Modeling equine race surface vertical mechanical behaviors in a musculoskeletal modeling environment

Jennifer E Symons; David P Fyhrie; David A Hawkins; Shrinivasa K Upadhyaya; Susan M Stover

doi:10.1016/j.jbiomech.2015.01.006

Modeling equine race surface vertical mechanical behaviors in a musculoskeletal modeling environment

J Biomech. 2015 Feb 26;48(4):566-572. doi: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2015.01.006. Epub 2015 Jan 19.

Authors

Jennifer E Symons¹, David P Fyhrie², David A Hawkins³, Shrinivasa K Upadhyaya⁴, Susan M Stover⁵

Affiliations

¹ Biomedical Engineering Graduate Group, University of California - Davis, Davis, CA, USA; Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Cell Biology, University of California - Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, Davis, CA, USA.
² Biomedical Engineering Graduate Group, University of California - Davis, Davis, CA, USA; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California - Davis Medical Center Sacramento, CA, USA.
³ Biomedical Engineering Graduate Group, University of California - Davis, Davis, CA, USA; Department of Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior, University of California - Davis, Davis, CA, USA.
⁴ Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, University of California - Davis, Davis, CA, USA.
⁵ Biomedical Engineering Graduate Group, University of California - Davis, Davis, CA, USA; Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Cell Biology, University of California - Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, Davis, CA, USA. Electronic address: smstover@ucdavis.edu.

PMID: 25634662
DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2015.01.006

Abstract

Race surfaces have been associated with the incidence of racehorse musculoskeletal injury, the leading cause of racehorse attrition. Optimal race surface mechanical behaviors that minimize injury risk are unknown. Computational models are an economical method to determine optimal mechanical behaviors. Previously developed equine musculoskeletal models utilized ground reaction floor models designed to simulate a stiff, smooth floor appropriate for a human gait laboratory. Our objective was to develop a computational race surface model (two force-displacement functions, one linear and one nonlinear) that reproduced experimental race surface mechanical behaviors for incorporation in equine musculoskeletal models. Soil impact tests were simulated in a musculoskeletal modeling environment and compared to experimental force and displacement data collected during initial and repeat impacts at two racetracks with differing race surfaces - (i) dirt and (ii) synthetic. Best-fit model coefficients (7 total) were compared between surface types and initial and repeat impacts using a mixed model ANCOVA. Model simulation results closely matched empirical force, displacement and velocity data (Mean R(2)=0.930-0.997). Many model coefficients were statistically different between surface types and impacts. Principal component analysis of model coefficients showed systematic differences based on surface type and impact. In the future, the race surface model may be used in conjunction with previously developed the equine musculoskeletal models to understand the effects of race surface mechanical behaviors on limb dynamics, and determine race surface mechanical behaviors that reduce the incidence of racehorse musculoskeletal injury through modulation of limb dynamics.

Keywords: Dirt; Horse; Modeling; Race surface; Synthetic.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Animals
Behavior, Animal / physiology*
Biomechanical Phenomena / physiology
Computer Simulation*
Environment*
Forelimb / physiology
Gait / physiology
Hoof and Claw / physiology
Horses / physiology*
Mechanical Phenomena
Models, Biological*
Musculoskeletal Physiological Phenomena*
Running / physiology*
Soil

Substances

Soil