The Effect of Progressively Unstable Equipment Used in Canine Fitness and Rehabilitation on Standing Postural Control and Muscle Activity

Meghan T. Ramos; Cynthia M. Otto; Jim Richards; David Levine

doi:10.1055/a-2693-9061

Veterinary and Comparative Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Table of Contents

Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol
DOI: 10.1055/a-2693-9061

Original Research

The Effect of Progressively Unstable Equipment Used in Canine Fitness and Rehabilitation on Standing Postural Control and Muscle Activity

Meghan T. Ramos

¹Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, Penn Vet Working Dog Center, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States

,

Cynthia M. Otto

¹Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, Penn Vet Working Dog Center, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States

,

Jim Richards

²Allied Health Research Unit, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, United Kingdom

,

David Levine

³Department of Physical Therapy, The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Chattanooga, Tennessee, United States

› Author Affiliations

Abstract

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of three commonly used postural exercise platforms on the stability of the thoracolumbar and lumbosacral regions and the activity of key muscles (biceps femoris, epaxials, medial gluteal, rectus abdominis, triceps) in dogs.

Study Design

Nine dogs were assessed while standing across two stable platforms (stable stance), two K9FITbones (unstable stance), and on a FitPaws TRAX Peanut (Peanut). To determine spinal stability and muscle activity, angular velocities in three anatomical planes and surface electromyography were measured using Delsys Trigno Sensors.

Results

Significant incremental stability challenges were observed across platforms. The thoracolumbar region activity increased in the sagittal (p < 0.001), coronal (p < 0.001), and transverse (p = 0.003) planes with decreasing platform stability. Similarly, the lumbosacral region angular velocity increased in the coronal and transverse plane (p < 0.001), with only the sagittal plane increasing on the Peanut (p < 0.001). Compared with the unstable stance, BF and MG activity was greater during stable stance (p = 0.005) and the Peanut (p = 0.001). RA activity was greater on the Peanut than during stable stance (p = 0.041), suggesting increased abdominal muscle recruitment.

Conclusion

Challenging standing postural control with unstable platforms provides substantial and incremental increases in spinal movement and provides insights into muscle activation within progressive rehabilitation exercises.

Keywords

unstable platforms - postural control - surface electromyography - Inertial Measurement Units - canine rehabilitation

Full Text

References

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