title: Discrimination of two equine racing surfaces based on forelimb dynamic and hoof kinematic variables at the canter.
abstract: The type and condition of sport surfaces affect performance and can also be a risk factor for injury. Combining the use a 3-dimensional dynamometric horseshoe (DHS), an accelerometer and high-speed cameras, variables reflecting hoof-ground interaction and maximal limb loading can be measured. The aim of the present study was to compare the effects of two racing surfaces, turf and all-weather waxed (AWW), on the forelimbs of five horses at the canter. Vertical hoof velocity before impact was higher on AWW. Maximal deceleration at impact (vertical impact shock) was not significantly different between the two surfaces, whereas the corresponding vertical force peak at impact measured by the DHS was higher on turf. Low frequency (0-200 Hz) vibration energy was also higher on turf; however high frequency (>400 Hz) vibration energy tended to be higher on AWW. The maximal longitudinal force during braking and the maximal vertical force at mid-stance were lower on AWW and their times of occurrence were delayed. AWW was also characterised by larger slip distances and sink distances, both during braking and at maximal sink. On a given surface, no systematic association was found between maximal vertical force at mid-stance and either sink distance or vertical impact shock. This study confirms the damping properties of AWW, which appear to be more efficient for low frequency events. Given the biomechanical changes induced by equestrian surfaces, combining dynamic and kinematic approaches is strongly recommended for a reliable assessment of hoof-ground interaction and maximal limb loading.
authors.affiliation: Université Paris Est, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, USC 957 BPLC, F-94700 Maisons-Alfort, France; INRA, USC 957 BPLC, F-94700 Maisons-Alfort, France. Electronic address: ncrevier@vet-alfort.fr.
authors.forename: Nathalie
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Crevier-Denoix
authors.affiliation: Université Paris Est, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, USC 957 BPLC, F-94700 Maisons-Alfort, France; INRA, USC 957 BPLC, F-94700 Maisons-Alfort, France.
authors.forename: Philippe
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Pourcelot
authors.affiliation: Université Paris Est, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, USC 957 BPLC, F-94700 Maisons-Alfort, France; INRA, USC 957 BPLC, F-94700 Maisons-Alfort, France.
authors.forename: Laurène
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Holden-Douilly
authors.affiliation: Université Paris Est, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, USC 957 BPLC, F-94700 Maisons-Alfort, France; INRA, USC 957 BPLC, F-94700 Maisons-Alfort, France.
authors.forename: Mathieu
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Camus
authors.affiliation: Université Paris Est, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, USC 957 BPLC, F-94700 Maisons-Alfort, France; INRA, USC 957 BPLC, F-94700 Maisons-Alfort, France.
authors.forename: Sylvain
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Falala
authors.affiliation: Université Paris Est, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, USC 957 BPLC, F-94700 Maisons-Alfort, France; INRA, USC 957 BPLC, F-94700 Maisons-Alfort, France.
authors.forename: Bérangère
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Ravary-Plumioën
authors.affiliation: Université Paris Est, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, USC 957 BPLC, F-94700 Maisons-Alfort, France; INRA, USC 957 BPLC, F-94700 Maisons-Alfort, France.
authors.forename: Claudio
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Vergari
authors.affiliation: Université Paris Est, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, F-94700 Maisons-Alfort, France.
authors.forename: Loïc
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Desquilbet
authors.affiliation: Université Paris Est, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, USC 957 BPLC, F-94700 Maisons-Alfort, France; INRA, USC 957 BPLC, F-94700 Maisons-Alfort, France.
authors.forename: Henry
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Chateau
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D005552:Forelimb / Q000502:physiology*; D005684:Gait / Q000502:physiology*; D006724:Hoof and Claw / Q000502:physiology*; D006736:Horses / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000502:physiology*
keywords: Equine; Force; Impact; Sink distance; Slip distance