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    [RC] News release: McPhail Equine Performance Center - Judy Lessard


    July 18, 2002
    
    RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTED AT MCPHAIL CENTER OPEN HOUSE
    	
    EAST LANSING, Mich. - The Mary Anne McPhail Equine Performance Center
    at Michigan State University's College of Veterinary Medicine celebrated
    its first two years of operation by hosting an open house on June 10,
    2002.  
    	
    The center occupies more than 18,000 square feet and, among other
    things, houses a large force platform and video analysis system used for
    computerized motion analysis.  
    	
    Dr. Hilary Clayton is the director of the center and also holds the
    McPhail Dressage Chair in Equine Sports Medicine.  
    	
    Attendees toured the facilities and heard presentations on four of the
    center's current research projects.   
    
    Effects of Corta-Flx in Horses 
    with Bone Spavin
    
    Feed supplements intended to maintain joint health have become very
    popular for relief of the symptoms of arthritis in people and animals.
    There is considerable anecdotal evidence and some scientific reports
    that support the use of these products. 
    
    Bone spavin is one of the most common forms of arthritis in horses.
    Treatment usually involves administration of anti-inflammatory analgesic
    medication. The objective of this study was to assess the response of
    horses with bone spavin to the administration of the feed supplement,
    Corta-Flx. 
    
    The study was designed as a placebo-controlled, double-blind study in
    which neither the researchers nor the horse owners knew whether horses
    were receiving Corta-Flx or a placebo until the study had been
    completed.
     
    The effect of Corta-Flx was evaluated objectively using gait analysis
    to measure the horse's movement patterns and weight-bearing profiles.
    Among other things, the  researchers calculated the absorption of
    concussion and generation of propulsion by the limbs. 
    
    Analysis of the results is in progress.
    
    Researchers:  Patricia Almeida and Hilary Clayton
    
    
    Effects of Hock Joint Conformation on 
    Performance and Soundness
    
    The conformation of the hock joint varies markedly between horses.
    Certain types of hock conformation are thought to be more efficient for
    athletic activities, whereas other types of conformation may predispose
    to lameness. 
    
    Horses with a small angle on the front of the hock (sickle hocks) are
    thought to have less range of motion and to be predisposed to injuries,
    such as bone spavin and curb, which makes them unsuitable as high-level
    competitors in dressage and jumping.  Horses with a large hock angle
    (straight hocks) are not generally regarded as good prospects for
    athletic events and are said to be prone to thoroughpin and bog spavin.
    
    Although the hock joint is the most common site of lameness in the hind
    limb, the mechanisms by which this joint affects performance and
    soundness have not been investigated. 
    
    Research in the McPhail Equine Performance Center has shown that the
    functions of the hock joint are to absorb concussion when the hoof hits
    the ground and to generate energy that propels the horse forward. 
    
    This objective of this study is to compare movement characteristics,
    shock absorption, and force generation in horses with different types of
    hock conformation.  The results will help us to understand why certain
    types of conformation predispose to injury and enable recommendations to
    be made as to the suitability of different conformations for specific
    occupations.
    
    Researchers:  Lauren Gnagey and Hilary Clayton
    
    
    Studies of Horse Riders
    
    The rider communicates with the horse using a system of aids, which are
    produced by the hands, seat, weight and legs of the rider. This project
    is investigating the aids from the rider's hands using strain gage
    transducers to measure tension in the reins and electromyography to
    study muscle activation patterns in the rider's arms and shoulders. 
    
    The results indicate that rein tension is not constant, but occurs as
    regular spikes as the horse's head nods into the contact, with the
    rider's hand supporting the nodding action. There are two spikes per
    stride in the trot and one spike per stride in the canter. Muscles in
    the rider's arms (biceps and triceps) and forearms (wrist flexors and
    extensors) contract rhythmically within the stride to support the
    nodding motion of the horse's head.
    
    This technology is being used to help riders improve their technique by
    displaying rein tension and muscle activation patterns on a screen in
    the riding arena. The rider observes the screen for immediate feedback
    about his or her rein tension patterns and riding technique.
    
    Researchers:  Kayo Terada  and Hilary Clayton
    
    
    Position and Action of Different 
    Bits in the Horse's Mouth
    
    The bit is one of the tools used by the rider to control the horse.
    Tension is transmitted from the riders' hands to the horse's mouth via
    the reins and bit. 
    
    Several years ago, Clayton studied the position and action of various
    bits in the horse's mouth using a technique called fluoroscopy, a form
    of continuous X-ray, recorded on videotape. Several new bits have been
    marketed recently, some of which appear to have markedly different
    mechanics. 
     
    This project is using fluoroscopy and endoscopy to assess the action of
    six bits: the hollow mouth snaffle, the boucher snaffle, the KK Ultra,
    and three Myler bits. 
    
    The fluoroscopic portion of the study involves recording X-rays
    continuously as a measured amount of tension is applied to one or both
    reins. The position and movements of each bit are evaluated relative to
    sensitive structures in the horse's mouth, such as the hard palate and
    the tongue. 
    
    One of the challenges a horse faces when being ridden with a bit is the
    need to swallow periodically. Some of the newer bits are thought to
    facilitate swallowing, and this is being tested by having horses canter
    on the treadmill with side reins attached to a surcingle to maintain
    flexion at the poll. 
    
    The researchers count the number of times the horses swallow during
    exercise at the canter and make comparisons for horses wearing a halter
    versus different types of bits. 
    
    Researchers: Jane Manfredi  and Hilary Clayton
    
    For more information about the Mary Anne McPhail Equine Performance
    Center, check the Website:  http://cvm.msu.edu/dressage
    
    Contact:  Dr. Hilary Clayton, Director					
    
    Mary Anne McPhail Equine Performance Center 
    (517) 432-5630
    
    or
    	    
    Linda Chadderdon
    College Information Officer
    (517) 355-5165
    
    
    Judith L. Lessard
    Editorial Assistant
    Publications and Media Relations
    and Preveterinary Advising
    College of Veterinary Medicine
    Michigan State University
    A120-D East Fee Hall
    East Lansing, MI 48824
    517-355-0001
    
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