A simple method for equine kinematic gait event detection

Background Previous studies have validated methods for determining kinematic gait events using threshold-based methods, however a simple method is yet to be identified that can be successfully applied to walk, trot and canter. Objectives To develop a simple kinematic method to identify the timing of hoof-on, peak vertical force and hoof-off, which can be applied to walk, trot and canter. Study design In-vivo method authentication study. Methods The horses (n = 3) were ridden in walk, trot and canter down a runway with four force plates arranged linearly. Three-dimensional forces were recorded at a sampling rate of 960 Hz and were synchronised with a ten-camera motion analysis system sampling at 120 Hz. Events identified from the vertical ground reaction force (GRFz) data were hoof-on (GRFz>50N), peak vertical force (GRFzpeak) and hoof-off (GRFz<50N). Kinematic identification of hoof-on and hoof-off events was based on sagittal planar angles of the fore and hindlimbs. Peak metacarpophalangeal/metatarsophalangeal (MCP/MTP) joint extension was used to assess the time of GRFzpeak. The accuracy (mean) and precision (s.d.) of the time difference between the kinetic and kinematic events were calculated for the fore and hindlimbs at each gait. Results Hoof-off was determined with better accuracy (range: -3.94 to 8.33 ms) and precision (5.43 to 11.39 ms) than hoof-on across all gaits. Peak MCP angle (5.83 to 19.65 ms) was a more precise representation of GRFzpeak than peak MTP angle (11.49 to 67.75 ms). Main limitations The sample size was small and, therefore, further validation is required. The proposed method was tested on one surface. Conclusions A simple kinematic method of detecting hoof-on, hoof-off and GRFzpeak is here proposed for walk, trot and canter. Further work should focus on validating the methodology in a larger number of horses and extending the method for use on surfaces with varying compliance

A scoping review of determinants of performance in dressage

As a first step in achieving an evidence-based classification system for the sport of Para Dressage, there is a clear need to define elite dressage performance. Previous studies have attempted to quantify performance with able-bodied riders using scientific methods; however, definitive measures have yet to be established for the horse and/or the rider. This may be, in part, due to the variety of movements and gaits that are found within a dressage test and also due to the complexity of the horse-rider partnership. The aim of this review is therefore to identify objective measurements of horse performance in dressage and the functional abilities of the rider that may influence them to achieve higher scores. Five databases (SportDiscuss, CINAHL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, VetMed) were systematically searched from 1980 to May 2018. Studies were included if they fulfilled the following criteria: (1) English language; (2) employ objective, quantitative outcome measures for describing equine and human performance in dressage; (3) describe objective measures of superior horse performance using between-subject comparisons and/or relating outcome measures to competitive scoring methods; (4) describe demands of dressage using objective physiological and/or biomechanical measures from human athletes and/or how these demands are translated into superior performance. In total, 773 articles were identified. Title and abstract screening resulted in 155 articles that met the eligibility criteria, 97 were excluded during the full screening of articles, leaving 58 included articles (14 horse, 44 rider) involving 311 equine and 584 able-bodied human participants. Mean ± sd (%) quality scores were 63.5 ± 15.3 and 72.7 ± 14.7 for the equine and human articles respectively. Significant objective measures of horse performance (n = 12 articles) were grouped into themes and separated by gait/movement. A range of temporal variables that indicated superior performance were found in all gaits/movements. For the rider, n = 5 articles reported variables that identified significant differences in skill level, which included the postural position and ROM of the rider’s pelvis, trunk, knee and head. The timing of rider pelvic and trunk motion in relation to the movement of the horse emerged as an important indicator of rider influence. As temporal variables in the horse are consistently linked to superior performance it could be surmised that better overall dressage performance requires minimal disruption from the rider whilst the horse maintains a specific gait/movement. Achieving the gait/movement in the first place depends upon the intrinsic characteristics of the horse, the level of training achieved and the ability of the rider to apply the correct aid. The information from this model will be used to develop an empirical study to test the relative strength of association between impairment and performance in able-bodied and Para Dressage riders

Immediate Versus Triggered Transfusion for Children with Uncomplicated Severe Anaemia

Background: The World Health Organization recommends a haemoglobin transfusion threshold of 0.2) nor evidence of differences between groups in re-admissions (p=0.36), serious adverse events (p=0.36) nor in haemoglobin recovery at 180-days (p=0.08). Length-of-stay was mean 0.9 days longer in the triggered group. Conclusions: There was no evidence of differences in clinical outcomes over 6 months with triggered vs immediate transfusion. Triggered transfusion reduced blood-volume requirements by 60% but increased length-of-stay by 20% and required repeated haemoglobin monitoring and surveillance

Developing Sustainable Livestock Systems through Participatory Farmer Research

Application Understanding muscular adaptations could inform objective lameness-detection for early diagnosis/treatment, ultimately serving to detect sub-clinical issues in supposed healthy horses and to reduce pain/ incapacity in lame horses. Introduction The prevalence and impact of lameness on equine welfare has led to extensive research, which has biomechanically analysed lameness-related alterations in movement. Despite this, limited information is available about adaptive muscle activity that facilitates movement during lameness. Surface electromyography (sEMG) is a non-invasive method for quantifying muscle activity. However, no equine studies have employed sEMG to compare inherent and adaptive activity during non-lame and standardised lameness conditions, respectively. The aim of this preliminary study was to compare Triceps Brachii (TB) muscle activity in horses before and after induced forelimb (FL) lameness, using sEMG data. Material and methods Six clinically non-lame horses (5 mares, 1 stallion, age: 7.0±3.7 years, height: 162.3±4.0 cm, body mass: 572.7±45.8 kg) were used. sEMG sensors (Delsys Trigno, Delsys Inc.) were attached bilaterally to locations above TB (long head), that were prepared by removing all hair and cleaning with isopropyl alcohol. Retro-reflective markers were attached to anatomical landmarks for quantitative lameness evaluation (QHorse, Qualisys AB) and gait event detection. sEMG (2000 Hz) and 3D kinematic (200 Hz) data were synchronously collected from horses during in-hand trot trials, conducted on a straight, hard surfaced runway before (baseline) and after FL lameness induction. Baseline data were initially collected, then temporary, mild FL lameness (2-3/5 AAEP Lameness Scale) was induced using mechanical bolt pressure, applied to the tip of the frog and monitored by qualified veterinarians (T.S., F.S.B.) using a modified horseshoe (Merkens and Schamhardt, 1988). Left and right FL lameness induction were randomised. Following data collection, the bolt/ sole pressure was removed and no horses showed adverse reactions to lameness inductions, or residual lameness. For stride segmentation, gait events were detected using kinematic data that were low-pass filtered (Butterworth 4th order, 10 Hz cut-off) and analysed in accordance with the methods described by Holt et al. (2017). To quantify lameness, MinDiff was calculated using poll vertical displacement data, where healthy horses exhibit MinDiff between -6 – 6mm and left and right FL lameness are exhibited as more positive and negative values, respectively (Rhodin et al., 2016). Raw sEMG signals were DC-offset removed, high-pass filtered (Butterworth 4th order, 40 Hz cut-off) (St. George et al., 2018), and fullwave rectified. Integrated EMG (iEMG) and average rectified value (ARV) were calculated using stride duration as temporal domain. To reduce inter-subject variability, iEMG and ARV from each horse were normalised to the maximum value observed for each limb (left/ right FL) across all strides from the baseline condition. Data from the “lame” and “nonlame” limb were grouped, according to the limb where lameness was induced. A 2x2 repeated measures ANOVA was used to compare muscle activity between limb (lame, non-lame) and condition (baseline, induced FL lameness). Post-hoc analyses using Bonferroni correction were performed where significant main effects were found. Results Mean ± sd MinDiff were baseline:-1.8 ± 8.7 mm, left FL lameness induction:-55.3 ± 34.1 mm, right FL lameness: 56.8 ± 17.9 mm. Significant interactions between limb and condition were found for iEMG (p < 0.05, n2=0.74) and ARV (p < 0.05, n2=0.75). Post hoc analyses of iEMG and ARV data revealed muscle activity was significantly higher in the lame limb (p < 0.05) and significantly lower in the non-lame limb (p < 0.01) during the induced FL lameness condition. Conclusion Preliminary findings reveal neuromuscular adaptations in TB during induced FL lameness. Significant increases in stance duration have been reported during FL lameness (Weishaupt et al., 2006). Therefore, significant increases in lame limb muscle activity may be due to prolonged stabilisation of the shoulder and elbow joints, as a compensatory mechanism of gait adaptation to lameness. Further investigations of additional muscles and chronic lameness cases are required to determine whether sEMG can provide a complimentary tool for objective lameness detection

An exploration of stakeholder perceptions to inform the development of an evidence-based classification system in para dressage.

In dressage, horse-rider combinations must demonstrate harmony whilst performing a test of gaits and movements, scored by judge(s) using predetermined criteria. The para dressage governing body is working towards compliance with the International Paralympic Committee’s mandate for evidence-based classification, which requires a comprehensive understanding of key performance determinants. This study aimed to explore stakeholder perceptions surrounding the key determinants of, and impact of impairment on, para dressage sports performance. Semi-structured interviews with 30 para dressage stakeholders (athletes, classifiers, judges, coach) were analysed using the Framework method. Themes relating to the equine and human athlete were associated with overall dressage performance and discussed within the context of impairment and horse-rider partnership. Key performance determinants were summarised as the athlete’s ability to maintain dynamic postural control for absorbing the horse’s movement and coordinating leg, hand, and seat aids, which directly influence the horse’s quality and accuracy of movements during dressage. Thus, muscular coordination, joint mobility that influences rider posture, and personality traits that influence the horse-rider partnership were considered performance determinants. These themes will inform the development of an evidence-based classification system, through the establishment of standardised, sport-specific performance measures for assessing the relationship between impairment and activity limitation in para dressage

The RNA binding protein Larp1 regulates cell division, apoptosis and cell migration.

The RNA binding protein Larp1 was originally shown to be involved in spermatogenesis, embryogenesis and cell-cycle progression in Drosophila. Our data show that mammalian Larp1 is found in a complex with poly A binding protein and eukaryote initiation factor 4E and is associated with 60S and 80S ribosomal subunits. A reduction in Larp1 expression by siRNA inhibits global protein synthesis rates and results in mitotic arrest and delayed cell migration. Consistent with these data we show that Larp1 protein is present at the leading edge of migrating cells and interacts directly with cytoskeletal components. Taken together, these data suggest a role for Larp1 in facilitating the synthesis of proteins required for cellular remodelling and migration