Objective Assessment of Back Kinematics and Movement Asymmetry in Horses: Effect of Elastic Resistance Band Training

• Published in: Equine veterinary journal 2015-09, Vol.47 (S48), p.11-11
• Main Authors: Simons, V., Weller, R., Stubbs, N.C., Rombach, N., Pfau, T.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Asymmetry; Horses; Symmetry
• ISSN: 0425-1644; 2042-3306
• DOI: 10.1111/evj.12486_23

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Training and rehabilitation techniques which improve core muscle strength are beneficial for improvement of dynamic stability of the equine vertebral column. The Equiband™ system, consisting of resistance bands attached to a customised saddle pad, is suggested to provide constant proprioceptive feedback during motion to encourage recruitment of abdominal and hindquarter musculature. OBJECTIVES: To quantify the effect of the Equiband™ system on back kinematics and movement symmetry. STUDY DESIGN: Longitudinal intervention study. METHODS: Quantitative analysis of back movement and gait symmetry before/after a 4‐week exercise programme. Inertial sensor data was collected from 7 horses at Weeks 0 and 4 of a fixed exercise protocol. Analysis with and without the Equiband™ system was completed at trot in hand on a hard surface, and for both reins on the lunge on a soft surface. Six back kinematic and 3 movement symmetry parameters were calculated according to published methods. Movement symmetry values were side‐corrected to allow comparison between reins on the lunge. A mixed model (P