Effect of Needle and Extracorporeal Shockwave Stimulation of Acupuncture Points on Equine Chronic Multilimb Lameness Using a Single-Formula Approach
Authors: R. Labens, M. Schramme, Josephine N Hale, A. R. Teixeira-Neto
Journal: VCOT Open
Summary
# Editorial Summary Chronic multilimb lameness presents a significant management challenge in equine practice, prompting investigation into alternative therapeutic modalities beyond conventional treatment. Labens and colleagues compared needle and electroacupuncture (NAP) with extracorporeal shockwave stimulation of acupuncture points (SAP) in ten Standardbred mares with chronic multilimb lameness using a randomised crossover design, with treatment administered three-weekly over a four-week assessment period, with objective gait analysis performed using inertial sensors and blinded expert video review. Shockwave stimulation produced measurable improvement in hindlimb lameness (p < 0.001) and was associated with improved animal comfort post-treatment (p = 0.036), typically resulting in a one-grade improvement; conversely, needle acupuncture correlated with significant deterioration in forelimb lameness (p < 0.001) and showed no beneficial effect on hindlimb function. Given the non-invasive profile of SAP and its differential efficacy between limb pairs—particularly its hindlimb responsiveness—this approach warrants consideration in multimodal chronic lameness management, though practitioners should recognise that improvement was partial rather than curative and that traditional acupuncture needling may carry risk in certain presentations. The findings underscore the importance of treating acupuncture modalities as distinct interventions with potentially divergent outcomes, rather than interchangeable techniques.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Consider shockwave acupuncture stimulation for horses with chronic hindlimb lameness as a non-invasive option, though expect modest improvement (one grade) rather than complete resolution
- •Avoid needle/electroacupuncture for forelimb lameness in this population, as it was associated with worsening of forelimb gait parameters
- •SAP's non-invasive nature and improved comfort outcomes make it worth trialling in chronic multilimb lameness cases where conventional treatments have plateaued
Key Findings
- •Shockwave acupuncture point stimulation (SAP) improved hindlimb lameness (DIFFMINPelvis; p < 0.001) but had no effect on forelimb lameness
- •Needle acupuncture point stimulation (NAP) was associated with deterioration of forelimb lameness (VSHead; p < 0.001) with no effect on hindlimb lameness
- •SAP showed significantly greater animal comfort post-treatment compared to pre-treatment (p = 0.036), with typical improvement of one lameness grade
- •SAP and NAP produced different treatment outcomes with interaction effect observed in forelimb gait parameters (p = 0.002)