Kinematic motion analysis of the joints of the forelimbs and hind limbs of dogs during walking exercise regimens.
OBJECTIVE
To assess forelimbs and hind limb joint kinematics in dogs during walking on an inclined slope (uphill), on a declined slope (downhill), or over low obstacles (cavaletti) on a horizontal surface and compare findings with data acquired during unimpeded walking on a horizontal surface.


METHODS
8 nonlame dogs (mean +/- SD age, 3.4 +/- 2.0 years; weight, 23.6 +/- 4.6 kg).


METHODS
By use of 10 high-speed cameras and 10 reflecting markers located on the left forelimbs and hind limbs, joint kinematics were recorded for each dog during uphill walking, downhill walking, and walking over low obstacles or unimpeded on a horizontal surface. Each exercise was recorded 6 times (10 s/cycle); joint angulations, angle velocities and accelerations, and range of motion for shoulder, elbow, carpal, hip, stifle, and tarsal joints were calculated for comparison.


RESULTS
Compared with unimpeded walking, obstacle exercise significantly increased flexion of the elbow, carpal, stifle, and tarsal joints and extension in the carpal and stifle joints. Only uphill walking caused increased hip joint flexion and decreased stifle joint flexion; downhill walking caused less flexion of the hip joint. During obstacle exercise, forward angle velocities in the elbow and stifle joints and retrograde velocity in the tarsal joint changed significantly, compared with unimpeded walking. Joint angle acceleration of the elbow joint changed significantly during all 3 evaluated exercises.


CONCLUSIONS
These evidence-based data indicated that each evaluated exercise, except for downhill walking, has a specific therapeutic value in physical therapy for dogs.
Holler
Peter J
PJ
Project Group Dog, Movement Science Group Vienna, Clinical Department of Small Animals and Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine, A-1210 Vienna, Austria. peter.holler@vetmeduni.ac.at
Brazda
Verena
V
Dal-Bianco
Barbara
B
Lewy
Elisabeth
E
Mueller
Marion C
MC
Peham
Christian
C
Bockstahler
Barbara A
BA
D000818:Animals; D001835:Body Weight; D050824:Carpal Joints / Q000502:physiology; D004285:Dogs / Q000502:physiology*; D004551:Elbow Joint / Q000502:physiology; D005552:Forelimb / Q000502:physiology*; D006614:Hindlimb / Q000502:physiology*; D006621:Hip Joint / Q000502:physiology; D007596:Joints / Q000502:physiology*; D007700:Kinetics; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000502:physiology*; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular / Q000502:physiology; D012785:Shoulder Joint / Q000502:physiology; D013264:Stifle / Q000502:physiology; D013639:Tarsal Bones / Q000502:physiology; D016138:Walking / Q000502:physiology*