Gait analysis Facilities at the RVC
A unique setup for objective gait analysis enables us to provide state-of-the-art objective gait analysis for your horse. Our purpose-built gait lab facilities (link to SMLAB facilities) comprise high-accuracy 3D cameras, multiple force platforms, pressure mats, standard and high speed video equipment and a dedicated equine treadmill. These facilities can be used for customised kinetic (force) and kinematic (movement) gait assessment for your horse.
The latest mobile gait analysis techniques based on novel movement sensors allow unobtrusive measurements during clinical lameness workups. These measurements can be easily augmented by detailed slow motion recordings of your horse in motion (e.g. in combination with corrective or remedial farriery).
Kinetics
An array of eight force platforms has been seamlessly integrated into the floor of the gait analysis lab. These measure the forces acting on each individual limb and reveal subtle gait asymmetries/abnormalities with high sensitivity.
Pressure sensitive mats can accompany force plate measurements when a more detailed view of the pressure distribution under the is required.
Kinematics
A state-of-the art 12-camera 3D motion capture system provides high accuracy (<1mm error) movement information.We quantify basic (stride, stance and swing times) and advanced (movement amplitudes, joint angles etc) stride parameters to reveal gait asymmetries/abnormalities.
High speed (or ‘slow motion’) cameras – capturing images up to 40 times faster than standard video cameras enable us to produce detailed visualizations of movement that are impossible to perceive with the naked eye. These recordings are particularly beneficial for assessing foot flight and placement and hence are often used in conjunction with corrective or remedial farriery.
Movement Sensors
Small and lightweight inertial sensors are the most current development in gait analysis as practical yet accurate tools for gait analysis under real-life conditions. Accurate information about horse movement (stride timing, movement amplitudes) can be acquired during clinical lameness exams and the wireless nature of the system allows the most flexible setup under different conditions – different surfaces, during lounging, before and after diagnostic analgesia (nerve blocks) and in the ridden horse.
For enquiries about gait analysis please contact Dr. Thilo Pfau (tpfau at rvc.ac.uk).