Functional Anatomy and Biomechanics

Our group investigates normal locomotory function, to understand risk factors and to develop new ways of preventing damage and optimising performance.

Current projects

• Hoof interaction with the track surface.
• Modelling the fetlock, carpus, tarsus
• Mechanically related movements.
• Muscle spindle density and proprioception
• Respiratory noise and ecg variations in relation to specific pathology during fast exercise
• Measuring training load.

Research group contact information

Name: Associate Professor Helen Davies
Email: h.davies@unimelb.edu.auTelephone: 03 8344 6315

Researchers

• Dr. Hung Hsen Yen
• Dr. Chris Murray

Research students

Carla Lusi - Project: Quadruped forelimb functional anatomy

Sa’ad Ismail –  Project: Greyhound functional anatomy

Akinbowele Olusa – Project: Equine carpus functional anatomy

Lisa Walter –  Project: Developing ways to measure high speed dysfunction in the respiratory and cardiovascular systems

Zeeshan Akbar – Project:  Functional anatomy of the tarsus in athletic animals

Victoria Moodie –  Project: Measuring training load in racehorses

1. Wang, X., Thomas, C.D.L., Clement, J.G., Das, R., Davies, H.M.S., Fernandez, J.W. (2015) a Mechanostatistical approach to cortical bone remodelling: An equine model. Accepted by Biomechanics and Modelling in Mechanobiology.
2. Alrtib, A.M., Oheida, A.H., Abushhiwa, M.H., and Davies H.M.S. (2015) Metacarpophalangeal joint angle measurement in equine forelimbs. J. Vet. Adv. 5(2) 831-840.
3. Nestadt, C.L., Lusi, C.M. and Davies, H.M.S. (2015) Effect of different head-and-neck positions on nuchal ligament dimensions in fetal foals. J.Equine Vet. Sci.35 153–160
4. Alrtib, A.M., Philip, C.J., Abdunnabi, A.H. and Davies, H.M.S. (2013) Morphometrical study of bony elements of the forelimb fetlock joints in horses. Anat. Histol. Embryol. 42(1): 9-20.
5. Cust, A.R.E., Anderson, G.A., Whitton, R.C., Davies, H.M.S. (2013) Hoof conformation and performance in the racing Thoroughbred in Macau. Australian Vet.J. 91 (3): 108-112.
6. Bellanzani, M.C.R., Merritt, J.S., Clarke, S. and Davies, H.M.S. (2012) Investigation of hoof wall strains and hoof shape in unshod horses exercised on the treadmill at different speeds and gaits. American J. Vet. Res. 73(11):1735-41.
7. Abdunnabi, A.H., Ahmed, Y.A., Philip, C.J. and Davies, H.M.S. (2011) Morphometrical variations of the carpal bones in Thoroughbreds and Ponies. Anat. Histol. Embryol.41, 139-148.
8. Malone, S.R., and Davies, H.M.S. (2011) The effects of hoof trimming and farrier on hoof shape. J.Equine Vet.Sci. 31(s5-6):294-295.
9. De Mello Costa, M.F., Anderson, G.A., Davies, H.M., Slocombe, R.F. (2011) "Effects of acute exercise on angiotensin 1-converting enzyme (ACE) activity in horses" Equine Vet J. 44(4):487-9.