Kinematics and Kinetics of Dogs Walking Over Increasing Heights of Cavaletti Exercise

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to identify the effects of four heights of cavaletti exercise on canine kinematics and kinetics. Eight dogs had kinematics and kinetics data collected whilst completing cavaletti pole exercises at four different heights (floor, mid-metatarsal, hock, and stifle). Dogs had anatomical markers placed bilaterally on bony landmarks of the fore and hindlimbs. Each trial was recorded via a high-speed camera and two pressure mats. Kinematics outcomes were joints ROM and kinetics identified force (%BW), impulse and peak pressure. Friedman tests were performed to identify differences between cavaletti heights. Statistical significance was found at hock height placement across all joints whilst maintaining kinetics parameters similar to floor height. No significant differences were found for hip range of motion at any pole height. It was found that stifle height has no additional benefits for joint range of motion and has the highest forces involved. This determines that hock height is the most beneficial height for improving joint range of motion whilst not increasing forelimbs forces and fore and hindlimbs peak pressures forces upon the limbs. Whilst stifle height should be avoided, in some conditions, due to high peak pressures and no further increases in joints ROM.

Keywords: ground reaction forces, pole, remedial exercise, ROM