Unveiling directional physiological coupling in human-horse interactions
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Updated: Jun 12, 2025

Construction of a Realistic, Whole-Body, Three-Dimensional Equine Skeletal Model using Computed Tomography Data
Published on: February 25, 2021
Alejandro Luis Callara1,2, Chiara Scopa3, Laura Contalbrigo4
1Department of Information Engineering, University of Pisa, Via G. Caruso 16, Pisa, 56122 Pisa, Italy.
Abstract:
This research investigates the human-horse bond, aiming to unveil the physiological mechanisms regulating interspecies interactions. We hypothesized observing a physiological synchronization in human-horse dynamics, akin to human interactions. Through time-frequency Granger causality analysis of heart rate variability (HRV) and behavioral data, this study reveals the establishment of bidirectional synchronization in HRV between humans and horses. The coupling directionality is influenced by behavior and familiarity. In exploration scenarios led by horses, bidirectional interactions occur, particularly with familiar individuals. Conversely, during human-led activities such as grooming, physiological connectivity direction varies based on the familiarity level. In addition, the methodology allows in-depth analysis of sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system contributions, highlighting their intricate role in the human-horse relationship. Such a physiological coupling estimate, correlated with behavioral data, provides a quantitative tool applicable across contexts and species This holds significant promise for assessing animal-assisted therapies and for applications in sports and various animal-related domains.
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