3D kinematic of the thoracolumbar spine in Mangalarga Marchador horses performing the marcha batida gait and being led by hand-A preliminary report.
Authors: Simonato Samuel P, Bernardina Gustavo R D, Ferreira Leandro C R, Silvatti Amanda P, Barcelos Kate M C, da Fonseca Brunna P A
Journal: PloS one
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Thoracolumbar Kinematics in the Marcha Batida Gait Using high-speed 3D motion capture across 19 cameras, researchers tracked eight spinal markers from the thoracic through coccygeal vertebrae in five Mangalarga Marchador horses performing the marcha batida gait whilst led in-hand, measuring angular displacement in both sagittal (flexion–extension) and transverse (lateral bending) planes. The cranial thoracic spine demonstrated the greatest range of motion, particularly in lateral bending, whilst the lumbosacral region (L3–S1–CD1) showed remarkably restricted mobility in both planes—a pattern that remained consistent across all stride phases. During diagonal support phases, the cranial thorax maintained near-neutral flexion whilst the thoracolumbar region extended; conversely, during support transitions, flexion became more pronounced caudally. The minimal amplitude of spinal movement in both latero-lateral and dorsoventral directions appears directly linked to the breed's characteristically smooth, four-beat marcha batida gait, which likely explains the comfortable ride this gait provides. For farriers, veterinarians and physiotherapists, these findings establish normative baseline values essential for identifying pathological spinal motion in marcha batida horses; departures from the restricted lumbosacral pattern or excessive cranial thoracic movement during clinical examination may warrant further investigation, particularly when assessing gait abnormalities or performance issues in this breed.
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Practical Takeaways
- •When clinically examining Mangalarga Marchador horses, expect naturally low spinal mobility in the lumbosacral region—this is breed-normal, not pathological
- •The smooth ride characteristic of marcha batida gait correlates with minimal lateral spine movement; changes in this pattern may indicate lameness or pain
- •Saddle fit and rider balance should account for the naturally extended thoracolumbar posture during this gait to avoid restricting normal movement
Key Findings
- •T8-T12-T15 angle showed largest range of motion in transverse plane during marcha batida gait
- •Lumbosacral region (L3-S1-CD1) demonstrated lowest range of motion in both sagittal and transverse planes
- •Cranial thoracic region maintained reduced flexion near neutral spine during diagonal support phases
- •Thoracolumbar spine exhibited small amplitude latero-lateral and dorsoventral movements contributing to smooth riding sensation