In Vivo Validation of a Metacarpophalangeal Joint Orthotic Using Wearable Inertial Sensors in Horses
Orthotics are often used to support the metacarpophalangeal joint (MCPj) in horses recovering from soft tissue injury; however, their effect on the MCPj biomechanics remain largely underexplored. The MCPj moves primarily in the sagittal plane, flexing during the swing phase and extending during the...
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2025-07-01
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| author | Eleonora Pagliara Federica Cantatore Livio Penazzi Barbara Riccio Andrea Bertuglia |
| author_facet | Eleonora Pagliara Federica Cantatore Livio Penazzi Barbara Riccio Andrea Bertuglia |
| author_sort | Eleonora Pagliara |
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| description | Orthotics are often used to support the metacarpophalangeal joint (MCPj) in horses recovering from soft tissue injury; however, their effect on the MCPj biomechanics remain largely underexplored. The MCPj moves primarily in the sagittal plane, flexing during the swing phase and extending during the stance phase. The suspensory ligament and flexor tendons act as biological springs resisting MCPj extension. Injuries to these structures are common and, although early mobilization promotes their healing, controlled loading may be beneficial during rehabilitation. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of a semirigid orthotic in limiting the MCPj extension and the MCPj range of motion, and its influence on the MCPj kinematics. Twelve healthy horses were equipped with portable inertial sensors on the distal limb. The MCPj extension and the MCPj range of motion were assessed during walking and trotting without the orthotic (S0) and with the orthotic using two different support settings (S1 and S4). Data were evaluated for normality and homoscedasticity. A Student <i>t</i>-test was used to compare the MCPj angle pattern of the two forelimbs of each horse at the baseline. Data were analysed using one-way ANOVA to compare the mean values across conditions, followed by paired <i>t</i>-tests for post-hoc comparison (significance set at <i>p</i> < 0.05). The results showed significant reductions in both the MCPj extension and the MCPj range of motion, with the greatest restriction occurring at the highest support setting. These results suggest that the semirigid orthotic limits the MCPj movement in the sagittal plane and consequently the load on the suspensory ligament and flexor tendons. Therefore, this orthotic device is an effective tool during rehabilitation for forelimb tendon and ligament injuries. |
| format | Article |
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| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-07-01 |
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| spelling | doaj-art-2ec70d91b6d34bcca49672be1e2fade92025-07-11T14:35:08ZengMDPI AGAnimals2076-26152025-07-011513196510.3390/ani15131965In Vivo Validation of a Metacarpophalangeal Joint Orthotic Using Wearable Inertial Sensors in HorsesEleonora Pagliara0Federica Cantatore1Livio Penazzi2Barbara Riccio3Andrea Bertuglia4Department of Veterinary Science, University of Turin, 10095 Grugliasco, ItalyPool House Equine Hospital, IVC Evidensia, Rykneld Street, Fradley, Staffordshire WS13 8RD, UKDepartment of Veterinary Science, University of Turin, 10095 Grugliasco, ItalyDepartment of Veterinary Science, University of Turin, 10095 Grugliasco, ItalyDepartment of Veterinary Science, University of Turin, 10095 Grugliasco, ItalyOrthotics are often used to support the metacarpophalangeal joint (MCPj) in horses recovering from soft tissue injury; however, their effect on the MCPj biomechanics remain largely underexplored. The MCPj moves primarily in the sagittal plane, flexing during the swing phase and extending during the stance phase. The suspensory ligament and flexor tendons act as biological springs resisting MCPj extension. Injuries to these structures are common and, although early mobilization promotes their healing, controlled loading may be beneficial during rehabilitation. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of a semirigid orthotic in limiting the MCPj extension and the MCPj range of motion, and its influence on the MCPj kinematics. Twelve healthy horses were equipped with portable inertial sensors on the distal limb. The MCPj extension and the MCPj range of motion were assessed during walking and trotting without the orthotic (S0) and with the orthotic using two different support settings (S1 and S4). Data were evaluated for normality and homoscedasticity. A Student <i>t</i>-test was used to compare the MCPj angle pattern of the two forelimbs of each horse at the baseline. Data were analysed using one-way ANOVA to compare the mean values across conditions, followed by paired <i>t</i>-tests for post-hoc comparison (significance set at <i>p</i> < 0.05). The results showed significant reductions in both the MCPj extension and the MCPj range of motion, with the greatest restriction occurring at the highest support setting. These results suggest that the semirigid orthotic limits the MCPj movement in the sagittal plane and consequently the load on the suspensory ligament and flexor tendons. Therefore, this orthotic device is an effective tool during rehabilitation for forelimb tendon and ligament injuries.https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/15/13/1965horsemetacarpophalangeal jointorthoticinertial sensorsrehabilitation |
| spellingShingle | Eleonora Pagliara Federica Cantatore Livio Penazzi Barbara Riccio Andrea Bertuglia In Vivo Validation of a Metacarpophalangeal Joint Orthotic Using Wearable Inertial Sensors in Horses Animals horse metacarpophalangeal joint orthotic inertial sensors rehabilitation |
| title | In Vivo Validation of a Metacarpophalangeal Joint Orthotic Using Wearable Inertial Sensors in Horses |
| title_full | In Vivo Validation of a Metacarpophalangeal Joint Orthotic Using Wearable Inertial Sensors in Horses |
| title_fullStr | In Vivo Validation of a Metacarpophalangeal Joint Orthotic Using Wearable Inertial Sensors in Horses |
| title_full_unstemmed | In Vivo Validation of a Metacarpophalangeal Joint Orthotic Using Wearable Inertial Sensors in Horses |
| title_short | In Vivo Validation of a Metacarpophalangeal Joint Orthotic Using Wearable Inertial Sensors in Horses |
| title_sort | in vivo validation of a metacarpophalangeal joint orthotic using wearable inertial sensors in horses |
| topic | horse metacarpophalangeal joint orthotic inertial sensors rehabilitation |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/15/13/1965 |
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