Injuries to the locomotor system are a common problem in athletic horses. Veterinarians address these injuries using appropriate medical, surgical, and pharmacological treatments. During or after recovery from the initial injury, horses may be treated for functional locomotor deficits using specific rehabilitation techniques aimed at restoring full athletic performance. This study reviews the literature to identify which rehabilitative techniques have been used most frequently in horses over the past 20 years, the protocols that were used, and the outcomes of the treatments in naturally occurring injuries and diseases. Publications were identified using keyword selection (Equine Athlete OR Equine OR Horse) AND (Rehabilitation OR Physiotherapy OR Physical Therapy). After removing duplicates and screening papers for suitability, 49 manuscripts were included in the study. The majority of publications that met the inclusion criteria were narrative reviews (49%) in which the authors cited the relatively small number of published evidence-based studies supplemented by personal experience. Observational/descriptive studies were also popular (35%). Randomized control trials accounted for only 10%. The most frequently reported rehabilitation techniques were exercise, electrotherapy, and hydrotherapy. The findings highlight the need for further information regarding type of intervention, parameterization, and outcomes of equine rehabilitation in clinical practice.

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This work was carried out in collaboration between all authors. Author TA designed the study, performed the literatures searches and statistical analysis, wrote the protocol, and wrote the first draft of the manuscript. Author JMCSA designed the study and managed the analyses of the study. Author ACC managed the analysis of the study. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

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Vertical impulse tests usually designated "jump tests", are regularly carried out in the assessment of physical performance in athletic performers. The present review aims to explore if such tests can be part of the performance evaluation processes in non-athlete performers. To achieve this, a systematic review was conducted according to PRISMA standards. The databases Pubmed, CINAHL Plus, Medline Complete and Google Scholar were accessed. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, seven articles were selected. Overall conclusions indicate that countermovement jump (CMJ) gathered consensus as the preferred method to evaluate physical performance, particularly with the contribution of upper limbs movement and self-selected range of angular knee joint flexion. Other information gathered include test procedures to enhance vertical test results and the gender influence on test results.

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