A pilot study of the effects of acupuncture treatment on objective and subjective gait parameters in horses

Objectives

To investigate whether acupuncture can alter gait in horses as assessed by objective and subjective parameters.

Study design

Prospective, randomized, singleblinded, crossover study.

Animals

Eight adult horses.

Methods

Horses were randomly assigned to a treatment (three acupuncture treatments in 8 days) or control group. Subjective and objective gait analyses were performed before and after each treatment and at 1, 3 and 7 days after the last treatment (time-points 1–9, respectively). Horses were assessed at the trot in a straight line on a hard surface and on the lunge on the left and right reins on a soft surface (conditions 1–3, respectively). After 12 weeks, groups were reversed. Objective gait analysis was performed using inertial sensors and subjective analysis by two board- certified surgeons who reviewed video-recordings. Each limb was assessed for lameness before and after treatment. Lameness and global scores were assigned using 4-point scales. Assessors were blinded to treatment status. The effects of treatment (yes/no), time (1–9) and horse under conditions 1 –3 were compared using a linear mixed-effects model and a generalized estimating equation.

Results

Treatment decreased hip hike difference under all conditions [condition 1: control, 6.3 ± 6.4 mm versus treatment, –0.2 ± 6.4 mm (p = 0.007); condition 2: control, 9.7 ± 7.8 mm versus treatment, 2.8 ± 7.8 mm (p = 0.032); condition 3: control, 7.3 ± 6.3 mm versus treatment, –2.7 ± 6.4 mm (p = 0.003)]. Other parameters also improved significantly under conditions 1 and 3. Based on subjective gait analysis, treatment decreased lameness [odds ratio (OR) 0.51, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.34–0.78; p = 0.002] but not global (OR 0.53, 95% CI 0.24–1.10; p = 0.12) scores.

Conclusions and clinical relevance

Acupuncture can change horses' gaits to a degree appreciable by objective and subjective analyses.