The Equiband® Pro System improves stability of the spine during walking and trotting

Findings from studies show that Equiband® Pro has a positive effect on spinal stability in motion (back and pelvis), which is key for optimal athletic performance.

Dynamic stability is the stability of the spine during movement. Two studies have been performed to measure the effect of the Equiband® Pro System on stability of the spine in horses, during walking and trotting exercises. Dynamic stability of the vertebral column is important to reduce risk of pain or injury from hollowing or instability of the back during exercise.

The first study was performed by veterinary scientists at the Royal Veterinary College in the UK. Seven horses that were free from lameness and involved in training and competition at various levels, were recruited for a 4-week exercise program.

The exercise program consisted of fitting the Equiband® Pro System with the abdominal and hindquarter bands at 30% of the maximum tension. All Equiband® Pro exercise was performed at the beginning of the horse’s normal workout session for the indicated time, and exercises emphasized transitions between gaits.

• Week 1: In-hand work with the Equiband® Pro for 5 minutes per day/ 5 days per week prior to the horse’s normal exercise routine
• Week 2: In-hand and ridden work with the Equiband® Pro for 10 minutes per day/5 days per week at the beginning of the horse’s normal exercise routine
• Week 3: In-hand and ridden work with the Equiband® Pro for 20 minutes per day/4 days per week at the beginning of the horse’s normal exercise routine
• Week 4: In-hand and ridden work with the Equiband® Pro for 30 minutes per day/3 days per week

Three-dimensional spinal motion was recorded at the beginning of the study (baseline), and following the 4-week program (final). The measurements were collected with and without the Equiband® Pro, with the horse trotting in-hand and on the lunge. The researchers found that with use of the Equiband® Pro, horses had reduced spinal movements in the wither and mid-thoracic/lumbar regions (the area under and just behind where the saddle would sit). Following the 4-week exercise program, rotational movement in the withers and thoracic region decreased, while dorsoventral (up and down) movement of the thoracic spine increased.

The results of this study indicate that the Equiband® Pro system reduces movement of the spine during trotting exercises, indicating an increase in dynamic stability.

Citation: Pfau, et al. 2017. Effect of a 4-week elastic resistance band training regimen on back kinematics in horses trotting in-hand and on the lunge. Equine Veterinary Journal

A second study performed by veterinary physiotherapists in Sweden found that use of the hindquarter Equiband® Pro stabilized the thoracic and lumbar areas of the spine during in-hand walking and trotting exercises. Improved stability of the thoracolumbar region is thought to improve working posture and promote core stability.

Citation: Stenfeldt, Ericson, and Jacobson. 2016. The effect of an elastic resistance band around the hindquarters on equine dorsoventral back kinematics. Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica