Effects of a rehabilitative whole-body resistance band wrap on equine gait, posture, cortisol, and muscular function.
Authors: Boger Brooke, Naraian Maegha, Hernandez Emily, Eaton Alexis, Rockburn Ruby, Tillman Isabella, Payne Stesha, Yob Chelsey, Panek Char, Manfredi Jane M
Journal: Frontiers in veterinary science
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Whole-Body Resistance Band Wraps in Equine Rehabilitation Whole-body resistance band wraps (RBW) have gained popularity as a passive therapeutic tool, yet evidence supporting their use in independent exercise remains limited. Researchers evaluated nine lame horses using objective gait analysis, acoustic myography, postural assessment, and salivary cortisol sampling to determine whether short-term RBW use could improve lameness, muscular function, range of motion, and stress markers. Whilst lameness severity, velocity, and stride length showed no significant change, cortisol concentrations decreased significantly (p = 0.03) during RBW use, and joint range of motion increased substantially across the carpus, tarsus, and shoulder (all p = 0.03), with corresponding increases in back angle (p = 0.04)—though this was accompanied by decreased semitendinosus muscle efficiency (p = 0.008). These mixed findings suggest the RBW may offer short-term anxiolytic and postural benefits through improved joint mobility, but the reduction in hamstring muscle function warrants caution regarding its independent use in rehabilitation programmes without concurrent exercise protocols. Further investigation combining RBW application with structured exercise regimens is essential before integrating this modality into clinical rehabilitation strategies for lame horses.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •Resistance band wraps may help reduce stress (cortisol) in lame horses but should not be expected to improve lameness severity or gait metrics in the short term
- •The increased joint range of motion could be beneficial for rehabilitation, but the decreased semitendinosus efficiency suggests caution—further research needed before routine rehabilitation use
- •This is a small pilot study (n=9); results are promising for stress reduction but insufficient evidence exists to recommend RBW as a standalone lameness treatment
Key Findings
- •Resistance band wraps reduced salivary cortisol levels (p = 0.03) during short-term use in lame horses
- •RBW increased carpal, tarsal, and shoulder joint range of motion (p = 0.03 for each) compared to baseline
- •RBW decreased semitendinosus muscle efficiency as measured by acoustic myography (p = 0.008)
- •No significant improvements in lameness severity, velocity, or stride length were observed with RBW use