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Distal hindlimb kinematics of galloping T horoughbred racehorses on dirt and synthetic racetrack surfaces
Author(s) -
Symons J. E.,
Garcia T. C.,
Stover S. M.
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
equine veterinary journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.82
H-Index - 87
eISSN - 2042-3306
pISSN - 0425-1644
DOI - 10.1111/evj.12113
Subject(s) - hoof , fetlock , kinematics , sagittal plane , dirt , hindlimb , heel , anatomy , sesamoid bone , geology , medicine , lameness , orthodontics , physics , surgery , geography , radiography , cartography , classical mechanics
Summary Reasons for performing study The effect of racetrack surface (dirt or synthetic) on distal hindlimb kinematics of racehorses running at competition speeds is not known. Objectives To compare distal hindlimb and hoof kinematics during stance of breezing (unrestrained gallop) racehorses between dirt and synthetic surfaces. Study design Two‐dimensional kinematic video analysis of 5 T horoughbred racehorses galloping at high speeds (12–17 m/s) on a dirt racetrack and a synthetic racetrack. Methods The positions of kinematic markers applied to the left hindlimb were recorded at 500 H z. Position, velocity and acceleration of joint angles and hoof translation during stance were calculated in the sagittal plane. Peak translational and angular kinematic values were compared between the dirt and synthetic race surfaces using mixed model analyses of covariance. Results Maximum and heel‐strike metatarsophalangeal (fetlock) angles were greater ( P <0.05) on the dirt surface than on the synthetic surface. Maximum fetlock angle occurred earlier during stance on the dirt surface ( P <0.05). Greater horizontal displacement of the heel during slide occurred on the dirt surface ( P <0.05). Conclusions During high‐speed gallop, hindlimb fetlock hyperextension and horizontal hoof slide are greater on a dirt surface than on a synthetic surface. Synthetic race surfaces may mitigate risk of injury to hindlimb fetlock structures by reducing fetlock hyperextension and associated strains in fetlock support structures. Differences in hoof slide may contribute to different distal hindlimb kinematics between surfaces.