The Energy Absorption Capacity of Equine Support Bandages

Abstract

SummaryA previous study has shown that a non-woven, cohesive bandage material placed in various configurations and tensions on equine cadaver legs caused an increase in the amount of energy that was absorbed when the leg was loaded to create fetlock extension. The purpose of this study was to compare the energy absorption capacity of five different bandage materials when they were placed in the same configurations and tensions as in the preceding study. There were significant differences between materials in their energy absorption capacity with the magnitude and differences being dependent upon the configuration and tension in which the bandage was constructed. Differences in the rate of energy absorption loss which existed between bandages materials were more evident when the bandages were constructed with the material placed at full-stretch tension. The significance of material characteristics, with respect to energy absorption, are discussed. Suggestions are made for the clinical application of support bandages on the distal limb of performance horses.The energy absorption capacity of five different bandage materials was compared. There were significant differences between materials in their energy absorption capacity with the magnitude and differences being dependent upon the configuration and tension in which the bandage was constructed. Differences in the rate of energy absorption loss which existed between bandage materials were more evident when the bandages were constructed with the material placed at fullstretch tension. The significance of material characteristics, with respect to energy absorption, are discussed. Suggestions are made for the clinical application of support bandages on the distal limb of performance horses.