Acute and Prolonged Effects of Vibrating Platform Treatment on Horses: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Anecdotal reports suggest using vibrating platforms may improve performance and promote healing in competitive horses. This study tested the hypothesis that physiological parameters are altered with vibration therapy. Detailed musculoskeletal examinations were performed on six Arabian horses (average age = 22 years) by two equine veterinarians specializing in sports medicine to score any lameness (before and after limb flexion) or limited range of joint motion. Stride lengths were also determined at the walk and trot. Age, gender, lameness scores, and stride lengths were used to stratify and pair-match horses on one of two treatments – vibration therapy (VT) or sham control (CO). Horses were re-evaluated (by the same blinded veterinarian) acutely, after one initial 30-minute treatment, and again after 3 weeks, with treatments repeated daily (5 days per week). VT horses stood on a platform vibrating at 50 Hz for 30 minutes, and CO horses stood on an adjacent platform that was not turned on for 30 minutes. Data were analyzed using PROC MIXED in SAS with horse, treatment, test, and day differences. Findings suggest no differences from pre- to post-treatment between VT and CO groups in any parameters measured (P > .05). Qualitative behavior observations suggested that all VT horses stood calmly and appeared more relaxed throughout the treatment period, while CO horses were comparatively restless. It could be questioned whether this observed change warrants VT treatment given few other measured differences but it could explain the growing belief in the horse industry that the treatment is beneficial.