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Electromyographic activity of the palatinus and palatopharyngeus muscles in exercising horses
Author(s) -
HOLCOMBE S. J.,
DERKSEN F. J.,
ROBINSON N. E.
Publication year - 2007
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 - 10.2746/042516407x197752
Subject(s) - medicine , soft palate , treadmill , horse , electromyography , respiratory system , anatomy , physical medicine and rehabilitation , orthodontics , physical therapy , surgery , biology , paleontology
Summary Reasons for performing study : Determining the respiratory related activity of the palatinus and palatopharyngeus muscles in exercising horses is relevant because dysfunction of these muscles has been implicated in the pathogenesis of dorsal displacement of the soft palate. Objective : To determine if the palatinus and palatopharyngeus muscles have respiratory activity that increases with intensity in exercising horses. Methods : Electromyographic activity was measured in the palatinus and palatopharyngeus muscles using bipolar fine‐wire electrodes while the horses completed an incremental exercise treadmill protocol. Results : Both muscles displayed synchronous expiratory activity that increased significantly (P<0.05) with exercise intensity. Phasic expiratory activity of the palatinus increased 390 ± 98%, whereas phasic expiratory activity of the palatopharyngeus increased by 198 ± 30% as the treadmill speed increased from 6 to 12 m/s. Conclusions: The palatinus and palatopharyngeus muscles may be important respiratory muscles, functioning to stabilise the position of the soft palate during intense exercise. Clinical relevance : The predominant expiratory activity of these muscles may be associated with specific muscle function related to exercise or distinct upper airway phenomena of an obligate nasal breather, such as the horse.