A comparison of protraction-retraction of the distal limb during treadmill and water treadmill walking in horses

The objective of this study was to compare protraction-retraction of both forelimbs (FL) and hind limbs (HL) during dry treadmill (DT) and water treadmill (WT) exercise at the typical walking speed of each as used in practice. Inertial motion sensors attached to the metacarpal/metatarsal bones were used to compare maximal protraction (PROMAX), retraction (RETMAX) and total protraction-retraction range of movement (ROM) across five walking conditions: DT at 1.6 m/s; and WT at 0.8 m/s at four water depths, hoof depth (WTHOOF), fetlock depth (WTFET), hock depth (WTHOCK) and stifle depth (WTSTIFLE).
Source: Journal of Equine Veterinary Science - Category: Veterinary Research Authors: Tags: Original Research Source Type: research