Abstract

Background:
Global technological advancements have shifted equine lameness diagnostics from purely subjective assessment toward more objective, quantitative methods. Traditional gait evaluations are increasingly being supplemented by innovative technologies to enhance diagnostic accuracy.

Aim:
This study aimed to determine if traditional gait assessment could be effectively complemented by quantitative measurements using an affordable, self-constructed device, the Lameness Detector 0.1, which incorporates inertial motion sensors.

Methods:
A total of 42 adult sport horses diagnosed with hindleg lameness due to osteochondritis dissecans were assessed pre- and post-intra-articular anesthesia using both subjective evaluation and the Lameness Detector 0.1. Quantitative data were collected by recording electric impulses on the device's accelerometer across three axes (X, Y, Z). Statistical analysis was performed to compare pre- and post-joint block values, stratified by lameness degree, and to analyze correlations between quantitative measurements and subjective evaluations.

Results:
Significant differences were observed on the X-axis (p

Key words: Accelerometer-generated impulses, Adult sport-horses, Equine lameness, Kinematic locomotion exam, Sensors