Hindlimb response to tactile stimulation of the pastern and coronet.
Authors: Clayton H M, White A D, Kaiser L J, Nauwelaerts S, Lavagnino M, Stubbs N C
Journal: Equine veterinary journal
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Hindlimb Response to Tactile Stimulation of the Pastern and Coronet Lightweight tactile stimulators (55 g) applied loosely around the hind pasterns produce measurable changes in swing phase kinematics and kinetics, offering potential therapeutic applications for horses with impaired hindlimb flexion or coordination deficits. Clayton and colleagues evaluated nine sound horses trotting with and without stimulators, using high-speed motion capture and inverse dynamics analysis to quantify changes in joint angles, flight arc height, and muscular work patterns throughout the swing phase. Stimulation significantly shortened stance duration and increased peak flexion angles across the stifle, tarsus, metatarsophalangeal and distal interphalangeal joints, resulting in a higher hoof flight arc; notably, tarsal musculature demonstrated increased concentric (positive) work, whilst stifle, fetlock and coffin joints showed increased eccentric (negative) work during the swing phase. Whilst hip joint flexion remained unaffected, the ability to selectively stimulate tarsal muscle recruitment without altering stride speed or duration makes this approach particularly valuable for rehabilitation of conditions involving reduced hindlimb clearance, including toe dragging and post-injury compensation patterns. For practitioners, this evidence supports the incorporation of pastern-mounted tactile devices as an adjunctive tool to enhance proprioceptive feedback and motor patterning during physiotherapy, particularly when restoring distal hindlimb joint function.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Lightweight pastern stimulators may be used as a physiotherapy tool to increase hindlimb joint flexion and improve hoof flight, potentially beneficial for horses with toe dragging or reduced stride quality
- •The mechanism works through increased tarsal muscle activation, making it particularly applicable for conditions requiring strengthening of the lower hindlimb rather than hip flexors
- •Simple, non-invasive application of tactile stimulators could support rehabilitation protocols without pharmaceutical intervention or performance-enhancing concerns
Key Findings
- •55g tactile stimulators on hind pasterns increased hoof flight arc height through increased flexion of stifle, tarsal, metatarsophalangeal, and distal interphalangeal joints
- •Stimulators increased positive work in tarsal musculature but not hip musculature during swing phase
- •Stance duration decreased with stimulators while speed and stride duration remained unchanged
- •Negative work increased across stifle and distal joints, indicating enhanced eccentric muscle activation