Show Jumping Biomechanics: What Do We Know And How Can It Be Useful In A Physiotherapy Setting?

Kristin Dean, B.App.Sc(Phty), CERP, APA L2 Animal Physio (Equine)

Biomechanical analysis is widely used in human athletes to evaluate and optimise performance. While it is used frequently in research to study equine movement and performance, there is also a place for its use in the clinical setting, where it can have significant benefits in aiding in the diagnosis of injury, the creation of management plans, monitoring rehabilitation progress and improving performance. This is especially true in show jumping, where the movements are complex and quick.

At present, the main tools available to bridge the gap between physiotherapy and biomechanics are high-speed video with kinematic analysis, inertial motion units (IMUs) and force plates or shoes. These tools can provide objective measurements of joint function, limb symmetry and spinal mechanics. This can provide a baseline of a horse’s “normal” movement pattern and thus allow us to identify abnormal movements, which may improve our ability to catch pathology or injury earlier.

There is presently significant research that has identified key performance indicators for a successful show jump. We know that take-off is the key phase in show jumping, and that successful horses will have a higher vertical velocity of centre of mass (COM), increased height of the COM and decreased hind limb placement in relation to the COM.

We can use these biomechanical indicators to achieve more effective results in our clinical practice - identifying the main areas to ideally focus on such as improving the efficiency of the stretch shorten cycle (SSC), ensuring muscular power and strength of the hindquarters (in particular the gluteus medius), and advising riders on training parameters, especially in relation to symmetry and anaerobic fitness.

Equine Grass Sickness CPD

This CPD course explores all aspects of the often-fatal disease, Equine Grass Sickness (EGS).

The University of Edinburgh and Equine Grass Sickness Fund have launched a continuing professional development (CPD) online course. This course is for anyone with an interest in EGS. Equine Physiotherapists are being approached to help with rehabilitation of the chronic horses' recovery.

Further information:

edin.ac/vet-egs-cpd £120

PER ATTENDEE

35

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10%

OF FEE GOES TO EGSF