The effect of speed and gradient on hyperextension of the equine carpus

The equine carpus has a well-defined limit to joint extension at approximately 180°. During locomotion however, the carpus hyperextends during stance phase. Hyperextension is resisted by the carpal bones and ligaments, and it has been proposed that large increased hyperextension might relate to pote...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The veterinary journal (1997) 2006, Vol.171 (1), p.169-171
Main Authors: Burn, Jeremy F., Portus, Benjamin, Brockington, Caroline
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
animal injuries
Animals
Biomechanical Phenomena
Carpal
carpus
Carpus, Animal - physiology
exercise test
gait
Gait - physiology
Horses - physiology
Impact
Injury
joints (animal)
Kinematics
ligaments
Locomotion - physiology
Racehorse
racehorses
Range of Motion, Articular - physiology
Thoroughbred
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Summary:The equine carpus has a well-defined limit to joint extension at approximately 180°. During locomotion however, the carpus hyperextends during stance phase. Hyperextension is resisted by the carpal bones and ligaments, and it has been proposed that large increased hyperextension might relate to potentially damaging stress levels in the carpus. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between peak hyperextension of the carpus (PCE) and speed during locomotion on the level and on an incline. Five Thoroughbred horses were exercised on a treadmill at speeds between 1.8 and 10 m/s at 0% and +7.5% gradients. PCE was obtained using optical motion capture and linear regression used to describe the relationship between PCE and speed on each gradient. PCE increased linearly with speed during locomotion. The rate of increase was greater on a +7.5% gradient. The fit of the regression equations was increased considerably by subtracting standing carpal angle from PCE during locomotion.
ISSN:1090-0233
1532-2971
DOI:10.1016/j.tvjl.2004.10.010