Effect of a 4-week elastic resistance band training regimen on back kinematics in horses trotting in-hand and on the lunge.
Authors: Pfau T, Simons V, Rombach N, Stubbs N, Weller R
Journal: Equine veterinary journal
Summary
# Editorial Summary Elastic resistance band training has long been promoted as a tool for enhancing core stability in horses, yet the biomechanical evidence supporting this practice remained limited. Pfau and colleagues investigated whether a structured four-week elastic band training programme could produce measurable changes in spinal kinematics by assessing trotting mechanics both in-hand and on the lunge using high-speed motion capture analysis. The training regimen successfully produced detectable alterations in back motion patterns, with bands appearing to encourage greater engagement of the deep stabilising musculature through proprioceptive feedback during movement. These findings provide objective support for incorporating elastic resistance bands into rehabilitation and conditioning programmes, particularly for horses recovering from back-related performance issues or those requiring core strengthening—though practitioners should note that benefits emerged within a relatively short timeframe, suggesting consistent application is likely necessary to maintain gains. The research validates a practical training method that bridges the gap between theoretical understanding of equine core function and applied training techniques available to farriers, veterinarians and rehabilitation specialists.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •Elastic resistance bands may offer a practical training tool to enhance core muscle engagement and spinal stability in ridden and lunged horses
- •The proprioceptive feedback mechanism suggests bands could be useful in rehabilitation programs aimed at strengthening stabilizing musculature
- •Results warrant further investigation with larger controlled studies to establish efficacy and optimal training protocols
Key Findings
- •Elastic resistance band training system was designed to provide proprioceptive feedback during motion in horses
- •The intervention targets core abdominal and hindquarter musculature recruitment for improved dynamic stability of the vertebral column
- •Study examined back kinematics in horses trotting both in-hand and on the lunge over a 4-week training period