Equine Posture Analysis: Development of a simple tool to record equine thoracolumbar posture

Musculoskeletal assessment of horses includes assessment of conformation, symmetry and postural alignment of the equine spine [1,2,3]. In the quadruped mammal, the thoracolumbar (TL) spine is aligned horizontally, with a position of relative extension described as lordotic and in the horse,if this lordosis is increased, may contribute to osseous and/or soft tissue injuries [4]. Vertebral problems have been associated with changes in neck posture [5] as well as roundness of neck and back shape [6], and higher muscle activity (via surface electromyography) has been measured at the level of affected vertebrae [7].
Source: Journal of Equine Veterinary Science - Category: Veterinary Research Authors: Tags: Short Communication Source Type: research