Koper Equine

A summary of recent research

Tools that support horses during hand walking, stall rest, and early recovery are becoming increasingly valuable. During these phases, horses often experience reduced movement, altered posture, and elevated stress levels.

One such tool is ProSix, a whole-body resistance band wrap designed to provide elastic resistance, full-body proprioceptive input, and gentle, evenly distributed compression.

A recent study from Michigan State University evaluated the short-term effects of ProSix on equine gait, posture, muscle function, and stress physiology. The findings help clarify what ProSix appears to influence immediately—and which changes likely require additional time, exercise, or complementary care.

Why Researchers Studied ProSix

Lameness rarely affects only a single structure. Horses often compensate by altering posture, muscle recruitment, and movement strategies. Over time, these adaptations may lead to bracing, restricted joint motion, and increased physiological stress.

Many recovery programs rely heavily on controlled hand walking. While useful, hand walking alone may not address several common challenges, including:

• Diminished proprioception and body awareness
• Postural collapse or protective guarding
• Restricted joint mobility
• Elevated stress levels during confinement

Because ProSix provides whole-body sensory input and compression without requiring a rider, it offered researchers a practical tool to evaluate during early or low-intensity recovery phases.

How the Study Was Conducted

Nine adult horses with pre-existing gait asymmetries were evaluated both with and without ProSix. After a short acclimation period, researchers measured several key variables.

These included:

• Objective lameness measurements
• Muscle activity
• Stride length and speed
• Joint range of motion (carpus, tarsus, and shoulder)
• Postural changes
• Salivary cortisol levels (measured in six horses)

This was a short-term study, meaning the researchers focused on immediate effects while the horses were wearing ProSix rather than long-term conditioning outcomes.

What ProSix Did Not Change Immediately

Short-term use of ProSix did not result in measurable changes in:

• Objective lameness
• Stride length
• Velocity (speed)

This finding is important. It confirms that ProSix is not a stand-alone treatment for lameness and does not replace diagnosis or treatment of the underlying issue.

Instead, the wrap should be viewed as a supportive tool within a broader care or recovery plan.

What ProSix Did Change

While ProSix did not alter stride mechanics, the study did identify several meaningful short-term effects.

Reduced Physiological Stress

Horses wearing ProSix showed a significant reduction in salivary cortisol, a hormone associated with stress.

This indicates a measurable shift in physiological stress regulation—not simply calmer behavior.

Researchers believe this effect may be related to:

• The wrap’s deep, evenly distributed pressure
• Continuous proprioceptive input across the body

Both factors are known to influence autonomic nervous system balance.

These findings suggest ProSix may help horses experiencing:

• Stress during stall rest
• Anxiety during early recovery periods
• Increased reactivity when movement is restricted

Increased Joint Range of Motion

While wearing ProSix, horses demonstrated increased range of motion in the:

• Carpus
• Tarsus
• Shoulder

These improvements occurred without changes in stride length or speed, indicating that ProSix did not restrict movement or force exaggerated motion.

Instead, the wrap may help horses access movement more comfortably by:

• Reducing protective bracing
• Improving body organization

Subtle Improvements in Topline Posture

Postural measurements showed an increase in back angle while horses wore ProSix.

This change is consistent with improved topline organization and a more supported posture.

While posture is influenced by many factors, the findings suggest ProSix may help support:

• Postural stability
• More balanced load distribution
• Reduced compensatory patterns

Decreased Activity in One Hind-Limb Muscle

Researchers also observed reduced activity in the semitendinosus muscle while horses wore ProSix.

This may indicate:

• Reduced overuse of that muscle
• Redistribution of muscular effort across the body

However, it also highlights that ProSix should be used strategically. When increasing activation of a specific muscle is the primary goal, additional targeted exercise may be necessary.

What This Means in Practice

Based on current evidence, ProSix appears to offer short-term benefits in several areas.

These include:

• Reduced physiological stress
• Improved joint mobility
• Improved postural organization

However, ProSix does not directly resolve lameness in the short term and should be used alongside veterinary care and structured exercise programs.

It may be particularly useful for horses that:

• Brace or guard during early recovery
• Struggle with posture during hand walking
• Become stressed during confinement
• Benefit from additional sensory input to feel more organized in their bodies

Important Context

The results of this study apply specifically to ProSix as fitted and adjusted by researchers during the experiment.

Outcomes may vary depending on:

• Fit and adjustment of the wrap
• Duration of use
• Exercise conditions while wearing it

Larger and longer-term studies will help clarify how horses adapt over time and how ProSix may be best integrated into training or recovery programs.

Big-Picture Takeaway

Short-term use of ProSix was associated with:

• Lower cortisol levels
• Increased joint range of motion
• Improved postural measures

These changes occurred without altering stride mechanics or lameness measurements.

When used thoughtfully, ProSix may help horses feel more regulated and physically organized during periods of restricted movement, stress, or early recovery.

In these situations, supportive tools that influence posture, sensory feedback, and nervous system regulation can play a valuable role in helping horses maintain comfort and coordination.

ProSix EQUINE – Rehabilitate, Recondition, Reconnect Your Horse

Research – https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/veterinary-science/articles/10.3389/fvets.2025.1738766/full