Kinematic Analysis During Straight Line Free Swimming in Horses: Part 2 - Hindlimbs.
Authors: Santosuosso Emma, Leguillette Renaud, Vinardell Tatiana, Filho Silvio, Massie Shannon, McCrae Persephone, Johnson Sarah, Rolian Campbell, David Florent
Journal: Frontiers in veterinary science
Summary
# Swimming Kinematics in Horses: Understanding Hindlimb Mechanics Whilst swimming is widely adopted in equine rehabilitation and conditioning programmes, detailed knowledge of how individual joints move through water remains limited. This 2021 study built on earlier forelimb analysis to quantify stifle, tarsus, and hind fetlock kinematics during free swimming, comparing joint angles achieved in the water against those obtained during passive mobilisation on land. The researchers used motion analysis to measure angular displacement and velocity across the stride cycle, establishing baseline biomechanical data for these three critical hindlimb joints. Understanding the specific ranges of motion and loading patterns that swimming produces is essential for practitioners designing rehabilitation protocols—particularly when determining whether aquatic work actually achieves the mobility gains claimed, or when identifying whether horses with specific joint problems might benefit disproportionately from this modality. These findings provide the evidence base needed to prescribe swimming more intelligently within conditioning and recovery programmes, rather than using it as a generalised intervention.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •Swimming produces distinct hindlimb joint kinematics that differ from passive range of motion work—understanding these differences helps optimize rehabilitation protocols
- •Quantified joint angular velocities during swimming can guide conditioning program design for equine athletes
- •Use swimming data as reference for assessing abnormal movement patterns during rehabilitation from hindlimb injuries
Key Findings
- •Hindlimb joint angles during swimming were quantified for stifle, tarsus, and hind fetlock joints
- •Angular velocities were calculated throughout the swimming stride cycle for comparative analysis
- •Swimming kinematics differed from passive mobilization ranges, providing baseline biomechanical data