Non-invasive fitness assessment in horses:Integrating wearables and machine learning

The field of human sports has advanced significantly with the integration of machine learning and sensors for performance analysis. However, sport horses have not benefited equally from technological advancements due to their inability to provide feedback, such as verbal expressions of fatigue or difficulty.Veterinarians and researchers traditionally interpret equine well-being through methods like verbal encouragement, facial expressions, and blood sample analysis. These methods are either subjective or invasive, causing stress and disruption during training. Accurate and reliable fitness parameter values are essential to avoid overtraining and injuries, necessitating a more effective and less intrusive approach.This PhD thesis aims to revolutionize sport horse training by using wearable inertial sensors and state-of-the-art machine learning to enhance performance and prevent injuries. The study is divided into nine chapters, each contributing to the overall goal of improving equine fitness and well-being.Each chapter begins with a literature review to identify gaps and challenges in equine fitness and performance. Inertial sensors were chosen for their ability to capture a wide range of real-time motion data. The sensors were placed on various parts of the horse’s body, including the head, neck, shoulders, back, and legs. Data were collected during various training and competition scenarios to evaluate the system's effectiveness.The results demonstrated that the system could accurately capture and analyze a broad spectrum of motion data, providing valuable insights for trainers and riders. This technology can improve fitness and prevent injuries in sport horses by offering practical tools for assessing equine fitness outside of laboratory settings.This thesis makes significant contributions to equine research by leveraging wearable sensor technology and machine learning to enhance our understanding of equine fitness, performance, and well-being. The findings are valuable not only to the scientific community but also to the broader equestrian world, promoting the welfare of sport horses and the sustainability of the equestrian industry

Detecting fatigue of sport horses with biomechanical gait features using inertial sensors

Detection of fatigue helps prevent injuries and optimize the performance of horses. Previous studies tried to determine fatigue using physiological parameters. However, measuring the physiological parameters, e.g., plasma lactate, is invasive and can be affected by different factors. In addition, the measurement cannot be done automatically and requires a veterinarian for sample collection. This study investigated the possibility of detecting fatigue non-invasively using a minimum number of body-mounted inertial sensors. Using the inertial sensors, sixty sport horses were measured during walk and trot before and after high and low-intensity exercises. Then, biomechanical features were extracted from the output signals. A number of features were assigned as important fatigue indicators using neighborhood component analysis. Based on the fatigue indicators, machine learning models were developed for classifying strides to non-fatigue and fatigue. As an outcome, this study confirmed that biomechanical features can indicate fatigue in horses, such as stance duration, swing duration, and limb range of motion. The fatigue classification model resulted in high accuracy during both walk and trot. In conclusion, fatigue can be detected during exercise by using the output of body-mounted inertial sensors

Technical Aspects and Clinical Limitations of Sperm DNA Fragmentation Testing in Male Infertility: A Global Survey, Current Guidelines, and Expert Recommendations

PURPOSE: Sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) is a functional sperm abnormality that can impact reproductive potential, for which four assays have been described in the recently published sixth edition of the WHO laboratory manual for the examination and processing of human semen. The purpose of this study was to examine the global practices related to the use of SDF assays and investigate the barriers and limitations that clinicians face in incorporating these tests into their practice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Clinicians managing male infertility were invited to complete an online survey on practices related to SDF diagnostic and treatment approaches. Their responses related to the technical aspects of SDF testing, current professional society guidelines, and the literature were used to generate expert recommendations via the Delphi method. Finally, challenges related to SDF that the clinicians encounter in their daily practice were captured. RESULTS: The survey was completed by 436 reproductive clinicians. Overall, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase deoxyuridine triphosphate Nick-End Labeling (TUNEL) is the most commonly used assay chosen by 28.6%, followed by the sperm chromatin structure assay (24.1%), and the sperm chromatin dispersion (19.1%). The choice of the assay was largely influenced by availability (70% of respondents). A threshold of 30% was the most selected cut-off value for elevated SDF by 33.7% of clinicians. Of respondents, 53.6% recommend SDF testing after 3 to 5 days of abstinence. Although 75.3% believe SDF testing can provide an explanation for many unknown causes of infertility, the main limiting factors selected by respondents are a lack of professional society guideline recommendations (62.7%) and an absence of globally accepted references for SDF interpretation (50.3%). CONCLUSIONS: This study represents the largest global survey on the technical aspects of SDF testing as well as the barriers encountered by clinicians. Unified global recommendations regarding clinician implementation and standard laboratory interpretation of SDF testing are crucial

Technical aspects and clinical limitations of sperm DNA fragmentation testing in male infertility: A global survey, current guidelines, and expert recommendations

Purpose Sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) is a functional sperm abnormality that can impact reproductive potential, for which four assays have been described in the recently published sixth edition of the WHO laboratory manual for the examination and processing of human semen. The purpose of this study was to examine the global practices related to the use of SDF assays and investigate the barriers and limitations that clinicians face in incorporating these tests into their practice. Materials and Methods Clinicians managing male infertility were invited to complete an online survey on practices related to SDF diagnostic and treatment approaches. Their responses related to the technical aspects of SDF testing, current professional society guidelines, and the literature were used to generate expert recommendations via the Delphi method. Finally, challenges related to SDF that the clinicians encounter in their daily practice were captured. Results The survey was completed by 436 reproductive clinicians. Overall, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase deoxyuridine triphosphate Nick-End Labeling (TUNEL) is the most commonly used assay chosen by 28.6%, followed by the sperm chromatin structure assay (24.1%), and the sperm chromatin dispersion (19.1%). The choice of the assay was largely influenced by availability (70% of respondents). A threshold of 30% was the most selected cut-off value for elevated SDF by 33.7% of clinicians. Of respondents, 53.6% recommend SDF testing after 3 to 5 days of abstinence. Although 75.3% believe SDF testing can provide an explanation for many unknown causes of infertility, the main limiting factors selected by respondents are a lack of professional society guideline recommendations (62.7%) and an absence of globally accepted references for SDF interpretation (50.3%). Conclusions This study represents the largest global survey on the technical aspects of SDF testing as well as the barriers encountered by clinicians. Unified global recommendations regarding clinician implementation and standard laboratory interpretation of SDF testing are crucial

Controversy and Consensus on Indications for Sperm DNA Fragmentation Testing in Male Infertility: A Global Survey, Current Guidelines, and Expert Recommendations

Purpose: Sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) testing was recently added to the sixth edition of the World Health Organization laboratory manual for the examination and processing of human semen. Many conditions and risk factors have been associated with elevated SDF; therefore, it is important to identify the population of infertile men who might benefit from this test. The purpose of this study was to investigate global practices related to indications for SDF testing, compare the relevant professional society guideline recommendations, and provide expert recommendations. Materials and Methods: Clinicians managing male infertility were invited to take part in a global online survey on SDF clinical practices. This was conducted following the CHERRIES checklist criteria. The responses were compared to professional society guideline recommendations related to SDF and the appropriate available evidence. Expert recommendations on indications for SDF testing were then formulated, and the Delphi method was used to reach consensus. Results: The survey was completed by 436 experts from 55 countries. Almost 75% of respondents test for SDF in all or some men with unexplained or idiopathic infertility, 39% order it routinely in the work-up of recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL), and 62.2% investigate SDF in smokers. While 47% of reproductive urologists test SDF to support the decision for varicocele repair surgery when conventional semen parameters are normal, significantly fewer general urologists (23%; p=0.008) do the same. Nearly 70% would assess SDF before assisted reproductive technologies (ART), either always or for certain conditions. Recurrent ART failure is a common indication for SDF testing. Very few society recommendations were found regarding SDF testing. Conclusions: This article presents the largest global survey on the indications for SDF testing in infertile men, and demonstrates diverse practices. Furthermore, it highlights the paucity of professional society guideline recommendations. Expert recommendations are proposed to help guide clinicians

Controversy and consensus on the management of elevated sperm DNA fragmentation in male infertility: A global survey, current guidelines, and expert recommendations

Purpose Sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) has been associated with male infertility and poor outcomes of assisted reproductive technology (ART). The purpose of this study was to investigate global practices related to the management of elevated SDF in infertile men, summarize the relevant professional society recommendations, and provide expert recommendations for managing this condition. Materials and Methods An online global survey on clinical practices related to SDF was disseminated to reproductive clinicians, according to the CHERRIES checklist criteria. Management protocols for various conditions associated with SDF were captured and compared to the relevant recommendations in professional society guidelines and the appropriate available evidence. Expert recommendations and consensus on the management of infertile men with elevated SDF were then formulated and adapted using the Delphi method. Results A total of 436 experts from 55 different countries submitted responses. As an initial approach, 79.1% of reproductive experts recommend lifestyle modifications for infertile men with elevated SDF, and 76.9% prescribe empiric antioxidants. Regarding antioxidant duration, 39.3% recommend 4–6 months and 38.1% recommend 3 months. For men with unexplained or idiopathic infertility, and couples experiencing recurrent miscarriages associated with elevated SDF, most respondents refer to ART 6 months after failure of conservative and empiric medical management. Infertile men with clinical varicocele, normal conventional semen parameters, and elevated SDF are offered varicocele repair immediately after diagnosis by 31.4%, and after failure of antioxidants and conservative measures by 40.9%. Sperm selection techniques and testicular sperm extraction are also management options for couples undergoing ART. For most questions, heterogenous practices were demonstrated. Conclusions This paper presents the results of a large global survey on the management of infertile men with elevated SDF and reveals a lack of consensus among clinicians. Furthermore, it demonstrates the scarcity of professional society guidelines in this regard and attempts to highlight the relevant evidence. Expert recommendations are proposed to help guide clinicians

Technical Report of validation and comparison of two methods for estimating pelvis roll angle of horses using inertial measurement units and motion capture system

The pelvis roll angle is an important kinematic parameter, commonly used for gait analysis of horses. We compared pelvis roll angle during walk and trot between two methods: inertial measurement unit (IMU) attached on (a) sacrum and (b) each tubercoxae (TC), and validated these using motion capture. Five horses were equipped with two systems: IMU on both TC and sacrum, reflective markers on both TC and rigid triad of markers (RTM) on sacrum. Measurement was done at walk and trot along straight line. Both systems were frame synchronized. Subsequently, pelvis roll anglewas calculated for each stride using (a) rotation angle (around horse’s sagittal axis) of IMU and RTM, and (b) angle between horse’s horizontal plane and the line crosses both TC (marker and IMU). For method validation and comparison, accuracy of pelvis roll angle (in degree) was calculated between IMU and motion capture within methods and between methods using each system. Root mean square error of pelvis roll angle respectively during walk and trot within (a) were 0.33 and 0.67, within (b) were 0.28 and 0.43, between methods using IMU were 2.09 and 3.59, and between methods using motion capture were 1.57 and 3.55. Results indicated high accuracy of IMU measuring pelvisroll angle, while agreement between methods was low, regardless of system. Differences between methods were related to their centers of rotation, which were (a) below and (b) over sacrum. Although single IMU on sacrum can measure pelvis roll angle accurately, none of the methods indicated the actual pelvis roll angle

Non-Invasive Lactate Estimation Using Wearable Sensors for Remote Fatigue Assessment in Horses

Exercise-induced fatigue is a complex phenomenon that can significantly impact the health and welfare of horses. Traditional methods for assessing fatigue in horses, such as plasma lactate accumulation (LA) measurement, can be invasive and require the presence of a veterinarian on-site. In this paper, we propose the use of body-mounted inertial measurement units (IMUs) and a heart rate (HR) monitor as a non-invasive and veterinarian independent approach for assessing fatigue by estimating LA in horses during exercise. LA estimation models were trained using signal-based features and kinematic parameters extracted from IMUs. As an outcome, the accuracy of the best performing model based on two IMUs and HR was 0.11 mmol/L and 4.89% (root mean square error and mean absolute percentage error). This approach demonstrates the potential for remote health monitoring in animals, which can be particularly valuable for those in remote locations or with limited access to specialized veterinary care

Detecting fatigue of sport horses with biomechanical gait features using inertial sensors.

Detection of fatigue helps prevent injuries and optimize the performance of horses. Previous studies tried to determine fatigue using physiological parameters. However, measuring the physiological parameters, e.g., plasma lactate, is invasive and can be affected by different factors. In addition, the measurement cannot be done automatically and requires a veterinarian for sample collection. This study investigated the possibility of detecting fatigue non-invasively using a minimum number of body-mounted inertial sensors. Using the inertial sensors, sixty sport horses were measured during walk and trot before and after high and low-intensity exercises. Then, biomechanical features were extracted from the output signals. A number of features were assigned as important fatigue indicators using neighborhood component analysis. Based on the fatigue indicators, machine learning models were developed for classifying strides to non-fatigue and fatigue. As an outcome, this study confirmed that biomechanical features can indicate fatigue in horses, such as stance duration, swing duration, and limb range of motion. The fatigue classification model resulted in high accuracy during both walk and trot. In conclusion, fatigue can be detected during exercise by using the output of body-mounted inertial sensors