Research has been released from Equissage into the effects of Cycloidal Vibration Therapy which has shown significant benefits in horses’ muscular development and increased range of motion. Barbara Young has read the paper and interviewed co-author Russell Guire to find out more.
Horse owners have long recognised the benefits of investing in non-invasive equine therapy and treatments to help boost their horses’ performance and wellbeing, but now Niagara Healthcare, the company behind Equissage Pulse, has invested in research into the effect of vibration therapy on equine locomotion when applied to the thoracic (upper back) spine and hindquarters. The fascinating results were published in the Journal of Equine Veterinary Science in November 2018.
The aim of this study, which was carried out by an independent expert team of professionals from Centaur Biomechanics, Royal Veterinary College, Woolcroft Saddlery, and Sparsholt University, was to establish the immediate effect that a roller containing providing cycloidal vibration to a horse’s back had on locomotion, muscular development, and pelvic symmetry in a group of non-lame horses.
A sample of 30 horses, all aged from six to 12 years, were used in the trial. All underwent a veterinary assessment to check for soundness. The horses were then randomly assigned into two groups: a treatment group which received a 20-minute cycloidal vibration therapy, and a control group that did not receive any vibration therapy. Both groups were equipped with eight inertial sensors and assessed in trot.
The study, which took nearly two years to complete, showed that the group which received vibration therapy saw a positive effect. Positioning a roller on the horse’s back, together with a hand held massager delivering cycloidal vibration, had an immediate effect on the horse by altering thoracic (upper back) range of motion, thoracolumbar (upper and lower back) musculature, and pelvic symmetry thus increasing range of motion. However, in the control group, which followed the same protocol, excluding receiving any vibration therapy, no changes in any measured parameters were observed.
The study used state-of-the-art measuring systems to objectively analyse the horses’ movement pre- and post- treatment. The research team noted changes and improvements in range of motion seen in the treatment group, whereas in the control group no changes were found.
The study’s coauthor Russell Guire of Centaur Biomechanics points out that although there have been many claims made about the use and effectiveness of therapy products over the years, there remains a lack of evidence to support them.
“We tested the horses immediately after the treatment, explains Russell. “This study only looked at the immediate changes. However, it’s likely that these benefits would be long term however, although our study didn’t investigate this.”
“Horse owners seek solutions to help improve their horse’s performance and provide some level of protection against injury,” says Russell. “the company came to us looking for an independent study to be carried out to investigate the effect that their product has on whole horse locomotion,” he explains. “We’re interested in carrying out research on anything which is related to improving the welfare, soundness and performance of the ridden horse. We were impressed with Equissage and their passion to gain objective evidence to support or disprove their claims.
“Excitingly, horse owners, veterinarians, therapists and riders are looking for objective evidence to support the many claims made in the industry. This is a great thing as it is raising the bar of products available to horse owners.
“Proactive companies are keen to commission projects in an attempt to gain independent evidence on their products use and benefits. This can only be a good thing for the industry, providing evidence based information on various products.”
The study’s research team used the innovative roller on the horses’ backs positioned in the region of T10-T13 and the results showed that vibration therapy increased whole horse locomotion, as well as increasing the horses’ muscle dimensions at T13.
“From our previous work we have shown that this area [T10-T13] is associated with improved gait features when pressures created from saddles are reduced,” explains Russell. “It’s an area that has considerable muscular attachment aiding locomotion and stabilisation of the back.
“Over the past 10 years we have been researching the horse’s thoracolumbar region (back) in respect of the interaction of the horse, saddle and rider. This study has shown that there is increased range of motion… as a result of vibration therapy – this is super cool.”
How it works Research has shown that vibration therapy delivers not only enhanced performance, but successful rehabilitation for a range of injuries and is proven for use as daily maintenance in warming up and cooling down pre- and postworkout as it improves local blood circulation, lymphatic drainage, relaxation and joint mobility.
The study’s research team used the innovative roller on the horses’ backs, positioned in the region of T10-T13 and the results showed that vibration therapy increased whole horse locomotion, as well as increasing the horses’ muscle dimensions at T13.
“From our previous work we have shown that this area [T10-T13] is associated with improved gait features when pressures created from saddles are reduced,” explains Russell. “It’s an area that has considerable muscular attachment aiding locomotion and stabilisation of the back.
“Over the past 10 years we have been researching the horse’s thoracolumbar (back) region in respect of the interaction of the horse, saddle and rider. This study has shown that there is increased range of motion… as a result of vibration therapy – this is super cool.”
“The demands on the ridden horse are ever increasing and the risk of injury to the horse is ever apparent,” says Russell, who bought the system himself after analysing all of the data – and since then his three horses have worn the cycloidal vibration roller every day pre and post exercise.
“There are many products available however a paucity of evidence on their effectiveness and benefits. I would strongly advise all horse owners who are looking to invest in a system to do their own research and ask for evidence to support any claims being made in any marketing campaigns. I believe owners are becoming more curious as to how things work, and why, and are looking to see objective evidence.” Russell points out that the therapy world is receiving more scientific attention which he says ‘is exciting’.
“We need more companies to follow in Equissage’s footsteps to provide objective evidence to support and further develop their products in order to offer the best and most beneficial system to the horse.” } For more information on the study, visit www.niagaraequissage.com
This article first appeared in the August 2019 issue of Carriage Driving magazine. To subscribe, click here.