Capacitive Resistive Electric Transfer (CRET), operating at 448 kHz, is known to enhance circulation, oxygenation, and neuromuscular performance in humans. This study aimed to evaluate whether similar effects occur in equine locomotion and to determine how CRET influences stride dynamics and muscular power output in horses. The researchers specifically tested whether two consecutive CRET sessions would produce cumulative effects on gait mechanics over time.
Nine healthy adult horses underwent two consecutive 50-minute CRET sessions using Indiba® Vet905 (448 kHz), applied bilaterally to the neck, shoulders, back, and croup in both capacitive and resistive modes. Horses were exercised on a treadmill at walk (1.5 m/s) and trot (3.4 m/s) before treatment and then re-evaluated at 2, 6, 12, 26, 30, and 36 hours post-treatment. No measurements were taken immediately after the sessions — the first data collection occurred two hours post-treatment to ensure results reflected neuromuscular adaptation rather than transient heat effects. This design allowed the researchers to observe both short-term physiological responses and longer-lasting biomechanical changes as the body integrated the effects of Tecar therapy. Movement data were collected with triaxial accelerometers on the sternum and sacral midline, analyzing total power, dorsoventral power (DVP), propulsive power (PP), mediolateral power (MLP), stride regularity (REG), symmetry (SYM), stride length (SL), and stride frequency (SF). A sham procedure served as control.
CRET significantly modified locomotor patterns over time:
No significant changes were seen during the sham procedure, and all horses remained calm and relaxed, suggesting Tecar therapy was well tolerated. By the second day, improvements persisted, confirming an accumulative effect of back-to-back treatments.
Tecar therapy (CRET) produced measurable, time-dependent improvements in stride length, muscular power, and gait regularity in horses. The first evaluation at 2 hours post-treatment already showed enhanced coordination, with peak benefits observed between 6 and 12 hours, and sustained improvements lasting up to 36 hours. These results demonstrate that Tecar therapy induces neuromuscular and biomechanical adaptations rather than transient heat effects, validating its ability to improve movement efficiency and performance in athletic applications.
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