Equiband® Pro resistance bands increase activation of core muscles at the trot

A peer-reviewed study used EMG sensors to show that abdominal and hindquarter Equiband® Pro increase activation of the rectus abdominus muscle in horses at the trot. This confirms that the Equiband® Pro System is a useful addition to athletic training and rehabilitation programs requiring strengthening of core muscles.

Veterinary scientists at the University of Tennessee sought to investigate the effects of the Equiband® Pro System, as well as ground pole exercise on the muscle activation of the rectus abdominus and longissimus dorsi – two muscles critical for core activation and postural stability.

Six horses were fitted with surface electromyography (EMG) sensors, a modified saddle pad to accommodate the sensors, and abdominal and hindquarter Equiband® Pro. The Equiband® Pro were fitted at 25% stretch (bands adjusted to 75% of the distance between the attachment buckles on the saddle pad)

The horses were hand walked and trotted in a straight line under the following conditions:

1. Without Equiband® Pro
2. Without Equiband® Pro, over ground poles
3. With Equiband® Pro
4. With Equiband® Pro, over ground poles

As expected, both techniques (ground poles and/or Equiband® Pro) increased muscle activation as measured with the EMG sensors. Specifically, the use of the abdominal and hindquarter Equibands at 25% stretch at the trot resulted in a significant increase in muscle activity of the rectus abdominus muscle. This muscle is critical for maintaining core activation, balance, and posture. These results indicate that the Equiband® Pro System is a useful tool for athletic training and rehabilitation programs requiring strengthening of the core musculature.

Citation: Shaw, et al. 2021. The Effect of Ground Poles and Elastic Resistance Bands on Longissimus Dorsi and Rectus Abdominus Muscle Activity During Equine Walk and Trot. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science.