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WHAT ARE THE LIMITS OF HUMAN DETECTION OF ASYMMETRY IN THE MOTION OF EQUINE TUBER COXAE?
Parkes RSV, Pfau T, Weller R
Structure and Motion Laboratory, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, AL9 7TA.
Aims: To assess the differences in ability to detect equine hindlimb lameness between students and experienced veterinarians, and to assess what, if any, limits there are to the ability to detect asymmetry in lameness.
Methods: A computer simulation was created using data from both lame and sound horses, alongside artificially created data simulating specific components of hindlimb lameness. Eight experienced equine clinicians, four small animal orthopaedic clinicians, and twenty four students were each presented with 20 simulations and asked to classify them as symmetrical or asymmetrical, and then asked to place six simulations into ascending order. Repeatability and potential for learning effect were tested on 12 and one student respectively.
Results: There were no significant differences between student and clinician groups in the ability to detect asymmetry across all models. However, clinicians scored significantly higher (84.4% correct) than students (72.9%) (p=0.039) on identifying asymmetry in simulations based on data from lame horses. Using quantitative analysis, an approximate threshold for detection of movement asymmetry was found to be around 25%. Tests were found to be repeatable and a learning effect was shown by increased consistency with time.
Conclusions and Practical Significance: This study suggests that there are limitations in the levels of asymmetry that an individual is able to perceive that are unrelated to practice, perhaps related to the brain’s ability to detect asymmetry. Additionally this study shows that experience increases accuracy in lameness diagnosis. Further work on these simulations may allow for development of software to aid in the teaching of lameness diagnosis in veterinary medicine.
Acknowledgements: Karin Jespers, Glen Lichtwark, all participating clinicians and students.
BVetMed Final Year Elective Project presented by Rebecca Parkes (rparkes@rvc.ac.uk) at the British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) Congress 2007
