Biomex is our equine gait analysis assessment, in which we use some of the latest technologies to track and measure your horses locomotion. The data collected from our Biomex assessment is accurate, objective and reliable. The technologies used are non-invasive, portable and designed for 'in the field' use, and have been specifically developed to address the need for equine lameness diagnosis, treatment monitoring and performance enhancement.
Currently, the assessment of equine locomotion and lameness is carried out visually and cannot be accurately, reliably or consistently quantified or communicated. By using high speed video cameras, equine biomechanical software, and/or inertia measuring sensors (IMU's), we can accurately measure and evaluate the horses locomotion, individual joint flexions and stride patterns.
As a consequence, we obtain a large base of accurate, usable and quantified data from each assessment, the results of which can be communicated easily and objectively. Due to the consistency of these assessments they can be easily replicated, allowing for the comparison of data between past, current and future evaluations. This plays an important role in lameness prevention, treatment monitoring and maintaining performance in the modern sport horse.
Progressive Equine use two data based technologies, either separately or in conjunction with each other, to accurately track and monitor your horses locomotion.
Quintic is our 2D video based gait analysis system. This involves the attachment of light
weight foam spherical markers to joint centres of the limbs. We then capture footage of your horse trotting using a specially developed high speed video camera (300fps).
The data gathered is then analysed using Quintic's equine biomechanical software. The results of the analysis include accurate and objective measures of individual joint flexion's, hyperextension's and stride patterns.
EquiGait is a fully wireless 'multi sensor technology' that allows for the assessment
of equine locomotion in any gait in hand, on the lunge, and/or under saddle. Our system
consists of 5 wireless inertia measuring units, or IMU's, which are strategically placed
on the body of the horse (poll, wither, sacroiliac and both tuba coxae). The sensors record and provide data on the symmetry of the horses movement. Unlike most systems, EquiGait offers primary versus compensatory gait asymmetry measures, allowing us to identify the actual limb most responsible for any issue with performance.
The data gathered from our Biomex assessments is analysed and a detailed report is prepared and forwarded to the owner. We recommend our clients schedule an appointment to discuss the results of their report with us over the phone or via onkine conference.
It's well known that all horses move somewhat asymmetrically. But it's also well known that horses that consistently load one side of the body more than the other could either have a problem or are likely to develop a problem without some kind of intervention.
Baseline Assessment: A Biomex baseline assessment is conducted when your horse is 'perceived sound' and is highly recommended for all performance horses. As there is no 'industry standard' for equine locomotion, this initial assessment gathers valuable data on your horses individual movement, joint flexion's, hyperextension's and stride pattern.
A baseline assessment is an important part of and equine management plan, as any future assessments can be compared back to the horses original 'base line' data. As our Biomex assessments are easily repeatable, it allows for accurate collection, evaluation and comparison of data for the purposes of lameness detection, injury rehabilitation and/or performance purposes.
Lameness: Whilst we do not diagnose lameness, our equipment can be used to gather important and useful data for the purposes of lameness detection, either through an initial evaluation, or during the diagnostic process along side your vet.
Our Biomex assessments often show horses with asymmetrical measures outside the range of 'natural variation,' which are then referred to vets for further investigation. On the day of the lameness assessment, if so required, we can play the part of 'data collectors' for the vet. Our only purpose is to gather data pre and post nerve blocks, which accurately and objectively quantifies any change in asymmetry. This data can be compared back to the baseline assessment, which can assist the vet in the diagnosis process.
Rehabilitation: Gait analysis is highly recommended for equine rehabilitation. PES feels that its important to accurately and objectively quantify the progress your horse is making throughout this period, as increasing a horses workload, or bringing a horse back into full work too early, could create a relapse of the original problem. The data from your horses baseline assessment allows for comparison with subsequent assessments, allowing you to accurately and objectively quantify the progress your horse has made.
Hoof Care: Hoof care has a significant impact upon the horse and a change in foot balance, alignment, and/or shoeing package can create a change to your horses way of going, its comfort, soundness and performance.
Currently, like much of the industry, measuring the effects of farriery on locomotion and symmetry is done visually and is neither accurate nor reliable. Being able to accurately measure and quantify changes in locomotion post trim and shoe application allows us to determine if we are in fact meeting the immediate needs of the horse. This is of optimum importance when dealing with performance horses and/or using corrective methods.