Smartphone Accelerometers May Detect Lameness in Racehorses

Researchers from the University of Copenhagen in Denmark believe smartphone accelerometers, when placed at a horse’s center of gravity -- along the top of its neck above the shoulders -- may detect lameness. With early detection, measures can be taken to properly to care for the horse before symptoms get worse.

Healthy horses trot with symmetric gaits, and an accelerometer may be able to detect any asymmetry.

In a study involving 12 healthy horses, an accelerometer detected symmetry. Now, the researchers will test lame horses to see if asymmetry also can be detected.