Equine epaxial muscle size, thoracolumbar profile and symmetry in horses is of clinical interest due to relationships with pain and pathology. Flexible-curve rulers have previously been used to gather reliable, objective measures of thoracic profile, however, 3D light-scanning offers a potential non-contact alternative method to estimate cross sectional area (CSA) of the region. 3D light-scans of the thoracic epaxial region were taken from ten endurance horses (7 geldings, 3 mares; 8±2 years). Total CSA of the combined epaxial musculature, using computer software, was calculated at scapula and T18 levels (depth: 15 cm). Intra and inter-rater (n=3) reliability of CSA measurements was assessed using Friedman’s analyses and post-hoc Wilcoxon rank tests (three repeated measures). Intraclass correlation estimates (ICC ± 95% confidence intervals (CI)) were calculated (mean-rating, absolute-agreement, 2-way mixedeffects model). Paired t-tests assessed differences between right and left areas. No significant differences existed for transverse plane-cuts (scapula, T18 P>0.05) between light-scans. Right and left areas were significantly different at the withers (P=0.012) with the left side larger in 70% of scans, but no significant differences were found between sides at T18. No differences existed for different plane-cuts of the same horse (P=0.53; ICC: 0.76; CIs: 0.43-0.92). While reliability was reduced between all raters (P=0.02; ICC: 0.70; CIs: 0.56-0.82), no significant differences occurred between two different assessors experienced in using the software (P=0.88; ICC: 0.90; CIs: 0.82-0.95). Intra-rater reliability for assessing thoracic profile and inter-rater reliability ICC values with experienced analysts was interpreted as good/excellent. The results suggest 3D light-scanning is an objective, non-invasive method to record size and symmetry of the epaxial region in horses and warrants validity testing against current measurement methods such as the flexible-curve ruler.

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Comparative Exercise Physiology


Comparative Exercise Physiology

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Print ISSN: 1755-2540
Online ISSN: 1755-2559
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2023 Journal Impact Factor 0.9
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