Effect of chiropractic on the kinematics of back and limbs in horses with clinically diagnosed back problems.

METHODS:
Kinematics of 10 Warmblood horses were measured over ground at walk and trot at their own, preferred speed before, and one hour and 3 weeks after chiropractic that consisted of adjustments of the back, neck and pelvic area. Speed was the same during all measurements for each horse.

RESULTS:
Chiropractic resulted in increased flexion-extension range of motion at trot in the vertebral angular segments: T10-T13-T17 and T13-T17-L1 one hour after treatment. The angular motion patterns of the same segments showed increased flexion at both gaits one hour after treatment. The lumbar (L3 and L5) area showed increased flexion after one hour. The inclination of the pelvis was reduced at trot one hour and 3 weeks after treatment. The mean axial rotation of the pelvis was more symmetrical 3 weeks after the treatment at both gaits.

CONCLUSIONS:
The main overall effect of the chiropractic was a less extended thoracic back, a reduced inclination of the pelvis and improvement of the symmetry of the pelvic motion pattern.