Movement asymmetry in working polo horses

• DOI: 10.1111/evj.12467
• Publication Date: 2015-06-03T08:43:53Z
• Authors: T. Pfau; R. S. Parkes; E. R. Burden; N. Bell; H. Fairhurst; T. H. Witte
• Keywords: Forelimb; Fluctuating asymmetry

The high, repetitive demands imposed on polo horses in training and competition may predispose them to musculoskeletal injuries lameness.To quantify movement symmetry lameness a population of horses, investigate the existence relationship with age.Convenience sampled cross-sectional study.Sixty were equipped inertial measurement units (IMUs) attached poll, between tubera sacrale. Six measures calculated for vertical head pelvic displacement during in-hand trot compared values perfect symmetry, left right limb lame published thresholds lameness. Regression lines as function age horse.Based 2 different sets asymmetry 52-53% quantified 27-50% resulting 60-67% being classified outside guideline either forelimbs, hindlimbs or both. Neither forelimb nor hindlimb asymmetries preferentially sided, directional across all not from absolute (P >0.6 >0.2 measures). None parameters increased decreased significantly age.A large proportion show gait consistent previously defined These do appear be lateralised associated age.