Document Type
Honors Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelor of Science
Date of Award
Spring 4-16-2025
Abstract
The objective of this study is to assess outcomes of varying protocols of whole body vibration (WBV) on equine performance based on improved blood circulation. Two American Quarter Horses (AQHA; Equus caballus; n=2; 1, eleven year-old mare; 1, five year-old gelding), will be subjected to whole body vibration therapy on an EQUIVIBE platform for 3 weeks at the ETAMU Equine Lab (33.1872132, -95.9313238). Times spent on a WBV plate will be 15 minutes, 23.5 minutes and 30 minutes at 30hz. A standard washout period of 72 hours will be in place between each week of treatment (Atalaia et al., 2021). A 48 hour period will be in place between each treatment during the 15 minute trial, 23.5 minute trial, and 30 minute trial. The pulse repetition frequency (PRF) will be measured in centimeters per second (cm/s) via Doppler ultrasonography to record velocity of blood flow of the digital artery of the right distal forelimb. Each horse will take an initial reading of the right distal forelimb to establish the constant at rest before beginning WBV therapy. Doppler ultrasound will measure the velocity of blood flow at various periods: at rest, post day three of 15 min treatment, post day three of 23.5 min treatment, post day three of 30 min treatment. Observation of body condition score (BCS) will be recorded weekly using the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) standard BCS system on a 1-9 scale (1-Emaciated, 9-Obese). Application of WBV therapy for equine athletes has potential impact as a physiological benefit for horses in many disciplines.
Advisor
Jared Mumm
Recommended Citation
Amour, Lauren, "Equine Whole Body Vibration Therapy: An Explanation on Whole Body Vibration on Equine Health and Performance" (2025). Honors Theses. 271.
https://digitalcommons.tamuc.edu/honorstheses/271
