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
During the stance phase of the horse's walk, which limb sequence is considered biomechanically optimal for spinal load distribution?
Answer: Left hind, right fore, right hind, left fore
The optimal walk sequence is left hind, right fore, right hind, left fore — a lateral four-beat pattern that distributes spinal loads diagonally.
Which vertebral region in the horse is most subject to compressive forces during the canter due to the bascule motion?
Answer: Lumbosacral junction L6–S1
The lumbosacral junction bears peak compressive and shear forces during the canter's push-off phase and bascule motion.
What is the primary role of the nuchal ligament in equine locomotion biomechanics?
Answer: Supports the head and neck with minimal muscular effort
The nuchal ligament acts as a passive elastic support structure, allowing the horse to carry its head and neck with minimal active muscle contraction.
When observing a horse from behind at the trot, medial deviation of the hocks ('cow hocks') most directly affects which spinal region?
Answer: Sacroiliac joints and lumbosacral region
Cow hocks alter the angle of hindlimb push-off, transmitting asymmetric forces through the pelvis directly into the sacroiliac joints and lumbosacral junction.
The 'thoracolumbar sling' concept in equine biomechanics refers to which functional structure?
Answer: Epaxial muscles supporting the thoracolumbar bridge between fore and hindlimbs
The thoracolumbar sling describes the epaxial musculature that supports and stabilizes the vertebral column between the forelimb and hindlimb supporting columns.
Which gait characteristic is most indicative of restricted thoracolumbar lateral flexion when assessed on a circle?
Answer: Resistance to bending and stiff, upright carriage of the thoracic spine on the circle
Restricted thoracolumbar lateral flexion manifests as difficulty bending through the body on a circle, with stiffness through the back and resistance to lateral displacement.
In equine gait analysis, 'push' versus 'pull' locomotion refers to the relative contribution of which limb pairs?
Answer: Hindlimbs generating propulsive thrust vs. forelimbs absorbing concussion and directing movement
In equine locomotion, the hindlimbs are the primary propulsive engine ('push'), while the forelimbs primarily absorb impact forces and provide directional steering ('pull' in collection).