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Michael HE, McGowan CM, Hyytiäinen HK. Posture and postural dysfunction in dogs: Implications for veterinary physiotherapy. Vet J 2024; 305:106107. [PMID: 38575053 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2024.106107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
Postural assessment is an important part of the veterinary evaluation of a dog's neuromusculoskeletal function. It forms an important part of the clinical examination by physiotherapists and specialists in veterinary rehabilitation and sports medicine and is well researched in humans, which has allowed treatment approaches to be developed and validated. This narrative review aims to complement the veterinary literature, which largely quantifies the impact of various conditions on posture, by synthesising the physiotherapy literature, to help translate the use of postural assessment as a basis for the development and validation of treatment techniques to improve outcomes in dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Catherine M McGowan
- Department of Equine Clinical Science, School of Veterinary Science, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Heli K Hyytiäinen
- Department of Equine and Small Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
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Aghapour M, Affenzeller N, Lutonsky C, Peham C, Tichy A, Bockstahler B. A validation study to analyze the reliability of center of pressure data in static posturography in dogs. Front Vet Sci 2024; 11:1353824. [PMID: 38560629 PMCID: PMC10979645 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1353824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Center of pressure (COP) parameters are frequently assessed to analyze movement disorders in humans and animals. Methodological discrepancies are a major concern when evaluating conflicting study results. This study aimed to assess the inter-observer reliability and test-retest reliability of body COP parameters including mediolateral and craniocaudal sway, total length, average speed and support surface in healthy dogs during quiet standing on a pressure plate. Additionally, it sought to determine the minimum number of trials and the shortest duration necessary for accurate COP assessment. Materials and methods Twelve clinically healthy dogs underwent three repeated trials, which were analyzed by three independent observers to evaluate inter-observer reliability. Test-retest reliability was assessed across the three trials per dog, each lasting 20 seconds (s). Selected 20 s measurements were analyzed in six different ways: 1 × 20 s, 1 × 15 s, 2 × 10 s, 4 × 5 s, 10 × 2 s, and 20 × 1 s. Results Results demonstrated excellent inter-observer reliability (ICC ≥ 0.93) for all COP parameters. However, only 5 s, 10 s, and 15 s measurements achieved the reliability threshold (ICC ≥ 0.60) for all evaluated parameters. Discussion The shortest repeatable durations were obtained from either two 5 s measurements or a single 10 s measurement. Most importantly, statistically significant differences were observed between the different measurement durations, which underlines the need to standardize measurement times in COP analysis. The results of this study aid scientists in implementing standardized methods, thereby easing comparisons across studies and enhancing the reliability and validity of research findings in veterinary medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masoud Aghapour
- Section of Physical Therapy, Small Animal Surgery, Department for Companion Animals and Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Nadja Affenzeller
- Section of Physical Therapy, Small Animal Surgery, Department for Companion Animals and Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
- Clinical Unit of Internal Medicine Small Animals, Department for Companion Animals and Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christiane Lutonsky
- Section of Physical Therapy, Small Animal Surgery, Department for Companion Animals and Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christian Peham
- Movement Science Group, Equine Surgery, Department for Companion Animals and Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Alexander Tichy
- Platform Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, Department for Biomedical Services, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Barbara Bockstahler
- Section of Physical Therapy, Small Animal Surgery, Department for Companion Animals and Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
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Lewis MJ, Thomovsky SA, Moore GE. Adaptation of land treadmill scoring system for underwater treadmill in dogs with thoracolumbar intervertebral disc extrusion. Vet J 2023; 300-302:106039. [PMID: 37865155 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2023.106039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/23/2023]
Abstract
The underwater treadmill (UWTM) is utilized in dogs recovering from thoracolumbar intervertebral disc extrusion (TL-IVDE). Gait scoring is validated for dogs with TL-IVDE walking on the land treadmill (LT) but has not been reported for the UWTM. Our objective was to investigate if LT gait analysis could be applied to the UWTM and if non-ambulatory dogs walking unassisted on the UWTM, at a standardized water level, would be more likely to generate gait scores compared to on the LT. This was a prospective, observational study in dogs with TL-IVDE managed surigcally. At 0, 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks post-operatively, paired video footage of dogs walking on the LT and UWTM (water level at the greater trochanter) was used to generate 0-100 stepping (SS) and coordination (regularity index, RI) scores. Scores were compared between treadmill type and over time. Twenty dogs were enrolled and seventy-eight paired recordings were available for review. Median gait scores increased over time but did not differ by treadmill type (P = 0.262 for SS, P = 0.533 for RI). Combining SS and RI, more recordings received scores of 0 for the LT (n = 58/156; 37.2 %) compared to the UWTM (n = 44/156; 28.2 %; P = 0.043). Scores of 0, at visits when there was at least movement present at multiple joints, was more common on the LT (n = 11/108; 10.2 %) compared to the UWTM (n = 2/108, 1.9 %; P = 0.026). In dogs recovering from TL-IVDE, LT-based gait scoring was feasible in dogs walking on the UWTM and might complement other gait analysis methods, especially for non-ambulatory dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- M J Lewis
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, 625 Harrison St., West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA.
| | - S A Thomovsky
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, 625 Harrison St., West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - G E Moore
- Department of Veterinary Administration, College of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, 625 Harrison St., West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
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Lutonsky C, Peham C, Mucha M, Reicher B, Gaspar R, Tichy A, Bockstahler B. External mechanical perturbations challenge postural stability in dogs. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1249951. [PMID: 37789869 PMCID: PMC10544342 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1249951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to explore the effect of external mechanical perturbations on postural stability (PS) in dogs using the body center of pressure (COP). Thirteen sound adult dogs were included in this study. PS was tested during quiet standing on a pressure measurement plate. The conditions included a standard standing measurement and external mechanical perturbations conducted using six settings on a motorized training platform with different intensities of speed and amplitude. Measurement conditions were compared using linear mixed-effects models, followed by multiple comparisons using Sidak's alpha correction procedure. Compared with the standing measurement, external mechanical perturbations resulted in a significant increase in almost all COP parameters, indicating a challenge for the PS. Furthermore, an increase in amplitude had a greater effect than an increase in speed, whereas the combination of the highest intensities of amplitude and speed was not well tolerated by the dogs. The mediolateral COP displacement was significantly greater than the craniocaudal COP displacement during standing measurement and conditions with a small amplitude, whereas no significant difference was observed during settings with an increased amplitude. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to demonstrate the effects of a balance training device in dogs. Therefore, the intensity of the training programs on motorized platforms or similar devices can be controlled by the wobbling amplitude of the platform.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christiane Lutonsky
- Department of Companion Animals and Horses, University Clinic for Small Animals, Small Animal Surgery, Section of Physical Therapy, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christian Peham
- Department of Companion Animals and Horses, University Clinic for Horses, Movement Science Group, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Marion Mucha
- Department of Companion Animals and Horses, University Clinic for Small Animals, Small Animal Surgery, Section of Physical Therapy, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Bianca Reicher
- Department of Companion Animals and Horses, University Clinic for Small Animals, Small Animal Surgery, Section of Physical Therapy, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Rita Gaspar
- Department of Companion Animals and Horses, University Clinic for Small Animals, Small Animal Surgery, Section of Physical Therapy, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Alexander Tichy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Bioinformatics and Biostatistics Platform, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Barbara Bockstahler
- Department of Companion Animals and Horses, University Clinic for Small Animals, Small Animal Surgery, Section of Physical Therapy, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
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Sherif T, Twele F, Meller S, Müller-Anders A, Volk HA. Quantification of spinal ataxia in dogs with thoracolumbar spinal cord injury. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1183755. [PMID: 37614460 PMCID: PMC10442642 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1183755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The clinical sign of ataxia is related to several neurological diseases and is seen in conjunction with paresis in dogs with spinal cord injury (SCI). Endeavours to objectify canine spinal ataxia in SCI remain limited. The aim of this clinical study was to determine and quantify differences between gait characteristics of ataxic dogs with thoracolumbar myelopathy and healthy control dogs using a computer-and treadmill-based gait analysis system. Five dogs with spinal ataxia and six healthy dogs underwent video-and computer-assisted gait analysis while walking on a four-ground reaction force plate treadmill system (maximum speed of 0.7 m/s). Spatio-temporal and kinetic gait characteristics regarding the dogs' locomotion were analysed with a focus on the individual coefficient of variation (CV), as a potential measure for quantification of the level of ataxia. Ataxic dogs with thoracolumbar SCI showed no effect on symmetry indices but higher variability in spatio-temporal and kinetic gait parameters mainly in the pelvic, but also in the thoracic limbs. Double support phase of the individual limb was prolonged in SCI dogs at the cost of the single support and swing phase. Reduced peaks of ground reaction forces (GRF) could potentially be explained by reduction of muscle strength, as a strategy of avoiding falling by taking enthusiastic steps, or by alteration of the rhythmogenic spinal circuits between the pelvic and thoracic limb pattern generators.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Holger A. Volk
- Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
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Mondino A, Wagner G, Russell K, Lobaton E, Griffith E, Gruen M, Lascelles BDX, Olby NJ. Static posturography as a novel measure of the effects of aging on postural control in dogs. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0268390. [PMID: 35802714 PMCID: PMC9269968 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0268390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Aging is associated with impairment in postural control in humans. While dogs are a powerful model for the study of aging, the associations between age and postural control in this species have not yet been elucidated. The aims of this work were to establish a reliable protocol to measure center of pressure excursions in standing dogs and to determine age-related changes in postural sway. Data were obtained from 40 healthy adult dogs (Group A) and 28 senior dogs (Group B) during seven trials (within one session of data collection) of quiet standing on a pressure sensitive walkway system. Velocity, acceleration, root mean square, 95% ellipse area, range and frequency revolve were recorded as measures of postural sway. In Group A, reliability was assessed with intraclass correlation, and the effect of morphometric variables was evaluated using linear regression. By means of stepwise linear regression we determined that root mean square overall and acceleration in the craniocaudal direction were the best variables able to discriminate between Group A and Group B. The relationship between these two center-of-pressure (COP) measures and the dogs’ fractional lifespan was examined in both groups and the role of pain and proprioceptive deficits was evaluated in Group B. All measures except for frequency revolve showed good to excellent reliability. Weight, height and length were correlated with most of the measures. Fractional lifespan impacted postural control in Group B but not Group A. Joint pain and its interaction with proprioceptive deficits influence postural sway especially in the acceleration in the craniocaudal direction, while fractional lifespan was most important in the overall COP displacement. In conclusion, our study found that pressure sensitive walkway systems are a reliable tool to evaluate postural sway in dogs; and that postural sway is affected by morphometric parameters and increases with age and joint pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandra Mondino
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States of America
| | - Grant Wagner
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States of America
| | - Katharine Russell
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States of America
| | - Edgar Lobaton
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States of America
| | - Emily Griffith
- Department of Statistics, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States of America
| | - Margaret Gruen
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States of America
| | - B. Duncan X. Lascelles
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States of America
- Comparative Pain Research and Education Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States of America
- Thurston Arthritis Center, UNC School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, United States of America
- Center for Translational Pain Research, Department of Anesthesiology, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States of America
| | - Natasha Jane Olby
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Charalambous D, Strasser T, Tichy A, Bockstahler B. Ground Reaction Forces and Center of Pressure within the Paws When Stepping over Obstacles in Dogs. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12131702. [PMID: 35804600 PMCID: PMC9264929 DOI: 10.3390/ani12131702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Physical therapy and rehabilitation are emerging in veterinary medicine, and more research is needed to understand the effect of various exercises on kinematics and kinetics in animals. This will allow the animal physiotherapist to best utilize these exercises as a therapeutic and even diagnostic tool. Walking over obstacles is a typical canine physiotherapy exercise; however, no studies investigating the kinetics have been conducted. The present study showed significant changes in ground reaction forces and center of pressure in dogs walking over obstacles compared to normal walking. This can reflect a challenge that the animals have to overcome in order to perform this exercise. The data can be used for further studies in diseased animals or in the future as a diagnostic tool. Abstract Walking over obstacles is a widely used physiotherapy exercise in dogs. Current research is limited to the effect of this exercise in kinematics and muscle activation in dogs. The present study assessed the influence of walking over obstacles on the ground reaction forces (GRFs) and center of pressure (COP) in dogs. Data of dogs walking over one and two obstacles over a pressure platform were retrospectively analyzed and compared to normal walking. Walking over one obstacle did not affect the GRFs and COP of the forelimbs; however, significant changes were observed for the hindlimbs, especially the leading hindlimb. Walking over two obstacles caused significant changes to only one value at the forelimbs, whereas multiple significant changes in the GRFs and COP values were observed at the hindlimbs. Walking over obstacles seems to be challenging even for healthy adult dogs. Further studies are needed to investigate how different heights of obstacles and distances between them can further challenge the animals. The combination of kinetics and kinematics during walking over obstacles may be used in future as a diagnostic tool in geriatric and neurological patients in order to assess their proprioception awareness or to assess the improvement after an intervention, e.g., physiotherapy treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danae Charalambous
- Department of Companion Animals and Horses, University Clinic for Small Animals, Small Animal Surgery, Section for Physical Therapy, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1210 Vienna, Austria; (T.S.); (B.B.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Therese Strasser
- Department of Companion Animals and Horses, University Clinic for Small Animals, Small Animal Surgery, Section for Physical Therapy, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1210 Vienna, Austria; (T.S.); (B.B.)
| | - Alexander Tichy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Platform for Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1210 Vienna, Austria;
| | - Barbara Bockstahler
- Department of Companion Animals and Horses, University Clinic for Small Animals, Small Animal Surgery, Section for Physical Therapy, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1210 Vienna, Austria; (T.S.); (B.B.)
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Izawa K, Fukunaga K, Hirota Y, Orito K. Displacement of center of mass in dogs in response to foot sensory stimulation. Vet Surg 2021; 50:1304-1315. [PMID: 34038003 DOI: 10.1111/vsu.13671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Evaluate center of mass (CoM) displacement values during four-limb and three-limb standing with limb suspension in dogs before and after applying sensory stimulation to a forelimb or hindlimb. STUDY DESIGN Experimental study. ANIMALS Six clinically normal beagles. METHODS A four force-plate apparatus was built to assess static weight distribution. Dogs stood on the device with one limb in contact with each force plate. We created a plastic device to induce sensory stimulation so that lameness could not be detected visually when stimulating the paw. Experimenters confirmed the degree of lameness by walking before and after measurement. Body-weight shifts were induced via suspension of each limb and transient sensory stimulation to the right forelimb or left hindlimb. CoMs of five postures were compared, with and without transient sensory stimulation. RESULTS The four-limb CoM was located cranial to the center of the X- and Y-axis coordinates (X: -0.82 ± 9.12, Y: 61.00 ± 5.82). During three-limb standing with suspension of either forelimb, CoM shifted backward toward the contralateral side compared to four-limb standing. During hindlimb suspension, CoM shifted to the contralateral side. With right forelimb sensory stimulation, there were large CoM changes for both four-limb and three-limb standing (X: -34.53 ± 9.09, Y: 52.21 ± 6.88). CoM changes were small with left hindlimb sensory stimulation (X: 6.47 ± 13.86, Y: 69.41 ± 5.55). CONCLUSION CoMs during four-limb and three-limb standing were influenced by sensory stimulation of a forelimb and, to a lesser extent, of a hindlimb. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE Static evaluation of CoM may aid clinicians in the diagnosis and recovery of forelimb lameness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kousuke Izawa
- Laboratory of Physiology II, School of Veterinary Medicine, Azabu University, Sagamihara, Kanagawa, Japan.,ONE for Animals, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Koya Fukunaga
- Laboratory for Pharmacogenomics, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Yuji Hirota
- Laboratory of Basic Education, School of Veterinary Medicine, Azabu University, Sagamihara, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Kensuke Orito
- Laboratory of Physiology II, School of Veterinary Medicine, Azabu University, Sagamihara, Kanagawa, Japan
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Reicher B, Tichy A, Bockstahler B. Center of Pressure in the Paws of Clinically Sound Dogs in Comparison with Orthopedically Diseased Dogs. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10081366. [PMID: 32781721 PMCID: PMC7459534 DOI: 10.3390/ani10081366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Revised: 08/01/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The analysis of the center of pressure is an important tool that allows conclusions to be drawn about the body balance of a patient. This balance can be altered by orthopedic or neurological diseases. To date, there are few data on the center of pressure in the paws of walking dogs. This study aimed to show the compensatory changes in the center of pressure parameters within the paw during stance-phase in the walking dog, with data being collected non-invasively by walking dogs with osteoarthritis and healthy dogs (control group) over a pressure platform. Differences in the center of pressure parameters were found between the affected and non-affected limbs of the diseased dogs, but also in comparison to the corresponding limbs of sound dogs. It was shown that dogs with osteoarthritis show different compensatory changes in the center of pressure parameters depending on whether a front or a hind limb are affected. This can reflect a compensatory redistribution of the body mass as well as compensatory changes of body balance. Based on these observations, a deeper investigation of the center of pressure within the paws of dogs would be of interest and a diagnostic application could become possible in the future. Abstract The center of pressure (COP) is recognized as a valuable tool for the assessment of orthopedic and neurologic disorders in humans. Relatively few studies are available in veterinary medicine, particularly concerning the COP in the individual paw. This study assessed the dynamic paw COP parameters during the stance phase of dogs with cox- or cubarthrosis (20 dogs each), as well as of 20 sound dogs. Data were obtained by walking over a pressure platform and analyzed within the diseased groups in comparison to the control group. Both diseased groups showed significant differences between the affected and non-affected limbs, but also in comparison to the reference limbs of sound animals. For coxathrosis, the primary increase was in the medio-lateral COP displacement and the COP area in both hind limbs. For cubarthrosis, the most prominent changes were an increase in the medio-lateral COP displacement in the ipsilateral hind limb and in the cranio-caudal COP displacement in the lame limb. Additionally, the COP area increased in both hind limbs. This can reflect a compensatory redistribution of the body mass as well as compensatory changes of body balance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca Reicher
- Department of Companion Animals and Horses, University Clinic for Small Animals, Small Animal Surgery, Section of Physical Therapy, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1210 Vienna, Austria;
- Correspondence:
| | - Alexander Tichy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Platform of Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1210 Vienna, Austria;
| | - Barbara Bockstahler
- Department of Companion Animals and Horses, University Clinic for Small Animals, Small Animal Surgery, Section of Physical Therapy, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1210 Vienna, Austria;
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Olby N, Griffith E, Levine J. Comparison of Gait Assessment Scales in Dogs with Spinal Cord Injury from Intervertebral Disc Herniation. J Neurotrauma 2020; 37:1991-1998. [PMID: 31914849 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2019.6804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Naturally occurring thoracolumbar spinal cord injury (SCI) is common in dogs, and multi-center veterinary clinical studies can serve as translational tools to identify potentially effective therapies for human clinical trials. Assessment of gait is a key outcome, and several scales are used in dogs. The purpose of this study was to determine whether an international group of researchers could score gait reliably, to compare and contrast the performance of gait scales and to describe appropriate data analysis techniques. A training module was developed for a binary scale, modified Frankel Scale (MFS), Texas SCI Scale (TSCIS), and Open Field Scale (OFS). Raters viewed the training module, scored five training video clips to achieve proficiency, then scored 30 video clips from 10 dogs recovering from SCI. Interrater reliability was calculated, and correlation between scales was examined. Ceiling effect was described. Twenty raters with differing experience participated. The training module took 16 min to view. Raters chose identical binary outcomes in 597 of 600 observations. Intraclass correlation for MFS, TSCIS, and OFS was excellent at 0.85, 0.96, and 0.96, respectively, regardless of rater expertise. Ceiling effect occurred in all dogs that recovered ambulation, particularly using MFS and binary outcome. The TSCIS and OFS captured recovery of ambulatory dogs better, and addition of scores on hopping and proprioception mitigated ceiling effect. We conclude that gait in dogs with SCI can be scored reliably after training. A variety of different gait scales can be used in multi-center trials to capture outcome in different ways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha Olby
- Department of Clinical Sciences, North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA.,The Comparative Medicine Institute, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Emily Griffith
- Department of Statistics, North Carolina State University College of Sciences, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jon Levine
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, College Station, Texas, USA
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Lewis MJ, Williams KD, Langley T, Jarvis LM, Sawicki GS, Olby NJ. Development of a Novel Gait Analysis Tool Measuring Center of Pressure for Evaluation of Canine Chronic Thoracolumbar Spinal Cord Injury. J Neurotrauma 2019; 36:3018-3025. [PMID: 31044646 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2019.6479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Gait evaluation after spinal cord injury (SCI) is an important component of determining functional status. Analysis of center of pressure (COP) provides a dynamic reflection of global locomotion and postural control and has been used to quantify various gait abnormalities. We hypothesized that COP variability would be greater for SCI versus normal dogs and that COP would be able to differentiate varying injury severity. Our objective was to investigate COP, COP variability, and body weight support percentage in dogs with chronic SCI. Eleven chronically non-ambulatory dogs after acute severe thoracolumbar SCI were enrolled. COP measurements in x (right-to-left, COPx) and y (craniocaudal, COPy) directions were captured while dogs walked on a pressure-sensitive treadmill with pelvic limb sling support. Root mean square values (RMS_COPx and RMS_COPy) were calculated to assess variability in COP. Body weight support percentage was measured using a load cell. Gait also was quantified using an open field scale (OFS) and treadmill-based stepping and coordination scores (SS, RI). Mean COPx, COPy, RMS_COPx, and RMS_COPy were compared between dogs with SCI and previously evaluated healthy controls. RMS measurements and support percentage were compared with standard gait scales (OFS, SS, RI). Mean COPy was more cranial and RMS_COPx and RMS_COPy were greater in SCI versus normal dogs (p < 0.001). Support percentage moderately correlated with SS (p = 0.019; R2 = 0.47). COP analysis and body weight support measurements offer information about post-injury locomotion. Further development is needed before consideration as an outcome measure to complement validated gait analysis methods in dogs with SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa J Lewis
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana
| | | | - Taylor Langley
- Campbell University Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law, Raleigh, North Carolina
| | | | - Gregory S Sawicki
- George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering and School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Natasha J Olby
- Department of Clinical Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina.,Comparative Medicine Institute, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina
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