A short-term hindlimb massage programme can improve gait symmetry in riding school horses
In: Comparative Exercise PhysiologySearch for other papers by C. Mabbutt in
Current site
Google Scholar
Search for other papers by K. Yarnell in
Current site
Google Scholar
Search for other papers by R. Ferro de Godoy in
Current site
Google Scholar
Musculoskeletal injuries have been reported to be the main contributor to the interruption or dismissal of a horse’s athletic career. The muscles are responsible for the production of forces involved in movement, yet the muscles are often overlooked with regards to pre/rehabilitation. The use of massage therapy as part of a training programme is becoming increasingly popular. The beneficial effects of massage have been widely researched, though much of the research is on the immediate effects, and consistency between studies is lacking. This study was a preliminary investigation into the effects of a short-term massage programme on the gait parameters of riding school horses. 15 clinically sound riding school horses of different breed, age and height were used in a controlled, blind study. The horses were divided in to three groups of five ensuring a mixture of height, breed and age. Group Massage received a 10 min massage at each side on the proximal hindlimb, once a week for three weeks. Group Sham received 10 min groom at each side on the proximal hindlimb, once a week for three weeks; and the Control Group has received no treatment. Gait analysis was conducted on days 1 and 28. In walk, a significant improvement in stride length symmetry index (SI) (P=0.043) and protraction SI (P=0.0043) was found for the Massage Group, with hock flexion SI significantly better for the Massage Group at day 28 (P=0.03). At trot and canter, hock flexion SI was improved in Group Massage (P=0.003 and P=0.024, respectively). A short-term massage programme to the proximal hindlimb improved gait symmetry, particularly hock flexion SI, within riding school horses. An appropriate dosage level for particular results needs to be determined in order to effectively utilise massage within a training programme. Further studies analysing kinetic parameters alongside kinematic parameters will enable further conclusions to be drawn.
Purchase
Buy instant access (PDF download and unlimited online access):
Institutional Login
Log in with Open Athens, Shibboleth, or your institutional credentials
Personal login
Log in with your brill.com account
-
Arifin, W.N. and Zahiruddin, W.M., 2017. Sample size calculation in animal studies using resource equation approach. Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences 24(5): 101-105. https://doi.org/10.21315/mjms2017.24.5.11
-
Back, W., 2001. Intra-limb coordination: the forelimb the hind limb. In: Back, W. and Clayton, H., 1st ed. Equine locomotion. W.B. Saunders, London, UK, chapter 5.
'Intra-limb coordination: the forelimb the hind limb ', ().
-
Back, W.M., Schamhardt, H.C. and Barneveld, A., 1996. Are kinematics of the walk related to the locomotion of a Warmblood horse at the trot? Veterinary Quarterly 18: 79-84
'Are kinematics of the walk related to the locomotion of a Warmblood horse at the trot? ' () 18 Veterinary Quarterly : 79 -84 .
-
Booth, R., 2009. An introduction to massage and stretching. Elementals Equine Therapies. Available at: http://media.wix.com/ugd/43e865_100fa815995c42ce8228231bdf3a503e.pdf
-
Bromiley, M.W., 2007. Equine injury, therapy and rehabilitation, 3rd ed. Blackwell Publishing Ltd., Oxford, UK.
'Equine injury, therapy and rehabilitation, 3rd ed ', ().
-
Clayton, H., Almeida, P.E., Brown, J., Lanovaz, J.L., Prades, M. and Tessier, C., 2002. Double blind study of the effects of an oral supplement intended to support joint health in horses with tarsal degenerative joint disease. Proceedings of the Annual Convention of the AAEP 48: 314-317.
'Double blind study of the effects of an oral supplement intended to support joint health in horses with tarsal degenerative joint disease ' () 48 Proceedings of the Annual Convention of the AAEP : 314 -317 .
-
Crook, T.C., Wilson, A. and Hodson-Tole, E., 2010. The effect of treadmill speed and gradient on equine hindlimb muscle activity. Equine Veterinary Journal 42: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2042-3306.2010.00222.x
-
Dyson, S., 2000. Lameness and poor performance in the sports horse: dressage, show jumping and horse trails (eventing). MEP Proceedings 22: 308-315.
'Lameness and poor performance in the sports horse: dressage, show jumping and horse trails (eventing) ' () 22 MEP Proceedings : 308 -315 .
-
Geor, R., 2000. What causes poor exercise performance? The Horse, 1 Sept. 2000. Available at: http://www.thehorse.com/articles/10117/what-causes-poor-exercise-performance
-
Guest, J. and Cunliffe, C., 2014. The effects of chiropractic treatment on the range of motion of the carpus and tarsus of horses. Equine Veterinary Journal 46: 40-41.
'The effects of chiropractic treatment on the range of motion of the carpus and tarsus of horses ' () 46 Equine Veterinary Journal : 40 -41 .
-
Hill, C. and Crook, T., 2010. The relationship between massage to the equine caudal hindlimb muscles and hindlimb protraction. Equine Veterinary Journal 42: 683-687.
'The relationship between massage to the equine caudal hindlimb muscles and hindlimb protraction ' () 42 Equine Veterinary Journal : 683 -687 .
-
Johnson, J.L. and Moore-Colyer, M., 2009. The relationship between range of motion of lumbosacral flexion-extension and canter velocity of horses on a treadmill. Equine Veterinary Journal 41: 301-303. https://doi.org/10.2746/042516409X397271
-
Lynch, J.A., Clayton, H.M. and Mullineaux, D.R., 2005. The reliability of force platform data from trotting horses. Equine and Comparative Exercise Physiology 2: 129-132.
'The reliability of force platform data from trotting horses ' () 2 Equine and Comparative Exercise Physiology : 129 -132 .
-
Martin, B.B., Reef, V.B., Parente, E.J. and Sage, A.D. 2000. Causes of poor performance of horses during training, racing, or showing: 348 cases (1992-1996). Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 216: 554-558.
'Causes of poor performance of horses during training, racing, or showing: 348 cases (1992-1996) ' () 216 Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association : 554 -558 .
-
McBride, S.D., Hemmings, A. and Robinson, K., 2004. A preliminary study on the effects of massage to reduce stress in the horse. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science 24: 76-81.
'A preliminary study on the effects of massage to reduce stress in the horse ' () 24 Journal of Equine Veterinary Science : 76 -81 .
-
Morris, E.A. and Seeherman, H.J., 1991. Clinical Evaluation of Poor Performance in the Racehorse: The Results of 275 Evaluations. Equine Veterinary Journal 23: 169-174.
'Clinical Evaluation of Poor Performance in the Racehorse: The Results of 275 Evaluations ' () 23 Equine Veterinary Journal : 169 -174 .
-
Murray, R.C., Waltersm J.M., Snart, H., Dyson, S.J. and Parkin, T.D.H., 2010. Identification of risk factors for lameness in dressage horses. Veterinary Journal 184: 27-36. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2009.03.020
-
Pfau, T., Robilliard, J.J., Weller, R., Jespers, K., Eliashar, E. and Wilson, A.M., 2007. Assessment of mild hindlimb lameness during overground locomotion using linear discriminant analysis of inertial sensor data. Equine Veterinary Journal 39: 407-413.
'Assessment of mild hindlimb lameness during overground locomotion using linear discriminant analysis of inertial sensor data ' () 39 Equine Veterinary Journal : 407 -413 .
-
Pourcelot, P., Degueurce, C., Audigie, F., Denoix, J.M. and Geiger, D., 1997. Kinematic analysis of the locomotion symmetry of sound horses at a slow trot. Equine Veterinary Journal 23: 93-96.
'Kinematic analysis of the locomotion symmetry of sound horses at a slow trot ' () 23 Equine Veterinary Journal : 93 -96 .
-
Ramzan, P.H. and Palmer, L., 2011. Musculoskeletal injuries in Thoroughbred racehorses: a study of three large training yards in Newmarket, UK (2005-2007). Veterinary Journal 187: 325-329.
'Musculoskeletal injuries in Thoroughbred racehorses: a study of three large training yards in Newmarket, UK (2005-2007) ' () 187 Veterinary Journal : 325 -329 .
-
Rose, N.S., Northrop, A.J., Brigden, C.V. and Martin, J.H., 2009. Effects of a stretching regime on stride length and range of motion in equine trot. Veterinary Journal 181: 53-55.
'Effects of a stretching regime on stride length and range of motion in equine trot ' () 181 Veterinary Journal : 53 -55 .
-
Salter, M.M., McCall, C.A., Pascoe, D.D., McElhenney, W.H. and Pascoe, C., 2011. Effect of equine sports massage therapy on cutaneous temperature. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science 31: 322-323.
'Effect of equine sports massage therapy on cutaneous temperature ' () 31 Journal of Equine Veterinary Science : 322 -323 .
-
Schamhardt, H.C., 1996. Quantitative analyses of equine locomotion. In: Ossenkopp, K.-P., Kavakiers, M. and Sanberg, P.R. (eds.) Measuring movement and locomotion: from invertebrates to humans. Chapman & Hall, London, UK, pp. 189-211.
'Quantitative analyses of equine locomotion ', () 189 -211 .
-
Smith, L.L., Keating, M.N., Holbert, D., Spratt, D.J., McCammon, M.R., Smith, S.S. and Isreal, R.G., 1994. The effects of athletic massage on delayed onset muscle soreness, creatine kinase, and neutrophil count: a preliminary report. Journal of Orthopaedic Sports Physical Therapy 19: 93-99.
'The effects of athletic massage on delayed onset muscle soreness, creatine kinase, and neutrophil count: a preliminary report ' () 19 Journal of Orthopaedic Sports Physical Therapy : 93 -99 .
-
Stashak, T.S., 1987. Adam’s lameness in horses. 4th ed. Lea and Febiger, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
'Adam’s lameness in horses ', ().
-
Sullivan, K.A., Hill, A.E. and Haussler, K.K., 2008. The effects of chiropractic, massage and phenylbutazone on spinal mechanical nociceptive thresholds in horses without clinical signs. Equine Veterinary Journal 40: 14-20.
'The effects of chiropractic, massage and phenylbutazone on spinal mechanical nociceptive thresholds in horses without clinical signs ' () 40 Equine Veterinary Journal : 14 -20 .
-
Tabor, G. and Williams, J., 2018. Equine rehabilitation: a review of trunk and hind limb muscle activity and exercise selection. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science 60: 97-103. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jevs.2017.03.003
-
Thirkell, J. and Hyland, R., 2019. A survey examining attitudes towards equine complementary therapies for the treatment of musculoskeletal injuries. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science 59: 82-87. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jevs.2017.10.004
-
Thorpe, C.T., Clegg, P.D. and Birch, H.L., 2010. A review of tendon injury: Why is the equine superficial digital flexor tendon most at risk? Equine Veterinary Journal 42: 174-180 https://doi.org/10.2746/042516409X480395
-
Tokuriki, M. and Aoki, O., 1995. Electromyographic activity of the hindlimb muscles during the walk, trot and canter. Equine Veterinary Journal 18: 152-155.
'Electromyographic activity of the hindlimb muscles during the walk, trot and canter ' () 18 Equine Veterinary Journal : 152 -155 .
-
Valberg, S.J., 2018. Muscle conditions affecting sport horses. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Equine Practice, 34: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cveq.2018.04.004
-
Weerapong, P., Hume, P.A., Kolt, G.S., 2005. The mechanisms of massage and effects on performance, muscle recovery and injury prevention. Sports Medicine 35: 235-256. https://doi.org/10.2165/00007256-200535030-00004
-
Weishaupt, M.A., Wiestner, T., Hogg, H.P., Jordan, P., Auer, J.A. and Barrey, E., 2001. Assessment of gait irregularities in the horse: eye vs. gait analysis. Equine Veterinary Journal 33: 135-140.
'Assessment of gait irregularities in the horse: eye vs. gait analysis ' () 33 Equine Veterinary Journal : 135 -140 .
-
White, C., Bonnin, L. and Hall, C., 2014. The use of pressure algometry to evaluate the immediate effect of sports massage in riding school horses. Conference Proceedings: 10th International Equitation Science Conference.
'The use of pressure algometry to evaluate the immediate effect of sports massage in riding school horses ', ().
-
Wilson, J., 2002. The effects of sports massage on athletic performance and general function. Massage Therapy Journal, Summer 2020: 90-100. Available at: http://www.sportsmassageinc.com/EffectsOfSportsMassage.pdf.
| All Time | Past 365 days | Past 30 Days | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abstract Views | 950 | 456 | 56 |
| Full Text Views | 181 | 56 | 4 |
| PDF Views & Downloads | 408 | 150 | 9 |
A short-term hindlimb massage programme can improve gait symmetry in riding school horses
In: Comparative Exercise PhysiologySearch for other papers by C. Mabbutt in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by K. Yarnell in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by R. Ferro de Godoy in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Musculoskeletal injuries have been reported to be the main contributor to the interruption or dismissal of a horse’s athletic career. The muscles are responsible for the production of forces involved in movement, yet the muscles are often overlooked with regards to pre/rehabilitation. The use of massage therapy as part of a training programme is becoming increasingly popular. The beneficial effects of massage have been widely researched, though much of the research is on the immediate effects, and consistency between studies is lacking. This study was a preliminary investigation into the effects of a short-term massage programme on the gait parameters of riding school horses. 15 clinically sound riding school horses of different breed, age and height were used in a controlled, blind study. The horses were divided in to three groups of five ensuring a mixture of height, breed and age. Group Massage received a 10 min massage at each side on the proximal hindlimb, once a week for three weeks. Group Sham received 10 min groom at each side on the proximal hindlimb, once a week for three weeks; and the Control Group has received no treatment. Gait analysis was conducted on days 1 and 28. In walk, a significant improvement in stride length symmetry index (SI) (P=0.043) and protraction SI (P=0.0043) was found for the Massage Group, with hock flexion SI significantly better for the Massage Group at day 28 (P=0.03). At trot and canter, hock flexion SI was improved in Group Massage (P=0.003 and P=0.024, respectively). A short-term massage programme to the proximal hindlimb improved gait symmetry, particularly hock flexion SI, within riding school horses. An appropriate dosage level for particular results needs to be determined in order to effectively utilise massage within a training programme. Further studies analysing kinetic parameters alongside kinematic parameters will enable further conclusions to be drawn.
| All Time | Past 365 days | Past 30 Days | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abstract Views | 950 | 456 | 56 |
| Full Text Views | 181 | 56 | 4 |
| PDF Views & Downloads | 408 | 150 | 9 |
