The effect of massage on the hindlimb muscles.
Although massage is commonly used in physiotherapy, little research has been done on the effectiveness of massage on horses. Massage aims to increase soft tissue length and decrease the muscle tone.
This research aims to investigate the effect of massage on hindlimb protraction. Hindlimb protraction is important as it specifies how far a horse can move the hindlimb forwards under his body, which is important in stride length and other dressage movements. By massaging the muscles of the hindlimb, specifically the gluteus superficialis, the semitendinosus, the semimembranosus and the biceps femoris (gluteal area and hamstring group), it is hypothesised that hindlimb protraction is increased.
Eight horses of similar age and height were selected in two groups, one received 30 minutes massage and the other group a sham treatment. The procedure was repeated following a seven day ‘washout’ period, except now the groups were swapped. Passive and active hindlimb protraction was measured before and after each intervention. Passive hindlimb protraction was measured using a modified human ‘Sit and Reach’ test until the end feel was felt, while active hindlimb protraction was measured using two dimensional kinematic analysis of stride length.
The results show a significant increase in both passive and active hindlimb protraction after massage. This shows that massage of the hindlimb increases and helps with hindlimb protraction.
Expert opinion by Els Smet
Massage may be a valuable addition to the treatment of horses with locomotion problems. It is also thought to improve the mindset of competition horses.
> From: Hill, Equine Vet J 42 (2010) 683-687. All rights reserved to EVJ Ltd. Click here for the online summary.
