EXPANSION OF EQUINE BIOMECHANICS IN UGA PROGRAMS

Summary

Development of equine research and course work in the field of biomechanics has been successfully expanded this year. Equine biomechanics and gait analysis is a growing area of interest in the performance horse industry and equine academia. A Georgia based software program, EquineTec, has been purchased and utilized in several equine lecture and laboratory classes and has been implemented to conduct research projects at both the undergraduate and graduate level in the field of biomechanics. A new course, ADSC 4230(L) (Equine Anatomy and Biomechanics) has been approved through the department and is in the process of receiving CAPA approval to begin in the fall of 2012. Three large research projects were conducted in 2011, involving three graduate students and approximately 20 undergraduate students. Four undergraduate students participated in the CAES Undergraduate Research Symposium to present results of research performed using gait analysis software. Two undergraduate students and one graduate student presented results of these projects at national equine meetings this summer, and the manuscript from one of these projects was recently accepted for publication in a refereed journal. Finally, other faculty at UGA are currently incorporating this biomechanics program into projects with human health implications, such as new treatments for stroke recovery.

Situation

Equine biomechanics is a growing field in academia across the country. However, due to the relative newness and lack of training in this field, most academic programs are not able to incorporate such a program. Due to the lack of undergraduate and graduate training in the field of biomechanics, this program continues to remain exclusive to a few major universities with facilities and experts to be pioneers in the field.

Response

Over the past two years, this area of study has been incorporated into the equine program at UGA by incorporating gait analysis software into classes. The recent development of a Georgia based company, EquineTec, has allowed for more widespread applications of the field of biomechanics at UGA. EquineTec has consulted with both the ADS department and the College of Veterinary Medicine to develop a software package capable of meeting teaching, research, and extension needs. The ADS department recently purchased this software program for use on 12 student computer lab computers. This has allowed for incorporation of gait analysis topics into ADS courses and also has allowed us to initiate meaningful research in the field of equine biomechanics.

Impact

Use of gait analysis software has allowed for the incorporation of an entirely new upper level undergraduate and graduate course in the ADS department. ADSC 4230(L), Equine Anatomy and Biomechanics, is currently going through the CAPA approval process to be incorporated in the curriculum next fall. There is a void in the current UGA curriculum as there is no competitive horse judging team, despite offering livestock, dairy, and meat judging programs. ADSC 4230(L)/6230(L) will address this issue by giving students an opportunity to objectively evaluate performance horses using cutting edge technology. Students will learn principles of equine anatomy and biomechanics based on current scientific research that will be applicable to future veterinary or industry careers. Additionally, the ADS department at UGA has begun to establish a strong undergraduate/graduate level research program in the field of biomechanics. Three research projects were conducted in 2011 examining various topics in equine health as related to biomechanics. Undergraduate students participated in all projects (one project was entirely conducted by undergraduate students), and several students had the opportunity to participate in scientific conferences and symposiums. One student presented her findings at the CURO Symposium in January. Four undergraduate students participated in the CAES Undergraduate Research Symposium, with one of those students placing fourth in the Honors section. Two undergraduate and one graduate student had abstracts accepted at the Equine Science Society meetings, which are professional meetings attended every other year by leading research, teaching, and extension faculty both in the United States and other countries. These three students presented their work in the undergraduate and graduate student presentation sections at these meetings. Finally, the manuscript from one of these undergraduate research projects was recently accepted for publication in a refereed journal, The Journal of Equine Veterinary Science. Two other projects are in the process of being analyzed and should be publishable in scientific journals. Finally, two new projects are being initiated. One is being done in conjunction with both the NCAA Equestrian Team as well as a faculty member at the College of Veterinary Medicine to attempt to determine the efficacy and mode of action of a popular joint supplement. A second project is a collaboration with several faculty members in the ADS department, the College of Veterinary Medicine, and the medical college looking at the effects of strokes on the brain, and recovery/improvement after strokes with new stem cell technology treatment. As more collaborative efforts using this program materialize, more students have the opportunity to conduct and be exposed to meaningful research at the graduate and undergraduate level. This also allows for incorporation of more lectures/labs in the ADS curriculum regarding innovative topics. Finally, collaboration with both industry companies, as well as other professional schools such as the College of Veterinary Medicine, is allowing for the planning of new adult extension programs to be implemented in 2012.

State Issue

Other Issue

Details

• Year: 2011
• Geographic Scope: National
• County: Clarke
• Program Areas:
  • Agriculture & Natural Resources