A short-term hindlimb massage programme can improve gait symmetry in riding school horses

Musculoskeletal injuries have been reported to be the main contributor to the interruption or dismissal of a horse’s athletic career. The muscles are responsible for the production of forces involved in movement, yet the muscles are often overlooked with regards to pre/rehabilitation. The use of massage therapy as part of a training programme is becoming increasingly popular. The beneficial effects of massage have been widely researched, though much of the research is on the immediate effects, and consistency between studies is lacking. This study was a preliminary investigation into the effects of a short-term massage programme on the gait parameters of riding school horses. 15 clinically sound riding school horses of different breed, age and height were used in a controlled, blind study. The horses were divided in to three groups of five ensuring a mixture of height, breed and age. Group Massage received a 10 min massage at each side on the proximal hindlimb, once a week for three weeks. Group Sham received 10 min groom at each side on the proximal hindlimb, once a week for three weeks; and the Control Group has received no treatment. Gait analysis was conducted on days 1 and 28. In walk, a significant improvement in stride length symmetry index (SI) (P=0.043) and protraction SI (P=0.0043) was found for the Massage Group, with hock flexion SI significantly better for the Massage Group at day 28 (P=0.03). At trot and canter, hock flexion SI was improved in Group Massage (P=0.003 and P=0.024, respectively). A short-term massage programme to the proximal hindlimb improved gait symmetry, particularly hock flexion SI, within riding school horses. An appropriate dosage level for particular results needs to be determined in order to effectively utilise massage within a training programme. Further studies analysing kinetic parameters alongside kinematic parameters will enable further conclusions to be drawn.