ABSTRACT
An independent equine physiotherapist evaluated the short-term effect of a single wet application of the Incrediwear® Equine Circulation Sock on a sport horse diagnosed with chronic proximal suspensory desmopathy (PSD) of the right forelimb.
Before and after a 45-minute application, Sleip® AI video gait analysis was used to measure dorsoventral symmetry at the trot.
The analysis showed a 50 % reduction in right-forelimb push-off asymmetry (0.8 → 0.4) and a 40 % reduction in impact asymmetry (0.5 → 0.3), with stride frequency remaining stable (1.26 → 1.27 strides/s). These findings suggest a measurable short-term improvement in gait symmetry following a single wet-sock session.
This report represents a single independent case, and results should be interpreted as preliminary; Incrediwear® Equine products are intended as supportive tools and not a substitute for professional veterinary diagnosis or treatment.
INTRODUCTION
Proximal suspensory desmopathy (PSD) is a common cause of lameness or asymmetry in sports horses. The suspensory ligament performs several functions during locomotion. It is essential for preventing hyperextension of the metacarpophalangeal joint during weight-bearing. It also provides energy storage and release, reducing the horse's energy expenditure during locomotion. At rest, it contributes to the passive postural apparatus, allowing horses to stand for long periods with minimal muscular effort.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effect of wet Incrediwear ® socks.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
- One adult working jumping horse with chronic desmopathy of the proximal insertion of the suspensory ligament on the right forelimb without major lesion.
- Application of the Incrediwear sock for 45 minutes after moistening. Anatomical zone: the sock starts above the carpus and stops halfway up the cannon.
- Using Sleip ® software (Sleip AI, Stockholm, Sweden) with an iPhone 15 Pro (Apple Inc., Cupertino, USA). Measurement of dorsoventral symmetry at trot <30 m before and after application of the sock.
RESULTS
Right forelimb:
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- Before application: asymmetry in push-off 0,8 (confidence interval 0,3) / asymmetry in impact 0,5 (confidence interval 0,2)
- After application: asymmetry in push-off 0,4 (confidence interval 0,2) / asymmetry in impact 0,3 (confidence interval 0,1).
- Signal quality/consistency: stride frequency remained stable (1.26 → 1.27 strides/s) with no warnings reported by the software, supporting a valid comparison between sessions.
CONCLUSION
While limited to a single case without controls, these findings suggest a meaningful short-term improvement in symmetry following one application.
DISCLAIMER STATMENT
This report represents the experience of a single horse under the care of an independent practitioner. The findings are preliminary and should not be interpreted as clinical proof of efficacy. Results may vary between individual horses. Incrediwear® Equine products are intended as supportive tools and are not a substitute for professional veterinary diagnosis, treatment, or ongoing management.
Research carried out by Marc Beaussart – Veterinary Physiotherapist (VP MIRVAP)