Progressive structural and functional change in horses: a conceptual framework for systemic equine...

Area of Science:

• Equine biomechanics and physiology
• Veterinary rehabilitation and sports medicine
• Animal locomotion and posture analysis

Background:

• Many equine locomotor, postural, and behavioral issues lack a unified explanation, leading to fragmented, symptom-focused treatments.
• Conditions like Topline Syndrome and Myofascial Dysfunction often result in reduced performance, stability, and resilience.
• Current management strategies frequently fail to address the underlying systemic dysregulation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose the Progressive Structural and Functional Change (PSF) framework as a systemic model for understanding equine pathologies.
• To integrate fragmented clinical observations into a coherent pattern of structural and functional regulation or dysregulation.
• To provide a basis for improved diagnostics, rehabilitation prioritization, and welfare-oriented veterinary care.

Main Methods:

• Development of a concept-driven framework based on extensive applied field observations in horse training and rehabilitation.
• Analysis of ten retrospectively documented case studies of horses across diverse breeds, ages, and training backgrounds.
• Identification of functional inversion as a key mechanism driving pathological reorganization, characterized by specific physiological and morphological changes.

Main Results:

• The PSF framework describes two trajectories: progressive loss (PSF-) driven by maladaptive reorganization and progressive gain (PSF+) representing physiological recovery.
• Functional inversion, involving reversed force directions and altered load-transfer roles (e.g., open lumbosacral joint, hoof morphology changes), is identified as central to PSF-.
• Restoring lumbosacral function, facilitating specific tension dynamics, and managing hoof morphology are suggested to promote a shift towards PSF+.

Conclusions:

• The PSF framework offers a systemic explanation for previously disconnected equine pathologies.
• It identifies measurable screening targets and aids practitioners in prioritizing rehabilitation strategies.
• The framework generates falsifiable predictions for both practice-based application and scientific validation, enhancing equine welfare.