Verkade, ME;
Back, W;
Birch, HL;
(2020)
Equine digital tendons show breed specific differences in their mechanical properties that may relate to athletic ability and predisposition to injury.
Equine Veterinary Journal
, 52
(2)
pp. 320-325.
10.1111/evj.13169.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND: Throughout the ages, humans have selected horse breeds for their locomotor capacities. Concurrently, tissue properties may have diversified because of specific requirements of different disciplines. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare the biomechanical properties of tendons with different functions between equine breeds traditionally selected for racing or sport. STUDY DESIGN: This study used ex vivo tendons and compared the mechanical properties of the common digital extensor tendon (CDET) and superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) between racehorses (Thoroughbred [TB]) and sports horses (Friesian Horse [FH], Warmblood [WB]). METHODS: The SDFT and CDET of FH (n = 12), WBs (n = 12) and TBs (n = 8) aged 3-12 years were harvested. The cross sectional area (cm2 ), maximal load (N), ultimate strain (%), ultimate stress (MPa), and elastic modulus (MPa) were determined and tested for significant differences between the breeds (P<0.05). RESULTS: The SDFT from WB horses had a significantly lower elastic modulus than TB horses and failed at a higher strain and load than both FHs and TBs. The mechanical properties of the CDET did not differ between breeds. In agreement with previous studies, the CDET failed at a higher stress and had a higher elastic modulus than the SDFT and, for the WB group of horses only, failed at a significantly lower strain. Interestingly, the mode of failure differed between breeds, particularly with respect to the FHs. MAIN LIMITATIONS: The exercise history of horses used in this study was unknown and the age-range was relatively large; both these factors may have influenced the absolute properties reported in this study. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows for the first time that mechanical properties of the SDFT differ between breeds. These properties are likely to be related to selection for high-speed versus an extravagant elastic gait and may be an important indicator of performance ability.
| Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Title: | Equine digital tendons show breed specific differences in their mechanical properties that may relate to athletic ability and predisposition to injury |
| Location: | United States |
| Open access status: | An open access version is available from UCL Discovery |
| DOI: | 10.1111/evj.13169 |
| Publisher version: | https://doi.org/10.1111/evj.13169 |
| Language: | English |
| Additional information: | This version is the author accepted manuscript. For information on re-use, please refer to the publisher’s terms and conditions. |
| Keywords: | biomechanics, breed adaptation, horse, structure-function, tendon |
| UCL classification: | UCL UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences > Faculty of Medical Sciences UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences > Faculty of Medical Sciences > Div of Surgery and Interventional Sci UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences > Faculty of Medical Sciences > Div of Surgery and Interventional Sci > Department of Ortho and MSK Science |
| URI: | https://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/10081102 |
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