Reliability and sensitivity of an accelerometric device to discriminate between the biomechanical effects of different racetracks in the horse trotting at high speed

摘要

Inadequate racetrack surfaces are believed to be a risk factor in the occurrence of musculoskeletal injuries. However, their actual effects on biomechanical parameters are insufficiently documented in trotters under high-speed training conditions. Shock and vibration during hoof impact on different ground surfaces have been measured at slow trot (Barrey et al. 1991; Gustas et al. 2006) and gallop (Ratzlaff et al. 2005). New synthetic racetracks for trotters are en vogue but evidence that supports this choice is missing. A biomechanical approach is needed for a more objective analysis. The objective of this study is to test the reliability and sensitivity of an accelerometric device to discriminate between the biomechanical effects of different racetracks at high speed.