Short term use of balance pads on postural sway and musculus multifidus cross sectional area in horses

Jessica Cathcart, Katherine L. Ellis, Valerie J. Moorman

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eqre.2024.100006

This study evaluated the effects of balance pad use on postural stability and multifidus muscle size in horses. Six healthy horses stood on pads twice daily for 4 weeks. Motion and ultrasound data showed reduced body sway and increased muscle cross-sectional area at T14. While asymmetry did not change, results suggest balance pads can improve stability and muscle development, with longer use potentially offering further benefits.

Read Full Paper.

Download • 2.54MB

This article is published by Elsevier as an open access article under a Creative Commons license. It is freely available to read and share