Kinetic and kinematic analysis of the influence of different head and neck position on biomechanics of the warmblood

Abstract

Kinetic and kinematic analysis of the influence of different head and neck position on biomechanics of the warmbloodThe aim of this study was to analyze the influence of different head and neck positions on hindlimb biomechanics. The basic research concept was a combination of kinetic and kinematic recordings in ten healthy horses which had to walk and trot on a treadmill in three different head and neck positions. In a first step kinematic and kinetic methods were developed for equine gate analysis using the relatively inexpensive three-dimensional high frequency motion analysis system of Simi as well as the hoof pressure system of Tekscan ® . This video analysis system allowed the objectivization of the three head and neck positions which were chosen for this analysis. The three head and neck positions resulted in significantly different atlanto-occipital and cervico-thoracic angles in walk and trot. Regarding the interaction between the head and neck positions and the hindlimb kinematics it was demonstrated that the metatarsophalangeal joint was significantly more hyperextended in the low position in comparison to the other two head-neck-positions. The vertical ground reaction force measured through the Tekscan ® -Hoof TM -System was significantly higher in the free head and neck position than in both other positions, indicating a significant reduction in loading of the fore quarters.