variation was substantially higher than within-horse variation. In conclusion, ROM and variation in spinal biomechanics are horse-specific and small, necessitating individual analysis and making subjective and objective clinical assessment of spinal kinematics challenging.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. M. Hardeman
- Tierklinik Luesche GmbH, Luesche, Germany
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - A. Byström
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - L. Roepstorff
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | | | - P. R. van Weeren
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - F. M. Serra Bragança
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Hardeman AM, Serra Bragança FM, Swagemakers JH, van Weeren PR, Roepstorff L. Variation in gait parameters used for objective lameness assessment in sound horses at the trot on the straight line and the lunge. Equine Vet J 2019; 51:831-839. [PMID: 30648286 PMCID: PMC6850282 DOI: 10.1111/evj.13075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2018] [Accepted: 01/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Background Objective lameness assessment is gaining more importance in a clinical setting, necessitating availability of reference values. Objectives To investigate the between ‐path, ‐trial and ‐day variation, between and within horses, in the locomotion symmetry of horses in regular use that are perceived sound. Study design Observational study with replicated measurement sessions. Methods Twelve owner‐sound horses were trotted on the straight line and on the lunge. Kinematic data were collected from these horses using 3D optical motion capture. Examinations were repeated on 12 occasions over the study which lasted 42 days in total. For each horse, measurements were grouped as five replicates on the first and second measurement days and two replicates on the third measurement day. Between measurement days 2 and 3, every horse had a break from examination of at least 28 days. Previously described symmetry parameters were calculated: RUD and RDD (Range Up/Down Difference; difference in upward/downward movement between right and left halves of a stride); MinDiff and MaxDiff (difference between the two minima/maxima of the movement); HHDswing and HHDstance (Hip Hike Difference‐swing/‐stance; difference between the upward movement of the tuber coxae during swingphase/stancephase). Data are described by the between‐measurement variation for each parameter. A linear mixed model was used to test for the effect of time, surface and path. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were calculated to access repeatability. Results Mean between‐measurement variation was (MinDiff, MaxDiff, RUD, RDD): 13, 12, 20, 16 mm (head); 4, 3, 6, 4 mm (withers) and 5, 4, 6, 6 mm (pelvis); (HHDswing, HHDstance): 7 and 7 mm. More between‐measurement variation is seen on the first measurement day compared to the second and third measurement days. In general, less variation is seen with increasing number of repetitions. Less between‐measurement variation is seen on hard surface compared to soft surface. More between‐measurement variation is seen on the circle compared to the straight line. Between‐horse variation was clearly larger than within‐horse variation. ICC values for the head, withers and pelvis symmetry parameters were 0.68 (head), 0.76 (withers), 0.85 (pelvis). Main limitations Lunge measurements on a hard surface were not performed. Conclusions Between‐measurement variation may be substantial, especially in head motion. This should be considered when interpreting clinical data after repeated measurements, as in routine lameness assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- A M Hardeman
- Tierklinik Luesche GmbH, Luesche, Germany.,Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands.,Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - F M Serra Bragança
- Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | | | - P R van Weeren
- Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - L Roepstorff
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
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10
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Rhodin M, Persson-Sjodin E, Egenvall A, Serra Bragança FM, Pfau T, Roepstorff L, Weishaupt MA, Thomsen MH, van Weeren PR, Hernlund E. Vertical movement symmetry of the withers in horses with induced forelimb and hindlimb lameness at trot. Equine Vet J 2018; 50:818-824. [PMID: 29658147 PMCID: PMC6175082 DOI: 10.1111/evj.12844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2017] [Accepted: 03/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Background The main criteria for lameness assessment in horses are head movement for forelimb lameness and pelvic movement for hindlimb lameness. However, compensatory head nod in horses with primary hindlimb lameness is a well‐known phenomenon. This compensatory head nod movement can be easily misinterpreted as a sign of primary ipsilateral forelimb lameness. Therefore, discriminating compensatory asymmetries from primary directly pain‐related movement asymmetries is a prerequisite for successful lameness assessment. Objectives To investigate the association between head, withers and pelvis movement asymmetry in horses with induced forelimb and hindlimb lameness. Study design Experimental study. Methods In 10 clinically sound Warmblood riding horses, forelimb and hindlimb lameness were induced using a sole pressure model. The horses were then trotted on a treadmill. Three‐dimensional optical motion capture was used to collect kinematic data from reflective markers attached to the poll, withers and tubera sacrale. The magnitude and side (left or right) of the following symmetry parameters, vertical difference in minimum position, maximum position and range‐up were calculated for head, withers, and pelvis. Mixed models were used to analyse data from induced forelimb and hindlimb lameness. Results For each mm increase in pelvic asymmetry in response to hindlimb lameness induction, withers movement asymmetry increased by 0.35–0.55 mm, but towards the contralateral side. In induced forelimb lameness, for each mm increase in head movement asymmetry, withers movement asymmetry increased by 0.05–0.10 mm, in agreement with the head movement asymmetry direction, both indicating lameness in the induced forelimb. Main limitations Results must be confirmed in clinically lame horses trotting overground. Conclusions The vertical asymmetry pattern of the withers discriminated a head nod associated with true forelimb lameness from the compensatory head movement asymmetry caused by primary hindlimb lameness. Measuring movement symmetry of the withers may, thus, aid in determining primary lameness location.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Rhodin
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - E Persson-Sjodin
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - A Egenvall
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - F M Serra Bragança
- Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - T Pfau
- Department of Clinical Science and Services, The Royal Veterinary College, University of London, North Mymms, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, UK
| | - L Roepstorff
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - M A Weishaupt
- Department, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - M H Thomsen
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Taastrup, Denmark
| | - P R van Weeren
- Department of Equine 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
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Serra Bragança FM, Rhodin M, Wiestner T, Hernlund E, Pfau T, van Weeren P, Weishaupt MA. Quantification of the effect of instrumentation error in objective gait assessment in the horse on hindlimb symmetry parameters. Equine Vet J 2018; 50:370-376. [PMID: 29032614 PMCID: PMC5900976 DOI: 10.1111/evj.12766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2017] [Accepted: 10/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Objective gait analysis is becoming more popular as a tool assisting veterinarians during the clinical lameness exam. At present, there is only limited information on the effect of misplacement of markers/motion-sensors. OBJECTIVES To investigate and describe the effect of marker misplacement on commonly calculated pelvic symmetry parameters. STUDY DESIGN Experimental study. METHODS Each horse was equipped with custom-made devices consisting of several reflective markers arranged in a predefined manner with a reference marker correctly positioned regarding the anatomical landmark and several misplaced markers along the sagittal and transverse planes. Linear regression analysis was used to estimate the effect of marker misplacement. RESULTS For the tubera sacrale, each cm of left/right misplacement led to a difference in minimum position of the pelvis (PDmin) of ±1.67 mm (95% CI 1.54-1.8 mm) (P<0.001); maximum position of the pelvis (PDmax) was affected by ±0.2 mm (95% CI 0.071-0.33 mm) (P = 0.003). With respect to cranial/caudal misplacement, each cm of misplacement resulted in a PDmin difference of ±0.04 mm (95% CI -0.09 to 0.16 mm) (P = 0.56) and a PDmax difference of ±0.008 mm (95% CI -0.13 to 0.12 mm) (P = 0.9). For the tubera coxae, each cm of vertical misplacement led to a difference in the displacement amplitude between left and right tubera coxae (Hip-Hike_Diff) of ±1.56 mm (95% CI 1.35-1.77 mm) (P<0.001); for the cranial/caudal misplacement, this was ±0.82 mm (95% CI 0.66-0.97 mm) (P<0.001). MAIN LIMITATIONS Only three horses were used in this experiment and the study design did not permit to determine the influence of marker misplacement on the evaluation of different degrees of lameness. CONCLUSIONS Marker misplacement significantly affects calculated symmetry parameters of the pelvis. The observed errors are overall small but significant. In cases of mildly asymmetrical horses, this error might influence the decision-making process whereas in more severe asymmetries, the influence of the error effect may become less significant.
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Affiliation(s)
- F. M. Serra Bragança
- Department of Equine SciencesFaculty of Veterinary MedicineUtrecht UniversityUtrechtThe Netherlands
| | - M. Rhodin
- Department of Clinical SciencesSwedish University of Agricultural SciencesUppsalaSweden
| | - T. Wiestner
- Equine DepartmentVetsuisse Faculty University of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | - E. Hernlund
- Department of Clinical SciencesSwedish University of Agricultural SciencesUppsalaSweden
| | - T. Pfau
- Department of Clinical Science and ServicesThe Royal Veterinary CollegeHatfieldHertfordshireUK
| | - P.R. van Weeren
- Department of Equine SciencesFaculty of Veterinary MedicineUtrecht UniversityUtrechtThe Netherlands
| | - M. A. Weishaupt
- Equine DepartmentVetsuisse Faculty University of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
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Gorissen BMC, Serra Bragança FM, Wolschrijn CF, Back W, van Weeren PR. The development of hoof balance and landing preference in the post-natal period. Equine Vet J 2018; 50:809-817. [PMID: 29679400 PMCID: PMC6175397 DOI: 10.1111/evj.12961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2017] [Accepted: 03/31/2018] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Background Foals can follow the herd within hours of birth, but it has been shown that kinetic gait parameters and static balance still have to mature. However, development of dynamic balance has not been investigated. Objectives To objectively quantify landing and pressure pattern dynamics under the hoof during the first half year of life. Study design Prospective, cohort study performed at a single stud farm. Methods Pressure plate measurements at walk and trot from ten Dutch warmblood foals during the first 24 weeks of life were used to quantify toe‐heel and medial‐lateral hoof balance asymmetry indexes and to determine preferred landing strategy. Concurrently, radiographs of the tarsocrural and femoropatellar joints were taken at 4–6 weeks and after 6 months to check for osteochondrosis. A linear mixed model was used to determine the effects of time point, limb pair (front/hind), side (left/right) and osteochondrosis status of every foal. Results At 25% of stance duration at walk, front limbs were more loaded in the heel region in weeks 6–20 (P≤0.04), the medial‐lateral balance was more to the lateral side from week 6 onwards at both walk and trot (P≤0.04). Landing preference gradually changed in the same directions. Variability in pressure distribution decreased over time. (Subclinical) osteochondrosis did not influence any of the measured parameters. Main limitations This study is limited by the relatively small sample size only containing one breed from a single stud farm. Conclusions Dynamic hoof balance in new‐born foals is more variable and less oriented towards the lateral side of the hoof and to the heel than in mature horses. This pattern changes gradually during the first weeks of life. Knowledge of this process is essential for the clinician when considering interventions in this area in early life.
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Affiliation(s)
- B M C Gorissen
- Department of Pathobiology, Anatomy and Physiology Division, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - F M Serra Bragança
- Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - C F Wolschrijn
- Department of Pathobiology, Anatomy and Physiology Division, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - W Back
- Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands.,Department of Surgery and Anaesthesiology of Domestic Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - P R van Weeren
- Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
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Sleutjens J, Serra Bragança FM, van Empelen MW, Ten Have RE, de Zwaan J, Roelfsema E, Oosterlinck M, Back W. Mouldable, thermoplastic, glue-on frog-supportive shoes change hoof kinetics in normal and obese Shetland ponies. Equine Vet J 2018; 50:684-689. [PMID: 29356062 PMCID: PMC6099505 DOI: 10.1111/evj.12814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2017] [Accepted: 01/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Background Obesity and hyperinsulinaemia are frequently encountered in the equine population and risk factors for the development of laminitis. There are many options for hoof support that claim a beneficial effect, but often the scientific evidence is scarce. Objectives To quantify the effect of frog‐supportive shoes on hoof kinetics in normal and obese ponies. Study design Controlled in vivo trial. Methods Ten Shetland mares (n = 10) with a normal (n = 5) or obese (n = 5) body condition were led over a dynamically calibrated pressure plate before (T0), immediately after (T1) and 72 h (T2) after application of the shoes. The following locomotor variables were measured: stance duration (StDur), vertical impulse (VI), peak vertical force (PVF), time to PVF and time from PVF to lift off. The hoof print was divided into a toe and heel region and the StDur toe–heel index was calculated. The toe–heel hoof balance curves of the vertical force were plotted throughout the stance phase. Results The VI and PVF increased significantly 72 h after application of the shoes, when compared with T0 and T1. The StDur toe–heel index and toe–heel balance curves were significantly different between the normal and obese ponies. These variables became more comparable between the groups after application of the frog‐supportive shoes. Main limitations It would have been interesting to measure the effect of the shoe in patients with acute laminitis. However, this would have had major welfare implications. Conclusions The obese ponies moved more carefully than the normal group, demonstrated by a decreased loading of the toe area. The data illustrate that the ponies became more comfortable 72 h after application of the shoes, with a pronounced effect in the obese group. Thus, these results suggest that frog‐supportive shoes could be beneficial, especially for obese ponies.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Sleutjens
- Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - F M Serra Bragança
- Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - M W van Empelen
- Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - R E Ten Have
- Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - J de Zwaan
- Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - E Roelfsema
- Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - M Oosterlinck
- Department of Surgery and Anaesthesia of Domestic Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - W Back
- Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands.,Department of Surgery and Anaesthesia of Domestic Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
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Gorissen BMC, Wolschrijn CF, Serra Bragança FM, Geerts AAJ, Leenders WOJL, Back W, van Weeren PR. The development of locomotor kinetics in the foal and the effect of osteochondrosis. Equine Vet J 2016; 49:467-474. [PMID: 27859501 PMCID: PMC5484372 DOI: 10.1111/evj.12649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2016] [Accepted: 11/04/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Reason for performing study Foals stand and walk immediately after birth, but insight into the subsequent longitudinal development of their gait kinetics in the early juvenile phase and the possible influence of osteochondrosis thereon is lacking. Objectives To quantify gait kinetics in foals during the first half year of life, taking into account their osteochondrosis status. Study design Prospective, cohort study performed at a single stud farm. Methods Pressure plate measurements at walk and trot from 11 Dutch Warmblood foals during the first 24 weeks of life were used to determine body mass normalised peak vertical force, normalised vertical impulse and stance duration. Coefficients of variation of peak vertical force and stance duration were used as measures for gait maturity. Radiographs of tarsocrural and femoropatellar joints were taken at age 4–6 weeks and after 6 months to check for osteochondrosis. A linear mixed model was used to determine the effects of age, limb, presence of osteochondrosis and speed on gait parameters. Results Mean walking and trotting velocity increased over time as did stance duration and normalised vertical impulse, normalised peak vertical force values however remained relatively constant. During the first weeks of their life only the coefficient of variation of stance duration decreased significantly, while the coefficient of variation of peak vertical force did not. None of the foals was visibly lame, but the presence of osteochondrosis resulted in a temporarily but significantly reduced normalised peak vertical force. Main limitations This study is a relatively small sample size of one breed from a single stud farm. A stand‐alone pressure plate was used and body mass was estimated rather than measured. Conclusions Despite being precocious, foals need time to mature their gait. During growth, velocity at walk and trot increases, but normalised peak vertical force remains relatively constant. Although not visibly lame, a temporary reduction in normalised peak vertical force was detected in osteochondrosis positive foals using a pressure plate.
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Affiliation(s)
- B. M. C. Gorissen
- Department of Pathobiology, Anatomy and Physiology DivisionFaculty of Veterinary MedicineUtrecht UniversityUtrechtthe Netherlands
| | - C. F. Wolschrijn
- Department of Pathobiology, Anatomy and Physiology DivisionFaculty of Veterinary MedicineUtrecht UniversityUtrechtthe Netherlands
| | - F. M. Serra Bragança
- Department of Equine SciencesFaculty of Veterinary MedicineUtrecht UniversityUtrechtthe Netherlands
| | | | | | - W. Back
- Department of Equine SciencesFaculty of Veterinary MedicineUtrecht UniversityUtrechtthe Netherlands
- Department of Surgery and Anaesthesiology of Domestic AnimalsFaculty of Veterinary MedicineGhent UniversityMerelbekeBelgium
| | - P. R. van Weeren
- Department of Equine SciencesFaculty of Veterinary MedicineUtrecht UniversityUtrechtthe Netherlands
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