Progressive Structural Change Framework in Horses with Case Studies

Maren Diehl's 2026 conceptual framework proposes progressive structural and functional change (PSF) to explain locomotor and postural pathophysiology in horses. The work is based on long-term exploratory field observations and includes ten retrospective case studies of horses followed over several years. It integrates clinical findings into a systemic process with falsifiable predictions for practice and research.

Use Cases

• Analyze documented case studies for patterns of lumbosacral joint function and stance-phase timing shifts.
• Test the PSF framework's predictions using the proposed low-threshold observational criteria like hoof morphology changes.
• Apply the concept of functional inversion to interpret secondary symptoms in clinical case assessments.
• Use the framework to prioritize rehabilitation strategies targeting horse-initiated horizontal tension toward the bit.

Strengths

• Includes ten retrospectively documented case studies providing illustrative examples.
• Framework generates falsifiable predictions testable at both practice-based and advanced biomechanical levels.
• Derived from long-term exploratory field observations in horse training and rehabilitation.

Limitations

• Case studies are heterogeneous and illustrative, not a controlled sample for statistical analysis.
• Data is primarily conceptual and textual; no primary quantitative dataset (e.g., biomechanical measurements) is explicitly provided.
• Observational basis may introduce confirmation bias, as noted by the author.

Provenance

Source

figshare, authored by Maren Diehl.

Collection Method

Derived from applied field observations in horse training and rehabilitation, not institutional academic research.

Time Range

Case studies followed horses over several years (specific years not provided).

Freshness

Last updated in April 2026.