Analysis of locomotion in the horse using computer aided engineering software

An application of the DADS rigid-body package for analysis of locomotion in the horse is described. An important subject of study in equine locomotion research is the magnitude and distribution of forces inside the body, as it is generally assumed that overloading of joints, ligaments, and tendons is one of the main causes of acute and chronic injuries in equestrian sports. A biomechanical model of the horse has been developed to simulate the behavior of the musculoskeletal system under varying circumstances. The simulation software described was implemented on an Apollo DN4000 workstation using the DADS software package (version 5.0). Normal walking was simulated, using kinematic data for the proximal joints and tendon strain recordings from a normal walking pony as driving input for the model. Both movements and forces resemble observations in live animals. During the development of this model, much insight into the functioning of the locomotor system was gained. In particular, the role of polyarticular muscles and ligaments in the equine limbs was better understood.<>