EVALUATE THE EFFICACY OF BIO-ELECTROMAGNETIC ENERGY REGULATION THERAPY ON THORACOLUMBAR FUNCTION AND EPAXIAL MUSCLE PAIN IN HORSES PARTICIPATING IN EQUINE-ASSISTED SERVICES

Abstract

Equine-assisted services (EAS) provide valuable physical, emotional, and psychologicalbenefits to participants; however, maintaining the long-term health and welfare of EAS horses remains essential. Thoracolumbar pain is common in horses and may contribute to behavioral concerns, discomfort, and reduced longevity within EAS programs. Bioelectromagnetic energy regulation (BEMER) therapy is a non-invasive pulsed electromagnetic modality designed to improve microcirculation, modulate pain, and promote muscle relaxation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of BEMER on mechanical nociceptive thresholds (MNT) and functional assessment outcomes in EAS horses exhibiting signs of thoracolumbar discomfort. Nine horses with thoracolumbar pain and dysfunction from a Colorado State University- affiliated EAS facility were enrolled in a randomized crossover study. Horses received both active BEMER treatment and placebo control conditions separated by a washout period. BEMER therapy was administered twice daily for 15 minutes over five consecutive days. MNT values were measured using a pressure algometer at predetermined thoracolumbar epaxial muscle sites, while functional assessments evaluated pain, stiffness, mobility, and spinal function. MNTs globally increased following BEMER treatment, indicating reduced pain sensitivity. Across individual muscle sites, 11 of 12 locations demonstrated greater post-BEMER increases in MNT values during the treatment condition compared to the control condition. ii Significant improvements were observed in the thoracic (all p ≤ 0.04), lumbar (all p ≤ 0.009), and sacral (all p ≤ 0.01) muscle locations immediately following treatment. Analysis of each horse’s most sensitive muscle region revealed significant increases in MNT values from pre to post-BEMER treatment (p=0.021), although these improvements were reduced following ridden exercise. Sustained effects were also observed, with 8 of 12 muscle locations demonstrating higher MNT values 72 hours after treatment in the treatment condition compared to the control condition. Descriptive functional assessments suggested improvements in pelvic flexion, trunk elevation, and sternal elevation following treatment. Overall, these findings suggest that BEMER therapy may reduce equine epaxial muscle pain and improve thoracolumbar functional movement. As a noninvasive management strategy, BEMER may provide a practical tool for promoting thoracolumbar comfort, function, and overall welfare in EAS horses.