Equine water treadmill.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To describe the application of water treadmill exercise for equine fitness and/or rehabilitation in a scientific and clinically reasonable manner. ANIMALS: Horses owned by Spy Coast Farm were used for video content. METHODS: A literature review was performed and compiled in this brief video to provide veterinarians with a comprehensive, evidence-based guide for implementing water treadmill exercise within fitness and rehabilitation programs. RESULTS: Equine water treadmill exercise is an aerobic modality that increases distal limb flexion and range of motion, with no reported adverse effects. It is associated with increased stride length and decreased stride frequency. Water treadmill exercise should not be used as a sole rehabilitation modality; instead, it is most effective when incorporated into a comprehensive rehabilitation plan. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Kinematic data, clinical findings, and controlled studies offer the framework for the development of individualized water treadmill programs tailored to a horse's condition. Oversight by trained personnel or a veterinarian is essential, as program adjustments are necessary over the course of rehabilitation. In the future, multicenter prospective clinical trials using standardized protocols would be helpful to develop recommendations for specific injuries.