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The effects of training aids on the longissimus dorsi in the equine back

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 November 2008

Suzanne Cottriall ,
Pattama Ritruechai  and
James M Wakeling
Suzanne Cottriall
Affiliation:
Structure and Motion Laboratory, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, HertfordshireAL9 7TA, UK
Pattama Ritruechai
Affiliation:
Structure and Motion Laboratory, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, HertfordshireAL9 7TA, UK
James M Wakeling*
Affiliation:
Structure and Motion Laboratory, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, HertfordshireAL9 7TA, UK Department of Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, V5A 1S6, Canada
*
*Corresponding author: wakeling@sfu.ca
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Abstract

This study aimed to determine whether training aids (side reins and a Pessoa) increased the use of the longissimus dorsi when horses are being lunged. Horses were lunged on a circle under four different conditions on the left and right reins in walk and trot, and electromyographic (EMG) and speed measurements were taken using surface EMG at T16 and GPS, respectively. The EMG intensity was substantially greater for the longissimus dorsi on the inside of the circle. Differences occurred in both the timing and the intensity of the EMG between the conditions. At walk, the EMG intensity was the greatest for the control condition and at trot the EMG intensity was the greatest for the control and Pessoa control conditions. It is concluded that the training aids of side reins and a Pessoa do not increase the use of the longissimus dorsi to stabilise the back.

Keywords

longissimus dorsilungetraining aidEMG

Information

Type
Short Communication
Information
Comparative Exercise Physiology , Volume 5 , Issue 3-4 , November 2008 , pp. 111 - 114
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2009

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