Changes in Thoroughbred speed and stride characteristics over successive race starts and their association with musculoskeletal injury

Abstract

Background: Certain stride characteristics have been shown to affect changes in biomechanical factors that are associated with injuries in human athletes. Determining the relationship between stride characteristics and musculoskeletal injury (MSI) may be key in limiting injury occurrence in the racehorse. Objectives: This study aimed to determine whether changes in race day speed and stride characteristics over career race starts are associated with an increased risk of MSI in racehorses. Study design: Case–control study. Methods: Speed, stride length, and stride frequency data were obtained from the final 200 m sectional of n = 5660 race starts by n = 584 horses (case n = 146, control n = 4..