Locomotor Apparatus Research Articles

Prótesis total de cadera. Cambios funcionales al alta hospitalaria de rehabilitación

in patients with total hip prosthesis between the period of the surgery and the hospital discharge from Rehabilitation, as well as to search for the variables related with the functional level. Patients and method: Prospective study of 50 consecutive cases. The variables gathered were: age, gender, diagnosis, alterations associated with the locomotor apparatus, pain visual analogue scale, articular balance, muscular balance, hospital stay, Barthel index and measurement of motor functional independence. The mean age of the patients was 66.6 (SD 11.8) years. The most frequent diagnoses were: coxarthrosis 29 (58%); replacement due to aseptic mobilization 10 (20%) and ischemic necrosis 8 (16%). The statistical tests used were the: Chi squared, Student’s T test, Mann-Whitney U Test, Kruskall-Wallis and Spearman correlation. For all the contrasts, a significance level of p ≤ 0.05 is accepted. Results: The days of hospitalization in Rehabilitation were 11.1 (SD 4.0). The pain visual analogue scale went from a previous 61.7 (SD 22.5) to 15.8 (SD 18.8) on discharge (p < 0.001, CI 95% 36.8-53.7). The articular balance (flexion and abduction) increased 5.6° (SD 14.3) (p = 0.008, CI 95% 1.5-9.7) and 8° (SD 12.0) (p < 0.001, CI 95% 4.5-11.4), respectively. Efficiency (increase between the measurement of motor functional independence/days of rehabilitation hospitalization) was 1.6 (SD 0.9) points/day. A relationship was found between the measurement of previous motor functional independence and: age (p < 0.002, Spearman’s rho -0.416), gender (p = 0.048), alterations associated with the locomotor apparatus (p = 0.044) and articular flexion balance prior to surgery (p = 0.009, Spearman’s rho 0.367). Conclusions: In our sample, after the total hip prosthesis, the pain and articular function improved significantly. The functional level that was obtained on rehabilitation discharge can be superimposed to that prior to the surgery. The previous functional level is related with age, gender, flexion of the hip and alterations associated with the locomotor apparatus.

Comparison between the analgesic and therapeutic effects of a musically modulated electromagnetic field (TAMMEF) and those of a 100 Hz electromagnetic field: blind experiment on patients suffering from cervical spondylosis or shoulder periarthritis

The analgesic-therapeutic efficacy and tolerability of a low-frequency electromagnetic field (ELF), modulated at a frequency of 100 Hz with a sinusoidal waveform and mean induction of a few gauss, has been demonstrated by the authors in numerous previous studies of various hyperalgic pathologies, particularly of the locomotor apparatus. In the present study, the authors tested a new type of all-inclusive field, denoted TAMMEF, whose parameters (frequency, intensity, waveform) are modified in time, randomly varying within the respective ranges, so that all the possible codes can occur during a single application. For the comparison, 150 subjects (118 women and 32 men, between 37 and 66 years of age) were enrolled. They were affected by cervical spondylosis (101 cases) or shoulder periarthritis (49 cases). Unbeknownst to them, they were randomly divided into three groups of 50 subjects. One group was exposed to the new TAMMEF, another group to the usual ELF, and the third group to simulated treatment. The results show that the effects of the new TAMMEF therapy are equivalent to those obtained with the ELF.

Mathematical model of the evolution of locomotion in tetrapods.

During the locomotion of Monotremata and lower tetrapods, their limbs are spread apart, so that the stylopodias (femur and shoulder) move in an almost horizontal plane. Retraction of the stylopodias in the phase of support is observed in all species of these tetrapods [1–4, 6, 7, 9]. Only representatives of the family Tachyglossidae of the order Monotremata are characterized by an absence of limb retraction [5, 8]. Therefore, we divided the locomotion patterns into two groups: retraction (the shoulder moves backward about the vertical axis) and pronation (the shoulder turns around the horizontal axis). These groups were given their names based on the main locomotor movement of the shoulder during the stage of support. The main features of morphological and kinematic difference between these locomotion patterns are summarized in Table 1. The locomotion efficiency depends on minimization of energy expenditures for increasing the step length and for preventing the animal body from falling down. However, the characteristic features of the locomotor apparatus in evolutionary ancestors of modern animals may also have a significant effect on the locomotion pattern in the latter. For example, the shoulder bone of primitive tetrapods was very short. Therefore, both shoulder retraction and shoulder joint protraction were equally suitable for locomotion of these animals. It was also reported [4–6, 8] that, in animals adapted to the two locomotion patterns, the angle of the shoulder joint pronation in the support stage was about 60 ° . To perform pronation in the support stage, the shoulder joint at the stage of transfer should supinate. The main shoulder joint supinators in Monotremata are m. supraspinatus and m. infraspinatus. The two muscles prevent the stylopodias from being retracted or protracted. The other tetrapods are devoid of such mechanism. Let us construct a model intended to determine which structural and kinematic features of the locomotor apparatus determine the step length. For the sake of simplicity, let the stylopodia move in a horizontal plane and step kinematics be symmetrical about the middle point of the phase of support. In this case, the step length (body displacement relative to the point of support) is uniquely determined by the following factors: the stylopodia and zeigopodia lengths, size of body bends (undulation), retraction of the stylopodia, shoulder joint pronation, flexion and extension, as well as adduction and abduction in the elbow joint. In the case of extension, it is suggested that, if the palm is under the elbow joint or abducted outwards or inwards, it

An opioid system in connective tissue: a study of achilles tendon in the rat.

The occurrence of endogenous opioids and their receptors in rat achilles tendon was analyzed by immunohistochemistry (IHC), radioimmunoassay (RIA), and in vitro binding assays. The investigation focused on four enkephalins, dynorphin B, and nociceptin/orphanin FQ. Nerve fibers immunoreactive to all enkephalins (Met-enkephalin, Leu-enkephalin, Met-enkephalin-Arg-Gly-Lys, Met-enkephalin-Arg-Phe) were consistently found in the loose connective tissue and the paratenon, whereas dynorphin B and nociceptin/orphanin FQ could not be detected. The majority of enkephalin-positive nerve fibers exhibited varicosities predominantly seen in blood vessel walls. Measurable levels of Met-enkephalin-Arg-Phe and nociceptin/orphanin FQ were found in tendon tissue using RIA, whereas dynorphin B could not be detected. In addition to the endogenous opioids identified, delta-opioid receptors on nerve fibers were also detected by IHC. Binding assays to characterize the opioid binding sites showed that they were specific and saturable for [3H]-naloxone (Kd 7.01 +/- 0.98 nM; Bmax 23.52 +/- 2.23 fmol/mg protein). Our study demonstrates the occurrence of an opioid system in rat achilles tendon, which may be assumed to be present also in other connective tissues of the locomotor apparatus. This system may prove to be a useful target for pharmacological therapy in painful and inflammatory conditions by new drugs acting selectively in the periphery.

Do we need MR images for diagnosing tendon ruptures of the distal biceps brachii? The value of ultrasonographic imaging.

To assess the usefulness of ultrasound in the diagnosis of rupture of the distal biceps brachii muscle by demonstrating the clear differentiation between the distal biceps muscle and the surrounding soft tissue in a standardized section of the elbow. Under sonographic guidance five biceps muscles of three cadavers were marked with a needle in the region of the elbow joint. Thereafter an anatomical preparation of the distal biceps brachii muscle followed to verify the correct positioning of the needle. Real time ultrasound was performed with a 7.5 MHz linear array transducer. The standard section of the elbow and the images on the screen correspond to the guidelines provided by the German Society of Ultrasonography in the Locomotor Apparatus (DEGUM). In all five cases the needle tip could be found in the middle of the distal biceps muscle. It was possible to perform a sonographically guided puncture of the muscle and to differentiate between distal biceps brachii and surrounding soft tissues using a high resolution transducer of the newest generation in ultrasound technology. Our investigation confirmed our clinical ultrasound findings in distal biceps tendon ruptures. The echo-intense signal is replaced by a hypoechogenic signal representing the haematoma in the area of the distal biceps brachii muscle. In addition to the clinical examination in case of a ruptured distal biceps muscle ultrasound of the elbow is a valuable and reliable imaging method to support the diagnosis. MRI of the elbow is not always necessary to confirm the diagnosis.

Pathology of the synovium.

Synovium is specialized mesenchymal tissue that is essential for the appropriate function of the locomotor apparatus. It is the site for a series of pathologic processes that are characteristic, and in some cases specific, to this distinctive tissue. In this article, the normal microscopic anatomy of synovium is briefly reviewed. Synovial proliferative disorders, including pigmented villonodular synovitis, giant cell tumor of tendon sheath, hemosiderotic synovitis, and fatty infiltration of the synovial membrane are discussed. Additionally, the subjects of intrasynovial cartilaginous lesions (primary and secondary synovial chondromatosis) and crystal deposition diseases are reviewed. Finally, the response of synovial tissues to implanted foreign materials that are used in large and small joint arthroplasty are described.

The effect of extracorporeal shock waves on joint cartilage--an in vivo study in rabbits.

The application of extracorporeal shock waves has become a new mode of treatment for affections of the locomotor apparatus such as calcifying tendinitis, epicondylitis humeri radialis, calcaneodynia and pseudarthrosis. The treatment often takes place in the vicinity of joints. Up to now no systematic data have been published about possible side-effects on joint cartilage. In an in vivo study the effect of extracorporeal shock waves on joint cartilage was evaluated in 24 immature New Zealand White rabbits. The left lateral femoral condyle of each animal was treated with 2000 shock waves of 1.2 mJ/mm2; the right condyle served as control. Macroscopical, radiological and histological analysis at 0, 3, 12 and 24 weeks after treatment showed no pathological changes in the joint cartilage. We conclude that extracorporeal shock wave treatment does not cause damage to the joint cartilage of growing rabbits.

Ichthyosauria: their diversity, distribution, and phylogeny

The Ichthyosauria is the group of Mesozoic marine reptiles that was most highly adapted to the aquatic environment. The first ichthyosaurs from the upper Lower Triassic (Spathian) already show a suite of unique characters (very large eyes, elongate snout, deeply amphicoelous vertebrae, limb modified to fins) correlated with a fully aquatic existence and probably were unable to leave the water. The key evolutionary innovation was vivipary, giving birth to live young, which is documented by the fossil record since the end of the Anisian. Major evolutionary trends in the locomotor apparatus are the increasing modification of the fin skeleton to a mosaic of bones and the change from anguiliform swimming in the earliest forms to thunniform swimming in the Jurassic and later forms, as evidenced by the shortening of the body and the evolution of a semilunate tail fin. Almost from the beginning, ichthyosaurs had a cosmopolitan distribution which was retained until their extinction in the Cenomanian. Ichthyosaurian diversity is greatest in the Middle Triassic with piscivorous, heterodont, and durophagous forms. Jurassic diversity is greatest in the Liassic, declining to one genus (Platypterygius) in the Cretaceous. Although skull characters indicate that ichthyosaurs were diapsids, their exact position within Diapsida is unclear. A cladistic analysis of the well known genera clarifies relationships within the Ichthyosauria. Most basal areGrippia andUtatsusaurus, followed by the Mixosauridae (Mixosaurus andPhalarodon). The Shastasauridae (Cymbospondylus, Shonisaurus, Besanosaurus) are the most advanced Triassic forms and represent the sistergroup of all post-Triassic ichthyosaurs. These are clearly monophyletic and are termed here the Neoichthyosauria.

Homoplasy and the evolution of dinosaur locomotion

In this paper, I survey hindlimb and pelvic anatomy across non-avian dinosaurs and analyze these within a cladistic framework to quantify patterns of change within the locomotor apparatus. Specifically, I attempt to identify where homoplasy constitutes parallelism and may thereby be used to infer similar selective pressures on hindlimb function. Traditional methods of discrete character optimization are used along with two methods for evaluating changes in continuous characters in a phylogenetic context (squared-change parsimony and clade rank correlation). Resultant patterns are evaluated in light of the biomechanics of locomotion and the relationship between form and function in extant terrestrial vertebrates.Although non-avian dinosaurian locomotor morphology is strikingly uniform, these analyses reveal the repeated derivations of several morphological features that have potential relevance for hindlimb locomotor function. Anterior and posterior iliac expansion, a medially oriented femoral head, and an elevated femoral lesser trochanter each evolved independently multiple times within Dinosauria. These changes probably reflect enlargement of several hindlimb muscles as well as a general switch in their predominant function from abduction-adduction (characteristic of “sprawling” limb postures) to protraction-retraction (characteristic of parasagittal, or “erect,” limb postures). Several “avian” characteristics are shared with more basal theropods, and many were acquired convergently in other dinosaurian lineages. The evolution of the avian hindlimb therefore represents a cumulative acquisition of characters, many of which were quite far removed in time and function from the origin of flight.

The effect of shoeing on kinetics and kinematics during the stance phase.

The increasing range of of horseshoes and hoofpads makes it important to be able to evaluate their influence on performance and stress in the locomotor apparatus. The aim of this study was to describe the changes in ground reaction forces and locomotion pattern during the stance phase due to the application of a standard iron shoe. Six Swedish Warmblood horses were evaluated kinetically and kinematically before and after they were shod with an 8 mm iron shoe. Data were used to calculate ground reaction forces in the vertical and craniocaudal directions, point of application of the force, hoof segment angle and hoof joint, pastern joint, fetlock, carpal and tarsal angles. Finally joint angular velocity and landing velocity of the hoof were calculated. During the initial phase of the stance or the concussion phase, the horses altered the conditions of the limb, as reflected by hoof-landing velocities. Concussion-dampening mechanisms of the distal limb subsequently were altered. In the nonshod condition, the coffin and fetlock joints rotated more rapidly in the forelimb and less rapidly in the hindlimb, while earlier proximal off-loading by the carpus and tarsus resulted in a decrease in initial horizontal loading at the hoof. It was concluded that horses accustomed to standard iron shoes demonstrate slight but significant differences in the movement and loading of the distal limb due to shoeing. Though the main differences were related to the concussion phase of the stance, even mid-stance loading and roll-over were altered. The study provides a basis for further investigation of the effect of various farriery techniques on the hoof and movement of the horse.

Sensory neuropeptidergic pattern in tendon, ligament and joint capsule. A study in the rat.

The normal occurrence of sensory neuropeptides in tendons, ligaments and joint capsules in the rat was analyzed by immunohistochemistry and radioimmunoassay (RIA). Nerve fibres immunoreactive to substance P (SP), calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), neurokinin A, galanin and somatostatin were identified in the Achilles tendon as well as the collateral ligaments and joint capsule of the knee. The neuropeptidergic fibres were predominantly found in the epiligament and paratenon. However, SP- and CGRP-positive fibres were also seen in the proper ligament and tendon tissues. RIA showed higher concentrations of SP and CGRP in tendons than in ligaments and capsules. The morphological and quantitative data obtained on sensory neuropeptides in normal tendons, ligaments and joint capsules may be used as a reference for tissue analysis in painful and inflammatory conditions of the locomotor apparatus.

Altered kinetic strategy for the control of swing limb elevation over obstacles in unilateral below-knee amputee gait

Our goal was to document the kinetic strategies for obstacle avoidance in below-knee amputees. Kinematic data were collected as unilateral below-knee traumatic amputees stepped over obstacles of various heights in the walking path. Inverse dynamics were employed to calculate power profiles and work during the limb-elevation and limb-lowering phases. Limb elevation was achieved by employing a different strategy of intra-limb interaction for elevation of the prosthetic limb than for the sound limb, which was similar to that seen in healthy adult non-amputees. As obstacle height increased, prosthetic side knee flexion was increased by modulating the work done at the hip, and not the knee, as seen on the sound side. Although the strength of the muscles about the residual knee was preserved, the range of motion of that knee had previously been found to be somewhat limited. Perhaps more importantly, potential instability of the interface between the stump and the prosthetic socket, and associated discomfort at the stump could explain the altered limb-elevation strategy. Interestingly, the limb-lowering strategy seen in the sound limb and in non-amputees already features modulation of rotational and translational work at the hip, so an alternate strategy was not required. Thus, following a major insult to the sensory and neuromuscular system, the CNS is able to update the internal model of the locomotor apparatus as the individual uses the new limb in a variety of movements, and modify control strategies as appropriate.

Bilateral Fetal Striatal Grafts in the 3-Nitropropionic Acid-Induced Hypoactive Model of Huntington’s Disease

We investigated the 3-nitropropionic acid (3-NP)–induced hypoactive model of Huntington’s disease (HD) to demonstrate whether fetal tissue transplantation can ameliorate behavioral deficits associated with a more advanced stage of HD. Twelve-week-old Sprague–Dawley rats were introduced to the 3-NP dosing regimen (10 mg/kg, i.p., once every 4 days for 28 consecutive days), and were then tested for general spontaneous locomotor activity in the Digiscan locomotor apparatus. All rats displayed significant hypoactivity compared to their pre-3-NP injection locomotor activity. Randomly selected rats then received bilateral intrastriatal solid grafts of fetal striatal (lateral ganglionic eminence, LGE) tissues from embryonic day 14 rat fetuses. Approximately 1/3 of each LGE in hibernation medium was infused into each lesioned host striatum. In control rats, medium alone was infused intrastriatally. A 3-mo posttransplant maturation period was allowed prior to locomotor activity testing. Animals receiving fetal LGE grafts exhibited a significant increase in locomotor activity compared to their post-3-NP injection activity or to the controls’ posttransplant activity. Surviving striatal grafts were noted in functionally recovered animals. This observation supports the use of fetal striatal transplants to correct the akinetic stage of HD. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that has investigated the effects of fetal striatal transplantation in a hypoactive model of HD.

Conditioned release of corticosterone by contextual stimuli associated with cocaine is mediated by corticotropin-releasing factor

Elevated blood concentrations of corticosterone (CORT), an adrenal steroid associated with stress responses, is one of the endocrine correlates of cocaine treatment. Experiment 1 confirmed and extended previous findings that chronic cocaine treatment does not alter corticosteroid responses to cocaine. In Experiment 2, conditioned endocrine effects of cocaine were examined in three groups of rats after 7 consecutive days of treatment. Cocaine-induced conditioning was achieved using a simple contextual design. In group 1 (paired), rats were injected with cocaine (30 mg/kg), then immediately placed into a locomotor activity chamber for 30 min. One hour after the rats were returned to their home cages, they received an injection of saline. In group 2 (unpaired), rats were injected with saline, then immediately placed into a locomotor activity chamber for 30 min. One hour after the rats were returned to their home cages, they received an injection of cocaine (30 mg/kg). Rats in group 3 (control) received only saline injections, but otherwise were treated as animals in the other treatment groups. On the test day (Day 8), all rats were placed immediately into the locomotor apparatus for 30 min prior to collection of a blood sample. Blood CORT concentrations and locomotor activity in the paired group were significantly higher than in the unpaired and control groups. However, pretreatment of the rats in Experiment 3 with the corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) antagonist, α-helical CRF 9-41 (1 μg, i.c.v.), on the test day, prior to exposure to cocaine-associated contextual cues, attenuated the subsequent conditioned increase in blood CORT concentrations. These data represent the first demonstration of classical conditioning of a steroid hormone response to stimuli associated with a psychoactive drug in rats and suggest that the effect is mediated by endogenous CRF. Because the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis has been implicated in modulating the actions of cocaine, it is plausible that such conditioned increases in CORT release by cocaine-associated cues may further predispose an organism to the reinforcing effects of the drug or enhance the susceptibility to drug-taking behavior. Alternatively, such conditioned effects may be related to the anxiogenic properties of cocaine. Further understanding of the conditioned effects of hormones in the development and expression of addictive behaviors may provide new insights into treatment of drug addiction.

Bilateral fetal striatal grafts in the 3-nitropropionic acid-induced hypoactive model of Huntington's disease.

We investigated the 3-nitropropionic acid (3-NP)-induced hypoactive model of Huntington's disease (HD) to demonstrate whether fetal tissue transplantation can ameliorate behavioral deficits associated with a more advanced stage of HD. Twelve-week-old Sprague-Dawley rats were introduced to the 3-NP dosing regimen (10 mg/kg, i.p., once every 4 days for 28 consecutive days), and were then tested for general spontaneous locomotor activity in the Digiscan locomotor apparatus. All rats displayed significant hypoactivity compared to their pre-3-NP injection locomotor activity. Randomly selected rats then received bilateral intrastriatal solid grafts of fetal striatal (lateral ganglionic eminence, LGE) tissues from embryonic day 14 rat fetuses. Approximately 1/3 of each LGE in hibernation medium was infused into each lesioned host striatum. In control rats, medium alone was infused intrastriatally. A 3-mo posttransplant maturation period was allowed prior to locomotor activity testing. Animals receiving fetal LGE grafts exhibited a significant increase in locomotor activity compared to their post-3-NP injection activity or to the controls' posttransplant activity. Surviving striatal grafts were noted in functionally recovered animals. This observation supports the use of fetal striatal transplants to correct the akinetic stage of HD. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that has investigated the effects of fetal striatal transplantation in a hypoactive model of HD.

Differential diagnosis of polyarthritis pain syndrome of the locomotor apparatus

Widespread pain syndromes of the musculoskeletal system present to general practitioners, internists, neurologists and orthopedic surgeons every day. The syndromes may result both from organic diseases (inflammatory joint diseases, rheumatic manifestations of organ diseases) as well as dysfunctional syndromes, the latter including mainly biomechanically induced syndromes and fibromyalgia. The approach is predominantly clinically oriented and requires laboratory means or technical procedures only in a limited extend. The duration of history, the recognition of synovitis and of myofascial trigger points or of integumental tender points allow in most patients to achieve appropriate diagnostic criteria.

A topometameric classification of mechanical injuries of the locomotor apparatus

A topometameric classification of mechanical injuries of the locomotor apparatus

Is elastic energy storage of quantitative relevance for the functional morphology of the human locomotor apparatus?

Elastic storage of energy in the vertebrate locomotor apparatus is supposed to be an important functional factor in cyclic and acyclic movements. In terms of physics, for humans a proof for the occurrence and quantitative relevance of this phenomenon in vivo and under physiological conditions has been missing until now. In addition to the large amount of plausible, but inconclusive information about elasticity in humans and animals, we describe a simple experiment to prove the existence of quantitatively relevant elastic energy storage in the human locomotor apparatus. Ten volunteers (5 female, 5 male) each assumed a relaxed, upright posture on a steel platform. After the release of a support, the volunteers and the platform fell for a defined distance of 33 mm. Loaded with the volunteers, the platform fell significantly (p < 0.001) faster than predicted by the laws of stiff body mechanics (50 vs. 82 ms). For a minimum time of 50 ms, the human locomotor apparatus is able to support an average external power output of more than 400 W by means of an energy transfer of more than 20 J. During the fall, no EMG activities of the ankle flexors could be recorded. We conclude that the acceleration of the platform fall is induced by elastic elements serving as energy sources. Elastic energy storage is of quantitative relevance for the functional morphology and biomechanics of the human locomotor apparatus.

Biomechanics of the shoulder and therapeutic applications

The influence of biomechanics in surgery of the locomotor apparatus has been constantly increasing over the last few decades. The purpose of this study was to determine wether biomechanical studies can significantly influence therapy and treatment of shoulder injuries, especially shoulder instability. The investigation was performed on 23 fresh human specimens with intact capsular ligaments of the glenohumeral joint. A Bankart lesion from 3 o'clock to 6 o'clock was repaired, and a Bankart repair and anterior inferior capsular shift, as described by Neer, were performed. The measurement was done on six clinically relevant positions of instability: superior, anterior, anterior-inferior, inferior, posterior-inferior, posterior. Measurement was done using a specially developed strain-gauge system. It was demonstrated that both instability and too much stability of the shoulder joint lead to a significant change in shoulder biomechanics. The anatomical O-position of the glenohumeral joint in 110 degrees of abduction is a position of about 60 degrees of external rotation compared to the O-position for clinical measurement. From the therapy point of view, one has to ask for anatomical reconstruction instead of tight repair in soft-tissue repair in the glenohumeral joint. Immediate post-operative rehabilitation in a 60 degrees range of motion is possible.

Are kinematics of the walk related to the locomotion of a warmblood horse at the trot?

Summary In purchase examinations or at studbook selection sales the locomotor apparatus of horses is judged both at walk and trot. To evaluate whether kinematics of the walk are related to the locomotion at the trot, fore and hind limb movements of a group of 24 26-month-old warmbloods were recorded at walk and trot on a treadmill (1.6 and 4 m/s) using a modified CODA-3 gait analysis system. The intralimb coordination patterns at walk and trot were compared, and temporal and spatial variables of these gaits were related. Stride and stance durations (s) were shorter at the trot, while the stance distance (m) and swing duration (s) remained the same. Moreover, the pattern of the joint angle-time curves at walk and trot looked rather similar, though shifted to the left at trot because of the shorter relative stance duration. During the stance phase, the shoulder, stifle and tarsal joints were more flexed throughout, while the carpal and fetlock joints were more maximally extended in the trot than in the walk. In the swing phase, the elbow, carpal, stifle, and tarsal joints were more flexed because of the higher 'operating' speed at the trot compared to the walk. All other kinematic variables at the trot could be predicted from the mean ± 1sd of the values recorded at the walk. Moreover, nearly all kinematic variables at the walk correlated well with those at the trot, while variables indicating gait quality of the walk were similar to the ones identified previously for the trot. In conclusion, kinematics recorded at the walk in a group of horses were similar to and thus predictive for locomotion at the trot providing the decreased stance duration and the increased speed of the trot are taken into consideration.