Volume: 4, 2025
4th International PhD Student’s Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland:
ENVIRONMENT – PLANT – ANIMAL – PRODUCT
Abstract number: A032
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL4.A032
Published online: 9 April 2025
ICDSUPL, 4, A032 (2025)
The effect of rolling on improving blood flow on the surface of the horse’s back
Paulina Zeliszewska-Duk1*, Katarzyna Strzelec1, Weronika Matysek1, Anna Wiśniewska1, Izabela Wilk1
1 Department of Horse Breeding and Use, Faculty of Animal Sciences and Bioeconomy, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Akademicka 13, 20-950 Lublin, Poland
* Corresponding author: paulina.zeliszewska@up.lublin.pl
Abstract
Muscle pain can restrict movement and circulation, which negatively impacts the horse’s performance and overall health. One well-known method that is non-invasive is the use of a rolling procedure using a specialized multi-needle roller. The main advantage of this device is that it can be used both before and after the horse’s training. This type of massage relieves muscle tension that can cause pain. It also improves blood circulation, increasing the supply of oxygen that the muscles need to regenerate and stay healthy. The simultaneous optimal flow of lymphatic fluid helps to remove metabolic waste and excess fluid from the body, which helps to reduce swelling. In addition to its health benefits, the massage roller also helps with relaxation, reducing stress, anxiety and symptoms of depression. It also helps to lower blood pressure and slow down the respiratory rate. The effects of the roller can be identified using a thermal imaging camera that measures the surface body temperature of the horse’s back before and after the procedure. The aim of the study was to determine whether the use of a roller treatment improves blood flow in the horse’s back muscles, which was possible thanks to taking thermographic image before and after the treatment. The research material consisted of 10 horses of different sexes and ages. The first, resting body temperature measurement was taken in the morning. Then the horses were subjected to light work under saddle. The massage treatment was performed on three consecutive days, approximately 4 hours after the end of training. The second measurement of the surface temperature of the back was taken the day after the end of the treatment cycle. In the thermographic image, a more even distribution of tissue temperature was observed, which may indicate a positive effect of the Roller on the work and functioning of muscles. We can observe that during the first thermographic measurement, the temperature was 23.3°C and the central point of temperature was located in the area of the lumbar spine (23.7°C). After three days of treatment, it turned out that the average temperature had increased to 25.9°C. The thermographic image shows photo shows a more even increase in temperature in the area of the supraspinous ligament, reaching the area of the withers. In addition, the temperature of the surrounding muscles (the latissimus and longissimus dorsi) had evened out. The use of the multi-needle roller had a positive effect on blood flow tissue flow, which could be observed in the thermographic image.
Keywords: horse massage, roller, back pain, thermography
How to cite
P. Zeliszewska-Duk, K. Strzelec, W. Matysek, A. Wiśniewska, I. Wilk, 2025. The effect of rolling on improving blood flow on the surface of the horse’s back. In: 4th International PhD Student’s Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland: Environment – Plant – Animal – Product. https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL4.A032