Abstract
Background: Factors affecting kinematic parameters of jump stride have not been quantitatively identified in horses jumping cross country fences.
Aim: A field study determined whether endurance exercise affected jump stride kinematic parameters of the hind limb at take-off.
Materials and Methods: Ten horses (age 7.9 ± 2.13y; mixed breed and experience) were videoed using sagittal plane video (50Hz) jumping the first and last fence of a cross country course (D1). Two weeks later each horse performed an endurance exercise, followed by completing the same cross country course, again videoed at the first and last fence (D2). The endurance exercise comprised of roads and tracks (2000m), gallop (1300m) and roads and tracks (4000m) ridden in series, within a target time appropriate for each phase. Skin markers were placed to identify limb joint centres. Videos were automatically digitized using Equinalysis software. Kinematic variables analysed were: tarsal flexion at 0% stance; tarsal flexion at the last point of contact; stance duration. Variables were compared between D1 and D2 and within day between first and last jump.
Results: No significance difference occurred for any parameter between D1 and D2. Within day, no significant difference occurred between first and last jump for tarsal flexion at the last point of contact or stance duration. On D2 a significant increase occurred in tarsal flexion at 0% stance at the last compared to the first jump (143.5o first versus 148.3o last jump; P=0.019).
Conclusion: Endurance exercise before commencing a cross country course may decrease hindquarter power generation resulting in a reduced crouching onto the hocks and a larger angle of tarsal flexion at take-off at the end of cross country performance. Research is needed to substantiate the effects of endurance exercise on tarsal flexion at take-off using a controlled population of horses.
Aim: A field study determined whether endurance exercise affected jump stride kinematic parameters of the hind limb at take-off.
Materials and Methods: Ten horses (age 7.9 ± 2.13y; mixed breed and experience) were videoed using sagittal plane video (50Hz) jumping the first and last fence of a cross country course (D1). Two weeks later each horse performed an endurance exercise, followed by completing the same cross country course, again videoed at the first and last fence (D2). The endurance exercise comprised of roads and tracks (2000m), gallop (1300m) and roads and tracks (4000m) ridden in series, within a target time appropriate for each phase. Skin markers were placed to identify limb joint centres. Videos were automatically digitized using Equinalysis software. Kinematic variables analysed were: tarsal flexion at 0% stance; tarsal flexion at the last point of contact; stance duration. Variables were compared between D1 and D2 and within day between first and last jump.
Results: No significance difference occurred for any parameter between D1 and D2. Within day, no significant difference occurred between first and last jump for tarsal flexion at the last point of contact or stance duration. On D2 a significant increase occurred in tarsal flexion at 0% stance at the last compared to the first jump (143.5o first versus 148.3o last jump; P=0.019).
Conclusion: Endurance exercise before commencing a cross country course may decrease hindquarter power generation resulting in a reduced crouching onto the hocks and a larger angle of tarsal flexion at take-off at the end of cross country performance. Research is needed to substantiate the effects of endurance exercise on tarsal flexion at take-off using a controlled population of horses.
| Original language | English |
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| Publication status | Published - 2009 |
| Event | 8th International conference on Equine Exercise Physiology, 'Science and Safaris' - Cape Town, South Africa Duration: 07 Nov 2010 → 12 Nov 2010 |
Conference
| Conference | 8th International conference on Equine Exercise Physiology, 'Science and Safaris' |
|---|---|
| Country/Territory | South Africa |
| City | Cape Town |
| Period | 07 Nov 2010 → 12 Nov 2010 |