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Dynamic mobilisations in cervical flexion: Effects on intervertebral angulations.
H M Clayton1, L J Kaiser, M Lavagnino
1Mary Anne McPhail Equine Performance Center, Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, USA.
Equine Veterinary Journal. Supplement
|November 10, 2010
Summary
Dynamic cervical flexion exercises mobilize equine neck and thoracic joints. These movements are beneficial for rehabilitation, particularly for conditions involving neck pain in horses.
Area of Science:
- Equine biomechanics
- Veterinary rehabilitation
- Comparative anatomy
Background:
- Neck pain in horses may benefit from mobilization exercises.
- Human data suggests potential for similar benefits in equine rehabilitation.
Purpose of the Study:
- Compare intervertebral angulations in a neutral standing position versus end-range cervical flexion.
- Evaluate three dynamic mobility exercises in horses.
Main Methods:
- Measured sagittal plane motion in 8 horses across 4 positions (neutral, chin-to-chest, chin-between-carpi, chin-between-fetlocks).
- Tracked skin markers on head, cervical (C1-C6), and thoracic (T6-S4) vertebrae.
- Analyzed intersegmental angles using repeated measures ANOVA.
Main Results:
- Cranial and caudal cervical joints showed the largest angular differences.
- C1 angle significantly more extended in chin-between-carpi and chin-between-fetlocks positions.
- Thoracic intervertebral joints (T6-L1) showed significant flexion during dynamic cervical mobilizations.
Conclusions:
- Cervical spine extremities primarily control head and neck orientation.
- Dynamic cervical flexion mobilizes both cervical and thoracic intervertebral joints.
- These exercises have potential clinical applications in equine rehabilitation.
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