Biomechanics & Movement Analysis Flashcards
7 cards from real ECC practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Biomechanics & Movement Analysis flashcards as text
Which of the following best describes 'impulsion' in equine movement from a biomechanical standpoint?
Answer: The desire to move forward combined with engagement and thrust from the hindquarters
Impulsion is the biomechanical and neuromuscular quality of hindquarter engagement, thrust, and forward energy — not merely speed.
A horse displaying a 'stabbing' forelimb action where the hoof contacts the ground toe-first is most likely compensating for pain in which region?
Answer: Palmar foot structures or navicular apparatus
Toe-first landing is a classic compensation for palmar foot pain (e.g., navicular syndrome), where the horse avoids heel-first impact to reduce pressure on sensitive caudal foot structures.
What does 'over-track' measure during gait analysis and what is its clinical significance?
Answer: How far the hindfoot lands ahead of the forefoot print, indicating hindlimb engagement and lumbar mobility
Over-track quantifies how far ahead of the ipsilateral forehoof print the hindhoof lands, serving as a practical measure of hindlimb engagement and thoracolumbar flexibility.
The 'swinging' (oscillating) motion of the equine head and neck during the walk primarily serves which biomechanical function?
Answer: Acts as a pendulum counterbalancing thoracolumbar rotation and aids forelimb protraction
The pendulum-like head and neck oscillation during the walk counterbalances spinal rotation and actively assists forelimb protraction through inertial coupling.
When performing a dynamic flexion assessment at the trot, a positive response is characterized by:
Answer: Worsening of lameness (increased asymmetry) during the first 4–8 trot strides after flexion
A positive flexion test shows exacerbated lameness (increased head nod or hip hike) during the first several trot strides after releasing the flexed limb.
In the context of equine chiropractic assessment, a 'vertebral subluxation complex' (VSC) most accurately refers to:
Answer: A functional joint dysfunction with altered motion, pain, and neurological influence without complete dislocation
A VSC is a functional segmental dysfunction characterized by altered joint motion, local pain, muscle hypertonicity, and potential neurological effects — not a frank dislocation.
Which measurement tool is most commonly used in research to objectively quantify equine hindlimb lameness asymmetry?
Answer: Inertial measurement unit (IMU) body-mounted sensor systems
IMU-based systems (e.g., Lameness Locator) provide objective, repeatable quantification of pelvic and head movement asymmetry that correlates with lameness grade.