The Energy Absorption Capacity of Equine Support Bandages

Summary

Support bandages are placed on the distal limbs of horses to provide protection to the flexor tendons and suspensory ligaments during athletic activity. In this study, an equine cadaver leg model was used to measure the energy absorption capacity and the rate of energy absorption capacity loss of support bandages. Five different configurations of bandages were applied to the limb at two degrees of applications tension. In all configurations and at both tensions, bandaged legs absorbed significantly more energy than non-bandaged legs. Significant differences existed between bandage configurations in their ability to absorb energy. In addition, the effect of application tension on the energy absorption capacity of a bandage was found to be highly significant. The ability of a bandage to absorb energy declined over a 45 cycle trial. However, significant differences between bandage configurations in this respect were not found unless the bandage material was applied at full stretch tension. When the bandages were constructed with higher application tensions the rate of lost energy absorption capacity of the bandages was increased. The importance of bandage configuration and application tension for clinical use is discussed.

An equine cadaver leg model was used to measure the energy absorption capacity and the rate of energy absorption capacity loss of support bandages.

Key words

Equine support bandages - Bandage energy absorption - Equine leg - Support bandage configuration

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