Use of high‐speed cinematography and computer generated gait diagrams for the study of equine hindlimb kinematics

Abstract

High-speed cinematography with computer aided analysis was used to study equine hindlimb kinematics. Eight horses were filmed at the trot or the pace. Filming was done from the side (lateral) and the back (caudal). Parameters measured from the lateral filming included the heights of the tuber coxae and tailhead, protraction and retraction of the hoof and angular changes of the tarsus and stifle. Abduction and adduction of the limb and tarsal height changes were measured from the caudal filming. The maximum and minimum values plus the standard deviations and coefficients of variations are presented in tabular form. Three gait diagrams were constructed to represent stifle angle versus tarsal angle, metatarsophalangeal height versus protraction-retraction (fetlock height diagram) and tuber coxae and tailhead height versus stride (pelvic height diagram). Application of the technique to the group of horses revealed good repeatability of the gait diagrams within a limb and the diagrams appeared to be sensitive indicators of left/right asymmetries.

Quantification of Hind Limb Lameness in the Horse

“…Wentink [4] described an undulating course of the hip and found the lowest point in the middle of the stance phase. Our results, just as those of others [5][6][7], show the lowest point during the swing phase, more precisely during the stance phase of the other, contralateral limb. Contrary to the head, which shows a nearly sinusoid course [7], there is a physiological asymmetry in the course of one hip.…”

“…For diagnosis of hind limb lameness, the hip or croup movement is of special interest 11). Kinematic anal yses of the hind limb locomotion patterns, which were already performed by Walter [2] and Kruger [3], mostly deal with sound horses [4][5][6]. Few authors have investi gated the changed locomotion patterns of horses showing a hind limb lameness.…”

Computer-assisted kinematic evaluation of induced compensatory movements resembling lameness in horses trotting on a treadmill

“…[4][5][6][7] Computer-assisted kinematic gait analysis has been used to establish objective lameness evaluation techniques that could be adapted for clinical use. [8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22] Studies 13,14,18-23 have revealed that kinematic evaluation of vertical motion of the head and pelvis in relation to vertical movement of the feet on 1 side of the body is all that is required to detect lameness and differentiate the affected limb.…”

Kinematics of the Standardbred Trotter Measured at 6, 7, 8 and 9 m/s on a Treadmill, before and after 5 Months of Prerace Training

“…The same technique was used to investigate hind limb kinematics in a group of 8 horses with various hind limb ailments [5]. This study also included angulation patterns of the principal joints.…”