Jumping Technique Alters Limb Kinematics in Showjumping Horses

Abstract

IntroductionShowjumping (SJ) horses are at increased risk of distal forelimb soft tissue injuries; generally attributed to limb loading on landing. This study investigated relationships between the back, trailing limb angles at take‐off, in flight and at landing.MethodsEight showjumpers jumped a 140 cm vertical obstacle (part of a 15‐fence course). Two‐dimensional high‐speed motion‐capture (250 Hz) was used to measure limb and regional back kinematics in the dorsoventral plane from markers placed at predetermined locations. Pearson's correlation tests were used to determine associations between limb and back angles at take‐off, in flight and upon landing.ResultsAll markers were clearly visible throughout. Greater head‐neck ventroflexion at take‐off was associated with decreased hock flexion (r = ‐0.81, P = 0.0141), and decreased neck‐trunk angle on landing (r = 0.77, P = 0.03). Greater head‐neck ventroflexion at landing, 50% and 75% flight was associated with decreased carpal extension on landing (r = 0.81, 0.84, 0.73; P = 0.02, 0.01, 0.04 respectively). Increased thoracolumbar and lumbosacral flexion at take‐off was associated with decreased metatarsophalangeal joint extension upon landing (r = 0.78, 0.75; P = 0.03). Greater lumbosacral flexion at 50 and 75% flight (r = ‐0.73, −0.77; P = 0.04, 0.03 respectively) and greater thoracolumbar flexion at 25, 50 and 75% flight was associated with decreased elbow flexion on landing (r = ‐0.87, −0.78, −0.76; P = 0.01, 0.02, 0.03 respectively).ConclusionsDecreasing head‐neck angle and increasing thoracolumbar and lumbosacral flexion at take‐off and in flight appeared to alter peak joint flexion and extension on landing. This suggests that optimising jumping technique in training may be beneficial to reduce the strain placed on the limbs at landing, which could potentially be valuable given the risk of distal limb soft tissue injuries in SJ horses.Ethical Animal ResearchThe Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons confirmed that the procedures carried out were not Controlled Procedures under UK animal experimentation legislation. Explicit owner informed consent for participation in this study is not stated. Sources of funding: The World Class Development Programme is funded by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, through Exchequer and National Lottery funds, via UK Sport. Competing interests: none.