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a)
treatment (Table 3). The reason for this is unclear. In man, transmissibility is influenced by posture (Rubin et al. 2003). As such, it is possible that because horses were allowed to stand in their preferred posture, resting a particular leg, that transmissibility was likely less uniform; thus affected one side (left or right m. multifidus) to a greater degree. The use of a stall unit with tilting platform might yield better outcome in that respect as it forces the horse to reposition itself at specific time intervals. Nevertheless, a significant improvement in muscle symmetry occurred and this improvement has been postulated to be a sign that the muscle is returning to a more normal physiological state (Stubbs et al. 2011). The limitations of this study are the relative small sample
b)
size, a nonstandardised exercise programme and the fact that the CSA measurements were performed nonblinded. Nevertheless, we can conclude that WBV appears to be a viable alternative to dynamic mobilisation exercises to increase CSA and improve symmetry of m. multifidus. Further research will need to be performed to determine whether or not this increase in m. multifidus CSA has the potential to reduce back pain through improvement of the spinal function and stability.
Authors’ declaration of interest No conflicts of interest have been declared.
Ethical animal research
Fig 4: The m. multifidus cross-sectional area (CSA) at the level of the T15–16 articular facet joints of Horse B1 is outlined in red. a) start of the whole body vibration (WBV) study. b) end of the WBV study. Note the difference in CSA between the assessment periods.
Prior to being enrolled in the study, owners completed an informed client consent form. A full physical and lameness examination was performed by the primary author (B.T.H.) before the start of the study to assure the horses were in good physical health and that there were no contraindications to participation in the study. As a safety measurement, all horses were slightly sedated with 0.006–
meaning that whenever a shift in fibre type is seen, it is most likely proceeded by hypertrophy. This would tend to support the assertion that the changes noted in this study were predominantly due to muscle hypertrophy. Furthermore, we chose a high volume (two sets of 30 min twice daily), low intensity (0.5 g) WBV protocol, based on research in man. Researchers have speculated that longer duration of vibration may be necessary to elicit WBV effects on the neuromuscular systems (Osawa and Oguma 2013) and that low-load high volume resistance exercise is more effective at inducing acute muscle anabolism than high-load low volume resistance exercise due to full motor unit activation (Burd et al. 2010). Therefore, the combination of high volume WBV and the ability of WBV to increase recruitment of motor units is another explanation for the relatively fast increase in CSA seen in this study. Although a trend was noted from Days 0 to 30 and Days
30 to 60, a statistically significant difference in left and right muscle symmetry was not seen until 60 days of WBV
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0.01 mg/kg bwt detomidine (Dormosedan) intravenously the first time they were introduced to the whole body vibration platform. No sedation was needed or used after the introductory session. All horses were willing to walk and stand on the vibration platform and tolerated whole body vibration (WBV) well during subsequent treatment sessions. None of the horses showed any signs of pain or anxiety during WBV. A physical and lameness examination was repeated at monthly intervals. No adverse effects were noticed throughout the study. All horses that entered in the study completed the study.
Source of funding No funding was received.
Acknowledgements
The author would like to thank H. Oostveen, CEO Vitafloor USA for providing the vibration platform used in this study.
Authorship B.T. Halsberghe contributed study design, study execution, data collection and interpretation and preparation of the
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