Swing phase kinematics of horses trotting over poles.
Authors: Brown S, Stubbs N C, Kaiser L J, Lavagnino M, Clayton H M
Journal: Equine veterinary journal
Summary
# Editorial Summary Trotting over poles has long been used in equine rehabilitation to restore joint mobility and strengthen limb musculature, yet until this 2015 study by Brown and colleagues, the biomechanical mechanisms underpinning these therapeutic claims remained largely unquantified. Using three-dimensional motion analysis with skin-mounted reflective markers, the researchers measured swing phase kinematics in eight sound horses trotting across level ground, low poles (11 cm) and high poles (20 cm) positioned 1.05 m apart, analysing changes in peak joint flexion angles and hoof flight trajectories. Forefoot peak height increased progressively from 13.8 cm on level ground to 30.9 cm over low poles and 41.0 cm over high poles, whilst hind hooves showed similarly significant increases from 10.8 cm to 24.9 cm and 32.7 cm respectively—these elevations were achieved through increased flexion across all joints of both limbs rather than through vertical elevation of the body during suspension phases. The findings provide quantitative evidence that pole work effectively activates flexor musculature throughout the limb, whilst the sustained demand for precise hoof clearance and placement engages visuomotor coordination pathways, suggesting particular value in neurological rehabilitation cases where habituation to proprioceptive stimulation might otherwise limit therapeutic benefit.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •Pole work progressively increases joint flexion in the swing phase without habituation effects, making it reliable for therapeutic strengthening of flexor muscles
- •The requirement for accurate visuomotor coordination when negotiating poles has applications beyond musculoskeletal rehabilitation, particularly for neurological cases
- •High poles (20 cm) produce three-fold increases in hoof flight height compared to level ground, providing significant stimulus for joint mobilisation in therapeutic programs
Key Findings
- •Peak hoof heights increased significantly from level ground (fore: 13.8 cm, hind: 10.8 cm) to low poles (fore: 30.9 cm, hind: 24.9 cm) to high poles (fore: 41.0 cm, hind: 32.7 cm)
- •All joints of fore- and hindlimbs contributed to increased hoof height through increased swing phase flexion rather than body elevation
- •Hooves cleared poles due to increased joint flexion in swing phase, indicating activation and strengthening of flexor musculature
- •Trotting over poles requires visuomotor coordination for accurate hoof placement, potentially useful for neurological rehabilitation