EFFECTS OF WHOLE BODY VIBRATION ON LAMENESS, STRIDE LENGTH, CORTISOL, AND OTHER PARAMETERS IN HEALTHY HORSES

Abstract

Whole body vibration (WBV) is a popular treatment modality in the horse industry anecdotally believed to improve performance, yet little research exists. This study examined the effect of WBV on stride and lameness parameters, as well as salivary cortisol and heart rate. Six treatment horses (VIB) were vibrated at 50 Hz for 45 minutes 6 days per week and compared to stalled controls (CON) (Aim 1). Further, VIB was analyzed for parameters at different time periods immediately before treatment (pre), after (post), and 1, 2, 4, and 24 hours after (Aim 2). For Aim 1, minimum pelvis displacement was lower in VIB versus CON (P < .05), suggesting more hind end stability. Both groups decreased in stride length from d 0 to d 14 or d 28 (P < 0.01). For Aim 2, no differences were found in lameness or stride length at any time point. However, salivary cortisol concentrations were lower after (P < 0.05) and heart rate showed a similar pattern (P = 0.06). Whole body vibration appears to have an acute relaxation effect in stalled, healthy horses.