Influence of track surface on the equine superficial digital flexor tendon loading in two horses at high speed trot.
Authors: Crevier-Denoix N, Pourcelot P, Ravary B, Robin D, Falala S, Uzel S, Grison A C, Valette J P, Denoix J M, Chateau H
Journal: Equine veterinary journal
Summary
# Editorial Summary Superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) injuries represent a significant concern in sport horses, yet the biomechanical mechanisms by which different track surfaces influence tendon loading remain poorly characterised. Crevier-Denoix and colleagues employed real-time ultrasonic strain measurement synchronised with high-speed videography and ground reaction force analysis to quantify SDFT loading in two trotters exercising at 10 m/s on either an all-weather waxed surface or crushed sand. Peak tendon forces were substantially lower on the waxed track compared to crushed sand, and critically, the rate of force development (loading rate) was significantly reduced on the waxed surface—a distinction that may have important implications for cumulative microtrauma. The researchers identified two distinct loading peaks during stance, with earlier peaks more pronounced on the firmer crushed sand surface, corresponding to measurable plateaux in fetlock kinematics that suggest dynamic proximal interphalangeal joint motion during loading phases. For equine professionals managing high-performance horses, these findings suggest that surface selection materially affects tendon stress profiles; softer, more compliant all-weather surfaces appear to distribute loading more gradually, potentially reducing the acute stress concentrations associated with firmer footing that may predispose to degenerative tendon pathology.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •All-weather waxed tracks reduce peak tendon forces and loading rates compared to crushed sand, suggesting lower injury risk during high-speed work
- •Track surface choice has measurable biomechanical effects on tendon loading—consider waxed surfaces for training intensive horses prone to SDFT injuries
- •The fetlock joint movement patterns during loading differ between track surfaces and may influence overall limb stress distribution
Key Findings
- •Maximal SDFT force was significantly lower on all-weather waxed track compared to crushed sand track at 10 m/s trot
- •Tendon maximal loading rate was significantly lower on waxed track than sand track for high force values
- •Early force peaks occurred at 13-30% of stance phase on both surfaces, more pronounced on sand track, correlating with fetlock angle plateaux
- •All-weather waxed track induces more gradual SDFT loading than crushed sand track