title: The Effect of Examiner Variability on Multiple Canine Stifle Kinematic Gait Collections in a 3-Dimensional Model.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate examiner variability in a superficial skin marker model of canine stifle kinematics.
  
  
  METHODS
  Experimental.
  
  
  METHODS
  Six clinically normal dogs.
  
  
  METHODS
  Dogs had 11 retroreflective markers fixed to the skin on the right hindlimb. Dogs were trotted 5 times through the calibrated testing space and this was repeated on 4 different testing days. Examiner A applied all markers to a dog and collected 6 good trials for analysis. The markers were then removed and Examiner B immediately repeated the process on the same dog. This was repeated for each dog on the 4 testing days. The dogs were trotted at a velocity of 1.70-2.10 m/s through the testing space to obtain the dynamic data sets. Comparisons were performed with Fourier analysis and Generalized Indicator Function Analysis (GIFA). Significance was set at P < .05 for all comparisons.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Fourier analysis and GIFA found differences within and between examiners. Fourier analysis found no differences in sagittal and transverse planes for the experienced (A) and novice examiner (B), respectively. Fourier analysis detected fewer differences for the experienced examiner (A).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Variability occurs within and between examiners using the same kinematic model. Transverse and frontal plane kinematics produce variable results between examiners. Prior experience with the model reduces the amount of variability and results in consistent and repeatable sagittal plane kinematic data collection.
authors.affiliation: The Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, University of Georgia, College of Veterinary Medicine, Athens, Georgia.
authors.forename: Bryan T
authors.initials: BT
authors.lastname: Torres
authors.affiliation: The Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada.
authors.forename: Peter J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Gilbert
authors.affiliation: The Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, University of Georgia, College of Veterinary Medicine, Athens, Georgia.
authors.forename: Lisa R
authors.initials: LR
authors.lastname: Reynolds
authors.affiliation: The Department of Kinesiology, University of Georgia, College of Education, Athens, Georgia.
authors.forename: Yang-Chieh
authors.initials: YC
authors.lastname: Fu
authors.affiliation: The Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, University of Georgia, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Athens, Georgia.
authors.forename: Judith A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Navik
authors.affiliation: The Department of Mathematics, University of Georgia, Faculty of Engineering, Athens, Georgia.
authors.forename: Andrew
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Sornborger
authors.affiliation: The Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, University of Georgia, College of Veterinary Medicine, Athens, Georgia.
authors.forename: Steven C
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Budsberg
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D004285:Dogs / Q000502:physiology*; D005684:Gait / Q000502:physiology*; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000662:veterinary*; D015588:Observer Variation; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D013264:Stifle / Q000502:physiology*