Aus dem Fachgebiet Allgemeine Radiologie und Medizinische ...

7. Summary
95 Summary
Influence of exercise on the volume of horse limbs, measured by the Perometer ® , an
optoelectronic device.
Ariane Böttcher
In the present study, the Perometer ® , an optoelectronic device to measure limb
volume, was tested on horses. It is the first veterinary medical application of this
instrument. The influence of different types of physical exercises on the volume of the
extremities was analysed. To this end, 40 horses were divided into four groups of ten
horses each. These groups were exposed to physical exercise so that a total number
of 160 legs was tested.
Group 1 was lunged for 0.5. hs on the left rein, group 2 was lunged for 0.5 hs on both
reins, group 3 was lunged for 0.5 hs on both reins carrying a horserider, and group 4
was lunged for 1 h on both reins carrying a horserider.
Volume measurement by using the Perometer ® was first carried out determining the
quiescent value (I) after a standing period of twelve hours, secondly determining the
load value (II) directly following the exercise, and thirdly via determining the recovery
value (III) one hour following exercise.
The results showed a significant decrease of limb volume of 5.5 percent (126, 0 ml)
between values (I) and (II), as well as a significant increase of 6.4. percent (135.5 ml)
between values (II) and (III). Probably the volume changes measured mainly resulted
from a redistribution of fluid within the blood vessels, lymph vessels and interstitial
tissue. In the present study it was not possible to quantify and identify the fluid and its
composition.
The different exercise groups did not show any significant change of limb volume at
time (I), (II) or (III). Volume changes of the groups carrying a horserider were higher
than without carrying a horserider. Movement for 0.5 hs or 1h always effected
significant change in volume, independent of type and intensity of exercise.