  Reasons for Performing Study: Equine gait analysis has focused on 2D analysis
in the sagittal plane, while descriptions of 3D kinetics and ground reaction
force could provide more information on the Equine gait analysis. Hypothesis or
Objectives: The aim of this study was to characterize the 3D torques and powers
of the forelimb joints at trotting. Methods: Eight sound horses were used in
the study. A full 3D torque and power for elbow, carpus, fetlock, pastern and
coffin joints of right forelimb in horses at trot were obtained by calculating
the inverse kinetics of simplified link segmental model. Results: Over two
third of energy (70%) generated by all joints come from stance phase, and most
of energy generated was by elbow joint both in stance (77%) and sway (88%)
phases. Energy absorbed by all joints during stance (40%) and sway (60%) phases
respectively is not a big difference. During stance phase, all most two third
of energy (65%) absorbed was by fetlock joint, while over two third of energy
(74%) absorbed was by carpus joint during sway phase. Conclusions & Clinical
Relevance: This study presents a full 3D kinetic analysis of the relative
motion of the humerus, radius, cannon, pastern and coffin segments of the
forelimb at the trot. The results could provide for a more sensitive measure
for kinetic analysis.
