Evaluation of postural sway in horses standing on balance pads of varying densities and limb placement

Background

Balance and stability are relevant biomechanical components of overall health and athletic performance. Proprioceptive balance pads are frequently used in equine rehabilitation programs to improve postural stability.

Objectives

To compare the center of pressure (COP) variables in horses standing on varying proprioceptive balance pad densities and configurations.

Study design

Controlled clinical trial.

Methods

Ten healthy horses were used to collect the center of pressure displacement parameters (area, craniocaudal sway, mediolateral sway, and velocity) during quiet stance on force platforms without proprioceptive balance pads and during randomly selected variations in pad densities and limb configurations. COP outcome variables were statistically analyzed using a linear mixed model, followed by Dunnett and Tukey adjusted pairwise comparisons.

Results

Medium-density pads in all four limbs induced the greatest COP area displacement, craniocaudal sway, and COP velocity. Soft-density pads in all four limbs resulted in the greatest mediolateral sway. Overall, standing all four limbs on pads regardless of the density produced greater COP variables than placing either forelimbs or hindlimbs on pads. All four limbs placed on medium, soft, and firm-density pads, and forelimbs placed on medium and firm-density pads were statistically different from baseline (no pads).

Main limitations

Material properties from different brands and pad shapes may have different results.

Conclusions

The findings of this research can inform the development of more effective rehabilitation protocols for postural control training in horses.