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https://hdl.handle.net/2440/52664
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Type: | Journal article |
Title: | The influence of exercise during growth on ultrasonographic parameters of the superficial digital flexor tendon of young Thoroughbred horses |
Author: | Moffat, P. A. Firth, Elwyn C. Rogers, Christopher W. Smith, Roger K. W. Barneveld, Albert Goodship, Allen Edward Kawcak, Christopher E. McIlwraith, C. Wayne van Weeren, P. Rene |
Citation: | Equine Veterinary Journal, 2008; 40(2):136-140 |
Publisher: | Equine Veterinary Journal |
Issue Date: | 2008 |
ISSN: | 0425-1644 |
School/Discipline: | School of Medical Sciences : Pathology |
Statement of Responsibility: | Moffat, P.A.; Firth, E.C.; Rogers, C.W.; Smith, R.K.W.; Barneveld, A.; Goodship, A.E.; Kawcak, C.E.; McIlwraith, C.W. and van Weeren, P.R. |
Abstract: | Reasons for performing study: Conditioning by early training may influence the composition of certain musculoskeletal tissues, but very few data exist on its effect during growth on tendon structure and function. Objectives: To investigate whether conditioning exercise in young foals would lead to any ultrasonographically detectable damage to the superficial digital flexor tendon or an increase in cross-sectional area (CSA). Methods: Thirty-three Thoroughbred foals reared at pasture were allocated to 2 groups: control (PASTEX) allowed exercise freely at pasture; and CONDEX, also at pasture, began conditioning exercise from mean age 21 days over 1030 m on a purpose-built oval grass track, for 5 days/week until mean age 18 months. Foals were observed daily, and underwent orthopaedic examination monthly. Ultrasonographic images of the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) at the mid-metacarpal level of both forelimbs were obtained in all foals at ages 5, 8, 12, 15 and 18 months. CSA was validated (r2 = 0.89) by determining CSA from digital photographs of the transected SDFT surface from 12 of the horses necropsied at age 17.1 months. Results: There was no clinical or ultrasonographic evidence of tendonopathy in either group and the greatest increase in mean CSA in both groups occurred between age 5 and 8 months. Across all age categories, there was no significant difference in mean CSA between the left and right limbs, or colts and fillies; there was a trend towards a larger CSA in the CONDEX group (P = 0.058). Conclusions: There was no conclusive evidence for a structural adaptive hypertrophy of the SDFT, probably because the regimen was insufficiently rigorous or because spontaneous pasture exercise may induce maximal development of energy storing tendons. Potential relevance: A moderate amount of early conditioning exercise against a background of constant exercise at pasture is not harmful to the development of the flexor tendons. |
DOI: | 10.2746/042516408X253109 |
Appears in Collections: | Pathology publications |
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