Gait Analysis
Click here for our new Biomechanics Short Course April 2012
Sports science and sports medicine are well-established areas
within human medicine. Professional athletes in many disciplines
apply a multitude of sports enhancing techniques to attain a
higher level of performance and move ahead of their competitors.
In addition, an ever-increasing array of technologies and
treatments are available to aid diagnosis, accelerate
rehabilitation and ultimately enhance performance.
Centaur Biomechanics is focused on bringing established human and equine sports products to the wider equine industry to aid diagnosis, promote health and enhance performance. Further focus will be on products and services that are non-invasive (and therefore easy-to-use and can be applied "in the field") and support EBVM.
Currently the assessment of equine locomotion and lameness is carried out visually and cannot be reliably or consistently quantified. Equine practitioners often disagree on the extent of lameness. In addition the assessment cannot easily be communicated and has very little or no historic value. The objective measurement of lameness and changes in locomotion are the missing pieces of critical information needed to make key decisions related to equine health and performance.
Benefits of Gait Analysis
In addition as the number of sport horses continues to grow along with the competition for the top prizes, it is becoming more apparent that the prevention of injury to sports horses is a fundamental factor in maintaining and improving performance. This trend is highlighted by the aforementioned inclusion of biomechanical testing to team horses in the run up to London 2012.
In conclusion, biomechanics is extremely useful for elite horses and riders trying to make those subtle adjustments which can help performance. Alongside the elite level, biomechanics has an equally important role for any horse where the management and prevention of injury, two key areas in maintaining performance and well-being, are considered of high priority by the owner.
The Various Applications and Benefits
Blue Print or Baseline:
Horses should be
assessed when perceived sound as unfortunately in equine science we are short of
a blue print for the “normal gait pattern” specific to each horse. From an
initial
Farrier Analysis: Farrier analysis is one of
Centaur Biomechanics most popular services. The way
in which a horse loads his hoof is vital in maintaining soundness and
performance. Similar to when an individual buys a pair of shoes the fit and
comfort is vital to ensure that the individual does not end up with blisters and
bruising.
Farrier analysis is not designed to
replace your farrier or instruct your farrier what to do, it is to be used as a
tool to facilitate the shoeing of the horse and to provide valuable images for
the acting farrier. Farrier analysis consists of anterior and posterior
assessments using High Speed Cameras then with the use of Quintic software
Farrier analysis works best when the
acting farrier is present as pre and post
Injury Prevention: Science has shown that horses have specific gait characteristics when lame and demonstrate certain characteristics pre-injury. These characteristics can be seen using high speed cameras and subtle changes which occur within the gait leading possibly to injury can be identified. The aim of biomechanical assessments is to identify these changes before they progress in to injury. Early identification can allow rapid investigation into the potential problem, allowing for adjustments in management /routine to decelerate or negate the propensity for injury.
Biomechanics, as part of the sports science umbrella within the equine field is becoming widely used as a way of making small adjustments which can help improve movement or support the horse’s joints to help prevent injury. For example, changing the width of the shoe by 5 mm can improve carpal flexion of the horse by 15 degrees. In addition ensuring the foot is balanced can provide a horse with an extra 5% in power production compared to a horse which lands laterally.
Understanding:
Unlike most
investigations with horses, the output of biomechanics is simple, quantified
Research: Biomechanics is used widely within the research field, both in post graduate and under graduate research projects alongside product testing. The way an animal moves can largely be affected by the equipment used, for example, a saddle can restrict or improve hind limb movement by 15 degrees. It is vital that this easily available information is used to ensure the horse stays supple and sound.
How Biomechanics / Gait Analysis Works
Cameras: To ensure that subtle changes within the gait are observed, high-speed cameras are used. These cameras capture at 300HZ. To put this in to context, the human eye captures at approximately 12Hz, therefore with the use of high speed cameras is 25 times faster. The cameras are portable and work in most weather conditions. A standard 25Hz camera could be used when assessing a rider’s position.
Software: Centaur Biomechanics’ preferred software choice is Quintic Biomechanics 9.03 v17 with a 300Hz high-speed camera.
Procedures:
Procedures and
protocols are set out by leading scientists and followed by Centaur Consultants.
It is imperative that the measurements are adhered to. Consultants are regularly
assessed and updated
Reports and Data Output: From a biomechanical assessment, you, as the owner, own the information. From this information you are equipped with accurate biomechanical information which relates to your horse’s movement, joint motion, acceleration and velocity. A multitude of measurements are taken such as stride length, stride time, velocity, carpal flexion, fetlock hyperextension, tarsal flexion and others. All of these measurements have been proven due to their reliability in determine/assessing gait abnormalities. Information is presented in a report style format - please see below for an example screening report.
Mission Statement Unlike other systems the Quintic system, which is Centaurs preferred biomechanical software, offers accurate biomechanical results largely owing to its proven accuracy in the digitisation of markers. The Quintic system is the only in the field system which can automatically track markers and provide accurate data. Although only 1 stride is measured the quality of the data is not compromised due to this process being repeated 7 times. The data output is easy to understand, and follows a story like format so that the owner can extract the most out of any report. All reports are sent with recommendations and follow up courtesy calls ensuring that all clients are happy with the content and more importantly understand the content. At Centaur Biomechanics we pride ourselves on delivering an excellent service and more importantly offering advice not only at the time of screening but continually after the screening, we do not wish to blind clients with numbers but to make sure you fully understand how your horses is moving. A service which is rare within this industry.
Screening Procedures and set up advice
Unlike other systems the Quintic system, which is Centaurs preferred biomechanical software, offers accurate biomechanical results largely owing to its proven accuracy in the digitisation of markers. The Quintic system is the only in the field system which can automatically track markers and provide accurate data. Although only 1 stride is measured the quality of the data is not compromised due to this process being repeated 7 times. The data output is easy to understand, and follows a story like format so that the owner can extract the most out of any report. All reports are sent with recommendations and follow up courtesy calls ensuring that all clients are happy with the content and more importantly understand the content. At Centaur Biomechanics we pride ourselves on delivering an excellent service and more importantly offering advice not only at the time of screening but continually after the screening, we do not wish to blind clients with numbers but to make sure you fully understand how your horses is moving. A service which is rare within this industry.
Screening Procedures Small spherical markers are placed on the horse's skin, they are located by manual palpation of anatomical landmarks, which identify joint centres, similar to the human, if you were to flex and palpate the elbow joint you would clearly be able to feel the segment end of the fore arm. Repeatability studies have been carried out on marker placement and the findings suggest that there is a high degree of accuracy providing the same person places the markers on the horse at a given time. The markers are placed on the horses skin by using double sided sticky tape or toupe tape, these tapes work well in most conditions. When galloping we may decide to use hair extension glue which is harmless to the horse and is removed after testing by using hair extension glue removal.
Screenings can be done on site at most locations, the main specification is that there is a hard level track of approximately 14 metres (M) with two clear endings. The clear endings are vitally important as this may change the gait pattern of the horse when he is trotting towards the wall at one end. The trotting track must be wide enough to allow the horse to move comfortably, however an additional width of 10m is required in order to place the High Speed Camera sufficiently allowing the required number of strides to be captured. This area does not need to be the same surface as the trotting track however does need to be on the same level as the track in which the horse is travelling on.
As not to obscure the images it is essential that the handler leads the horse on the "off side" when passing to left to right. As a means of overcoming the resistance, the horse will be walked along the designated track several times this is to acclimatise the horse to being led from the "off side" and also to acclimatise the horse to the surrounding area. By doing this helps reduces the variables which could cause anomaly results. Once the horse is acclimatised the testing will take place, the horse will then be trotted along the track approximately 7 times enabling seven passes to the left and seven passes to the right. This gives us an adequate sample in which average data can be extracted. In lame horses only walk data is extracted and a maximum number of 3 trials left and right are obtained. The primary reason for this is that, lame horses adopt a pattern which is more consistent to minimise pain whereas sound horses gait pattern is less consistent hence the need for increased number of trials.
The screening usually takes approximately 45 minutes including marking up of the horse. Once the screening is complete, the system is calibrated vertically and horizontally and the data is taken away and a report produced. Preliminary analysis an measurements such as foot fall sequence, limb loading, limb protraction and retraction angles, step length, stride length, stance time and HeadEXQ and Tube EXQ can be given on site however for a comprehensive report please allow 24 hours from screening date.
Potential Measurements
Please click to download an example Gait Analysis Report Gait Analysis Report
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To date
Centaur Biomechanics has assessed 721 horses ranging from
riding club to Olympic level alongside research studies. Currently equestrian
Team GB use biomechanics as part of their management programme in the run up to
London 2012. In previous years it has been seen that biomechanical testing was
only available to those elite horses and riders competing at a high level.
However, biomechanical analysis has benefits which all sectors of the equine
industry can derive. Equal to performance is use in injury prevention and
maintenance. Biomechanical testing has been used widely as part of a lameness
prevention programme.
A horse is similar, the way in which the limb is loaded can have an affect on
the rate of injury therefore it is important to evaluate hoof/limb loading.
the
captured images can then be slowed down and assessed to identify key
points such as first point of contact, break over, limb orientation, point of
take off, secondary loading, all of which are important factors when evaluating
hoof loading.
assessments can be carried out to
compare before and after shoeing to note any significant changes/improvements.
In the absence of the acting farrier, Centaur Biomechanics
will discuss all findings and send or post all files to the acting
farrier for analysis within 24 hours. Centaur Biomechanics
provides continued support throughout the shoeing process to both the
client and the acting farrier. Centaur Biomechanics also
works with Vets and farrier's in tracking changes/improvements when
remedial farriery is required.
and
accurate. Biomechanical analysis reduces the inherent risk of subjectivity which
is a key in equine assessments. The data and therefore results produced are
accurate and reliable and resemble exactly how much a joint is flexing or
extending. This information gives the owner a much more informed picture as to
what is happening with their horse’s movement. Additionally it is a non-invasive
and safe process.
with
necessary specifications for data collection to ensure that clients can be
confident that the product and consultant they are investing in is sound, proven
and tested. Markers are placed on the horse by manual palpation of bony
anatomical landmarks identify joint centres and segment ends. The horse is then
walked and trotted along a designated track in front of the cameras. The trot
strides are then captured and exported to Quintic Biomechanics v17 for analysis.
The in depth analysis is usually done overnight but basic measurement /
assessment can be produced on site.
