Osteopathic single manipulation of the sacroiliac joint and lower cervical spine improves selected gait parameters in sport horses

Abstract

Osteopathic single manipulation of the sacroiliac joint and lower cervical spine improves selected gait parameters_x000D_ Background: Osteopathic treatments are widely used in sport horses, but their effects on locomotor function have not been thoroughly investigated using objective biomechanical measures. This study aimed to demonstrate that a single osteopathic manipulation targeting the sacroiliac joint or lower cervical spine can improve equine gait symmetry, range of motion, protraction or retraction of the limbs and overall movement quality as assessed by inertial measurement units (IMUs)._x000D_ Methods: Two separate studies were conducted in a clinical setting using horses in training. In one study, the sacroiliac joint was manipulated, while in the other, the C6-C7 cervico-thoracic junction was treated. Nine IMU sensors were used to evaluate equine gait before, immediately after, 3 days after, and 15 days after the osteopathic manipulation. Visual lameness degree scoring and osteopathic examinations, including pain assessments, were also performed._x000D_ Results: Significant improvements were observed after both cervical and sacroiliac osteopathic manipulations. For cervical dysfunction, the interaction between group and time factors significantly reduced cervical dysfunction scores (p <0.05). At 15 days post-treatment, the treatment group showed a mean score of 1.11 (CI: 0.72-1.71) compared to 2.30 (CI: 1.41-3.74) in the control group. Two significant changes were found at trot: increased protraction of right hindlimb in a straight line and increased right forelimb protraction when lunging to the right. The latter was significantly influenced by group and treatment interaction (p <0.05), with the treatment group showing 27.11 (CI: 26.34-27.86) versus 29.52 (CI: 28.26-30.77) in the control group at 15 days post-treatment._x000D_ For sacroiliac dysfunction, osteopathic manipulation significantly reduced back muscle tone, back pain, and sacroiliac pain, with effects persisting at least 15 days post-intervention. Biomechanical analysis revealed significant reduction in hindlimb protraction (F(1,3) < 3.432, p <0.05) and increase in retraction (F(1,3) < 3.681, p <0.05), particularly when cantering towards the affected side. Increased head range of motion was observed when cantering towards the unaffected side. No conclusive results were found for passes in a straight line in the sacroiliac study._x000D_ Conclusions: Both studies demonstrated small but significant improvements in gait parameters and pain reduction following osteopathic manipulation. The cervical study showed lasting effects on dysfunction scores and specific gait changes, while the sacroiliac study revealed improvement in hindlimb movements during canter especially towards the affected side. However, high inter-subject variability and limited sample sizes, particularly in control groups, posed challenges in interpretation._x000D_ Future research should prioritize larger sample sizes, incorporate subgroup analyses based on movement patterns, and employ multidimensional assessments. These should include pain scales, facial expressions and qualitative parameters to better capture the full spectrum of osteopathic treatment effects. Additionally, understanding neuromuscular mechanisms rather than focusing solely on biomechanical concepts should be emphasized in equine osteopathic research. Longer follow-up periods and multiple treatment sessions may provide more comprehensive insights into the efficacy of osteopathic manipulation in horses.

Date of Award	5 Dec 2024
Original language	English
Supervisor	Constanza Gomez Alvarez (Director) & Marta Prades Robles (Director)