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The effect of weighted boots on the movement of the back in the asymptomatic riding horse

In: Comparative Exercise Physiology
Authors:
Josefine Wennerstrand Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, PO Box 7011, S-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden

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Christopher Johnston Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, PO Box 7011, S-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
Equine Hospital Strömsholm, Kolbäck, Sweden

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Marie Rhodin Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, PO Box 7011, S-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
Department of Equine Studies, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden

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Karin Roethlisberger-Holm Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden

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Stig Drevemo Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, PO Box 7011, S-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden

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Online Publication Date:
01 Feb 2006

Abstract

Back dysfunction is an important reason for impaired performance in sport horses. Limb movements influence the movements of the back and factors affecting the limbs may therefore affect the movement of the back. The aim of the study was to investigate the influence of weighted boots on the fore- and hind limbs on the movement of the back. The back kinematics of eight horses was studied at the walk and trot on a treadmill. The ranges of movement (ROM) of the back were compared intra-individually, using Wilcoxon matched pairs test, when the horses moved with and without weighted boots on the fore- and hind limbs, respectively. Differences were considered significant at P < 0.05. Weighted boots on the hind limbs increased the ROM for dorsoventral flexion and extension in the lumbar back at the walk and decreased the ROM for lateral bending at the thoracolumbar junction at the trot. Weighted boots on the forelimbs decreased the ROM for lateral bending at the withers at the trot. Knowledge of the effect of weighted boots on the back movement is useful in training and rehabilitation of sport horses. Weighted boots on the hind limbs at the walk may induce strengthening of the flexors of the lumbar back and increase the flexion-extension of the lumbar back under controlled conditions.

Title:
The effect of weighted boots on the movement of the back in the asymptomatic riding horse
Article Type:
Research Article
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1079/ECP200680
Language:
English
Pages:
13–18
Keywords:
equine; horse; back; kinematics; locomotion; limb movements; weighted boots
In:
Comparative Exercise Physiology
In:
Volume 3: Issue 1
Received:
05 Mar 2005
Accepted:
16 Feb 2006
Publisher:
Wageningen Academic
E-ISSN:
1755-2559
Print ISSN:
1755-2540
Subjects:
General, Life Sciences, Food & Health, Animal & Veterinary

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