Thermographic Imaging| Thermographic Imaging |
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Carried out by Equitherm Cyclo-ssage Pro Equine Massage System is a system designed to increase the circulation and transportation of oxygen to the muscles, aimed at reducing lactic build up after exercise, stimulating the lymph system and enhance the removal of metabolic products. The system has been designed to help horses warm up pre-competition, relax post competition and aid recovery from exercise; it is also designed to aid the recovery of muscle tension and injury. The system works through the 10 oscillating massage motors across the back, shoulder and hind quarters which are built into the rug with an extended neck piece containing a further 4 motors from poll down to withers. The massage system is applied directly over the horses back and attached by straps under the horses belly and neck. STUDY 1 5 horses known to be injury free were imaged prior to the Cyclo-ssage System being applied to show their normal thermal patterns. The same five horses then had the Cyclo-ssage System applied for 15 minutes at maximum level. The aim of this was to show increased blood flow promoted by the Cyclo-ssage System to a normal healthy horse and to show effective warm up of muscles prior to exercise. 10 horses were exercised independently for 20 minutes. Immediately after exercise 5 horses had the Cyclo-ssage System applied for 15 minutes and the other 5 horses were retired without the System being applied. The aim of this study was to show the benefits of the Cyclo-ssage Massage System in the aid of muscle recovery after exercise. 5 horses with muscle soreness & tightness were imaged with the infrared-camera, thermal patterns were observed as being asymmetrical over the sore areas. Each horse had the Cyclo-ssage system applied for 15 minutes. The aim of this study was to promote healing, ease muscle pain and tension. In all three studies, all horses where the system was applied showed a significant change in their physical state and visible relaxation of the horses was observed. Blood flow was increased during and after treatment and the thermal patterns were even and consistant. This pattern of blood flow change after application of the Cyclo-ssage system would support the manufacturer’s claims that it relaxes the muscles, reduces lactic acid build up after exercise, stimulates the lymph system and improves oxygen circulation to the muscles therefore preventing tying up, and allowing for improved muscle condition and function. The study also showed that the Cyclo-ssage system application on horses with soft tissue injury and inflammation increased blood flow to the damaged area promoting healing, it was observed that after application on a horse with lumbar pain the thermal patters changed from asymmetrical to symmetrical indicative of healing. First five horses during this initial study had the Cyclo-ssage system applied for 15 minutes. All these horses visibly relaxed during the 15 minute treatment. Four out of 5 horse’s remained relaxed for up to two hours after treatment. The thermal patterns distribution was symmetrical and blood flow was increased to the muscles. The second five horses from study one were exercised immediately after the cyclo-ssage application. All horse’s showed increased flexibility and reduced stiffness on initiating exercise and were found to perform with increased focus, flexion and range of movement. It was also observed that the horses were relaxed during training. Click here to view Thermographic imaging for Study 1 STUDY 2 First five horses of study two were exercised for 20 minutes and returned to their stables where they were left to cool down. After 30 minutes they were imaged with the thermal cameras and uneven blood flow was observed due to lactic waste in certain muscles and stiffness in three horses was still present. Click here to view Thermographic imaging for Study 2 STUDY 3 Five horses with muscle stiffness and soft tissue injury in their backs were imaged initially with the thermographic camera. Horses showed asymmetry due to their physical state. The Cyclo-massage system was applied to each horse for 15 minutes on an intense programme. On completion of treatment infrared images were taken and it was observed that in three cases out of five showed changes in thermal patterns from asymmetrical to symmetrical indicative of improved muscle condition. Treatment in all three cases was repeated over 5 to 10 days, each horse showed huge improvement in their movement, suppleness and performance. Click here to view Thermographic Imaging for Study 3 Any unauthorised copying will constitute an infringement of copyright. 
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