Influence of chiropractic care on sleep-related behavior of athletic Mangalarga Marchador horses.

BACKGROUND

Sleep is a fundamental biological process for homeostasis in mammals. Chiropractic is a manual therapeutic approach that aims to restore joint mobility, correct biomechanical dysfunctions, and optimize welfare.

AIMS/

OBJECTIVES

The present study examined the influence of chiropractic sessions on resting behavior patterns of Mangalarga Marchador horses raised in an intensive system.

METHODS

Nine Mangalarga Marchador horses, with an average age of 4.2 ± 1.2 years, were evaluated for their sleep-related behavior over 72 hours, followed by a chiropractic session, and reassessed over the next 72 hours post-session. After 35 days, horses received a second chiropractic session and were observed for another 72 hours, pre- and post-session.

RESULTS

There was a reduction in wakefulness time (Pre: 1,128.22±32.02; Post: 1,063.66±29.16 min, p=0.003) and an increase in time in lateral recumbency after the chiropractic sessions (1st: from 129.24±43.88 min to 147.14±46.25 min and 2nd: from 88.55±28.19 min to 143.10±38.58 min, p=0.004).

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that chiropractic care is associated with changes in sleep-related behavior in athletic horses. Further studies using electroencephalography are needed to determine whether these behavioral changes are associated with alterations in sleep physiology.