Effect of a 4-week elastic resistance band training regimen on back kinematics in horses trotting in-hand and on the lunge.

T Pfau,V Simons,N Rombach,N Stubbs,R Weller

doi:10.1111/evj.12690

Abstract

Training and rehabilitation techniques aiming at improving core muscle strength may result in increased dynamic stability of the equine vertebral column. A system of elastic resistance bands is suggested to provide proprioceptive feedback during motion to encourage recruitment of core abdominal and hindquarter musculature for improved dynamic stability. To quantify the effects of a specific resistance band system on back kinematics during trot in-hand and lungeing at beginning and end of a 4-week exercise programme. Quantitative analysis of back movement before/after a 4-week exercise programme. Inertial sensor data were collected from seven horses at weeks 1 and 4 of an exercise protocol with elastic resistance bands. Translational (dorsoventral, mediolateral) and rotational (roll, pitch) range of motion of six landmarks from poll to coccygeal region were quantified during trot in-hand (hard surface) and during lungeing (soft surface, both reins) with/without elastic exercise bands. A mixed model (P<0.05) evaluated the effects of exercise bands, time (week) and movement direction (straight, left, right). The bands reduced roll, pitch and mediolateral displacement in the thoracolumbar region (all P≤0.04). At week 4, independent of band usage, rotational movement (withers, thoracic) was reduced while dorsoventral movement (thoracic, coccygeal) increased. Increased back movement was measured in 80% of back movement parameters during lungeing. Comparing each horse without and with bands without a control group does not distinguish whether the differences measured between weeks 1 and 4 are related to use of the bands, or only to the exercise regimen. Results suggest that the elastic resistance bands reduce mediolateral and rotational movement of the thoracolumbar region (increase dynamic stability) in trot. Further studies should investigate the underlying mechanism with reference to core abdominal and hindquarter muscle recruitment and study the long-term effects. The Summary is available in Chinese - see Supporting Information.

Highlights

Physical Therapy, Rehabilitation and PerformanceThe vertebral column and its associated musculature is fundamental during locomotor activity to facilitate force transmission from the pelvic limbs through to the thoracic limbs, neck and head [1]
Protocols are specific to individual cases, but generally involve initial physical therapy/manipulation techniques, followed by a ground work programme which can incorporate the use of proprioceptive aids [5]
We quantified the effects of a specific system of elastic resistance bands (EquibandTM) on back kinematic parameters in seven riding horses over a 4-week period

Summary

Introduction

The vertebral column and its associated musculature is fundamental during locomotor activity to facilitate force transmission from the pelvic limbs through to the thoracic limbs, neck and head [1]. Due to this interdependency, altered gait patterns due to lameness or other pain stimuli (e.g. poor saddle fit [2]), can result in asymmetrical loading of the vertebral column. In order to rehabilitate affected muscle groups after veterinary intervention the use of physical therapy techniques may be advocated. The evidence base of physical therapy for rehabilitation and performance development in horses and its relationship to clinical reasoning has been studied [4]. Protocols are specific to individual cases, but generally involve initial physical therapy/manipulation techniques, followed by a ground work programme which can incorporate the use of proprioceptive aids [5]

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