[Comparative motion analysis of the canine hind limb during gait on force plate and treadmill]

Computer assisted gait analysis allows for the objective examination of ground reaction forces as well as the kinematic analysis of gait. At present it is unclear if there are relevant differences in the gait pattern of the hind limb of dogs during the walk on treadmill and force plate. Thus, aim of this study was the comparison of canine hind limb joint angles and certain kinematic gait cycle parameters like cadence, step and stride time as well as step length during the walk on force plate and treadmill. 19 adult dogs of different breeds were analysed. Extension and flexion of hip, stifle and hock, hip ab- and adduction and range of motion (ROM) were evaluated. Furthermore joint angles at the moment of maximum load were identified. Considering the joint angles and gait cycle parameters there were no significant differences between force plate and treadmill, except for the hip angles, the hock angle at the moment of maximum load as well as for cadence and stride time. Whereas all flexion/extension joint angles, except the maximum hock joint angle, showed a moderate to good correlation, the ROM of the analysed joint angles was in maximum moderate. In summary it could be demonstrated that the gait pattern of the canine hind limb shows similarities on force plate and treadmill. Nevertheless significant differences of certain parameters exist and in total only a fair to moderate correlation of the data between treadmill and force plate could be shown. Therefore the results of this study provide important information for the comparative interpretation of canine gait analysis carried out on force plates and treadmills.