Determination of vertebral range of motion using inertial measurement units in 27 Franches-Montagnes stallions and comparison between conditions and with a mixed population.
BACKGROUND
The diagnosis of equine back disorders is challenging. Objectively determining movement of the vertebral column may therefore be of value in a clinical setting.


OBJECTIVE
To establish whether surface-mounted inertial measurement units (IMUs) can be used to establish normal values for range of motion (ROM) of the vertebral column in a uniform population of horses trotting under different conditions.


METHODS
Vertebral ROM was established in Franches-Montagnes stallions and a general population of horses and the variability in measurements compared between the two groups. Repeatability and the influence of specific exercise condition (on ROM) were assessed. Finally, attempts were made to explain the findings of the study through the evaluation of factors that might influence ROM.


METHODS
Dorsoventral (DV) and mediolateral (ML) vertebral ROM was measured at a trot under different exercise conditions in 27 Franches-Montagnes stallions and six general population horses using IMUs distributed over the vertebral column.


RESULTS
Variability in the ROM measurements was significantly higher for general population horses than for Franches-Montagnes stallions (both DV and ML ROM). Repeatability was strong to very strong for DV measurements and moderate for ML measurements. Trotting under saddle significantly reduced the ROM, with sitting trot resulting in a significantly lower ROM than rising trot. Age is unlikely to explain the low variability in vertebral ROM recorded in the Franches-Montagnes horses, while this may be associated with conformational factors.


CONCLUSIONS
It was possible to establish a normal vertebral ROM for a group of Franches-Montagnes stallions. While within-breed variation was low in this population, further studies are necessary to determine variation in vertebral ROM for other breeds and to assess their utility for diagnosis of equine back disorders.
Swiss Institute of Equine Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Berne and ALP-Haras, Berne, Switzerland.
C
C
Heim
Department of Clinical Science and Services, The Royal Veterinary College, University of London, London, UK.
T
T
Pfau
Swiss Institute of Equine Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Berne and ALP-Haras, Berne, Switzerland.
V
V
Gerber
Swiss Institute of Equine Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Berne and ALP-Haras, Berne, Switzerland.
C
C
Schweizer
Veterinary Public Health Institute, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Berne, Berne, Switzerland.
M
M
Doherr
Veterinary Public Health Institute, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Berne, Berne, Switzerland.
G
G
Schüpbach-Regula
Swiss Institute of Equine Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Berne and ALP-Haras, Berne, Switzerland.
S
S
Witte
D000375:Aging; D000818:Animals; D006736:Horses / Q000502:physiology*; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular / Q000502:physiology*; D013131:Spine / Q000502:physiology*
back; horse; inertial measurement unit; objective; range of motion; vertebral column