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Scientists highlight impact of elastic resistance band training
Elastic band resistance training
The team attached two elastic bands to a modified saddle pad using buckle clips.

Bands can be used to treat and prevent equine injuries

New research led by the RVC has found that elastic resistance bands are very effective in increasing dynamic stability of the horse in trot.

Up to now, there has been little supporting evidence on the effect of training or rehabilitation programmes in preventing or treating lameness and back problems in horses.

But this new study proves that elastic resistance bands can be used to prevent equine injuries, as well as overcome them.

In the study, researchers employed seven privately-owned horses to undergo a four-week exercise programme. They attached two elastic bands to a modified saddle pad using buckle clips. The bands were fitted at a tension 30 per cent tension.

The team then used a statistical model to assess the effect of band usage, investigate the effect of time and examine whether the horse moved in-hand or on the left of right turn on the lunge. They calculated the back movement parameters from a total of 3,215 strides at week one and at week four, with and without exercise bands.

Riders reported a ‘greater stability of movement’ when the elastic bands were used. This was backed by the study, which found that when using bands there was less roll and pitch in the lower back. There was also less left-right movement in the mid-thoracic and lumbar regions.

“The system, we tested is easy to use during the normal exercise routine of a horse, meaning it can be applied to horses of any discipline,” explained lead researcher Dr Thilo Pfau, senior lecturer in bio-engineering at the RVC. “It also takes very little time to apply to the horse, considering all it entails is attaching the bands to a modified saddle pad, and it can be used during ridden exercise.”

The team are now encouraging future studies to directly measure muscle activity to increase understanding of the underlying mechanisms involved in providing increased dynamic stability.

Image (C) RVC

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Vets to run marathon for World Animal Protection

News Story 1
 Two recently graduated veterinary surgeons will be running the London Marathon in April to raise money for the charity World Animal Protection.

Alex Bartlett and Maeve O'Neill plan to run the race together if they are given the same start times.

Dr O'Neill said: "You're always limited in what you can do to help animals, so it is nice to raise money for a charity that helps animals around the world."

Dr Bartlett added: "I have never run a marathon before and am excited to run my first one for such a good cause!"

Both Dr Bartlett and Dr O'Neill have fundraising pages online. 

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News Shorts
BSAVA releases new Guide to Procedures

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has published a new edition of its Guide to Procedures for Small Animal Practice.

It has added four new procedures; cystostomy tube placement, endotracheal intubation, point-of-care ultrasound and wet-to-dry dressings.

BSAVA says that it is an essential step-by-step guide to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed in practice. The textbook includes new images and illustrations, as well as high-definition videos for use prior to procedures.

Nick Bexfield and Julia Riggs, editors of the new edition, said: "We have built upon the success of the previous editions by responding to the feedback received from the BSAVA readership, and hope this new guide helps to further increase the confidence and accuracy with which these procedures are performed."

Print copies are available in the BSAVA store, with a digital version in the BSAVA library.