Feasibility of a hand-held myotonometry device for measuring biomechanical muscle parameters in horses.

The MyotonPRO device feasibly provides objective, symmetric bilateral measurements of equine longissimus dorsi biomechanical parameters.

This feasibility study evaluated the MyotonPRO, a hand-held myotonometry device, for measuring biomechanical muscle parameters—frequency (tone), stiffness, and decrement (elasticity)—in the longissimus dorsi muscle of the thoracolumbar region in horses. Fifty healthy adult horses were assessed with measurements taken bilaterally while standing square, using triple-scan mode for reliability. Mean muscle frequency was 21.66 ± 2.88 Hz (left) and 21.45 ± 2.75 Hz (right); mean stiffness was 535.94 ± 82.87 N/m (left) and 525.41 ± 75.15 N/m (right); and mean decrement was 1.68 ± 0.34 (left) and 1.71 ± 0.26 (right). No statistically significant differences were found between left and right sides for any parameter, suggesting bilateral symmetry in healthy horses and supporting use of these values as a potential baseline reference. Left-side measurements revealed correlations between biomechanical parameters and both age and body condition score, suggesting these variables may influence muscle mechanical properties and should be considered in clinical interpretation. The MyotonPRO demonstrated practical applicability in a standing horse without sedation or specialized facilities. This non-invasive, portable tool has potential clinical utility in equine practice for objective muscle assessment, aiding in early diagnosis of musculoskeletal dysfunction, monitoring rehabilitation progress, and informing injury prevention strategies. Establishing normative data and further validation studies across diverse breeds and disciplines are recommended next steps.

This summary was distilled by AI and may occasionally misinterpret data. Confirm critical details with the primary literature before clinical application.