Influence of Osteopathic Treatment of Horses Objectified

Effects of osteopathic treatment on mobility in the lumbar spinal column

 

Summary of the thesis
submitted by Annelies De Wispelaere and Hymne Rydant
in order to obtain the Diploma of Animal Osteopathy
Tutor: Stefan ALEN

 

Introduction

Two students at the “International College for Research on Equine Osteopathy” (I.C.R.E.O.), Hymne Rydant and Ann elies De Wispelaere , chose as their thesis subject the mobility of the lumbar spinal column, examined before and after osteopathic treatment. A significant improvement of both the symmetry and the amplitude of movement was observed in all the horses. This study shows clearly the positive effects of the treatment on the mobility of the lumbar spinal column.

We would like to thank the Faculties of Sport and Kinesiology and Veterinary Medicine of the University of Ghent

 

1. Purpose of the study

 

The purpose of this study is to examine analytical research of the movement of the lower back and pelvis during walking both before and after osteopathic treatment. Measurements are performed around the pelvis. The pelvis plays a key role in forward movement. The forces generated by the hindquarters during movement are transmitted via the pelvis to the spinal column and the rest of the body (Ridgway (2006), Haussler (2000), Denoix (2005), Audigé (2000)). On the assumption that the movements occur symmetrically in the pelvis, the transmission of the forces to the rest of the body will occur more smoothly. The reference points were the tu ber sacrale and the tu ber coxae. These are the most prominent points and also the easiest to palpate. The measurements were performed during walking, because this is the movement that mobilises the back most, due to the alternation of tripodal and bipodal states, which generate sinusoidal movements (Denoix, Audigié, (2001)). During the stride, in the sagittal plane there is a succession of flexion-extension movements, albeit to a limited extent. In the horizontal plane, there is a succession of lateroflexions which continue throughout the spinal column. In the frontal plane, we note relatively clear rotations. The symmetry in these rotations is a very important parameter, and teaches us a great deal about the mobility of the lumbar spinal column.

A first hypothesis predicts a difference in freedom of movement of the pelvis and lower back during walking after treatment. Freer and greater movement is expected.

A second hypothesis predicts a difference in the spatio-temporal paramaters of the pelvis in the frontal area. After treatment, it is anticipated that the tu ber coxae move horizontally and parallel to the ground; this means that the tu ber coxae are located at an equal height on both sides and rotate in equal measure on both sides.

A third hypothesis predicts a difference in the spatio-temporal parameters of the pelvis in the horizontal plane. Here, it is anticipated that the tu ber coxae will move in a similar manner on both sides in the lateroflexions of the spinal column.

  

2.1 Study animals

 

Seven horses with known history and pedigree were chosen as study animals. The average age, build and weight of the study animals were (x ± SD) 9.6 ± 1 year; 1.63 ± 0.02m; 506.3 ± 47.3kg. Table 1 shows the individual values. The study animals were selected on the basis of a num ber of conditions: regular physical activity, racehorses and problems in thoraco-lumbar transmission and/or the hindquarters. The horse owners were given verbal and written details of the test procedures. The horse owners were also asked to comply strictly with the directives of the researchers during the tests. Before participating in the study, the participants signed an 'informed consent'. The persons involved in the studys were allowed to discontinue their participation in the study at any time.

 

 

H	NAME	BREED	GENDER	AGE (y)	WITHERS (m)	BW (kg)	COLOUR
1	Coucoumie	Thoroughbred	Mare	8	1.60	400	Brown
2	Adja	Thoroughbred Criollo	Mare	17	1.56	500	Chestnut
3	Notable Du Houssoit	SBS	Gelding	8	1.74	600	Gray
4	Parona	KWPN	Mare	8	1.65	550	Chestnut
5	Chinook	-	Mare	11	1.59	500	Brown/grey
6	Selma	KWPN	Mare	7	1.62	500	Brown
7	Paride	Oldenburg	Mare	8	1.68	550	Black

Table 1 : Physical characteristics of the study animals (y = age in years, m = withers height in metres, kg = body weight in kg)

 

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