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Updated: Jun 4, 2026
Comparative Analysis of Lower Limb Kinematics between the Initial and Terminal Phase of 5km Treadmill Running
Published on: July 17, 2020
Kinematic analysis of Labrador Retrievers and Rottweilers trotting on a treadmill
F S Agostinho1, S C Rahal, N S M L Miqueleto
1Department of Veterinary Surgery and Anesthesiology, Univ Estadual Paulista (UNESP), School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Botucatu, Brazil.
Objectives:
The purpose of the study was to evaluate kinematic patterns in clinically normal Labrador and Rottweiler dogs trotting on a treadmill at a constant velocity.
Methods:
Ten Labrador Retrievers aged from 2.2 to 5.1 years, and 10 Rottweilers aged from two to 5.9 years were used. A three-dimensional capture system was used to perform analysis of joint kinematics. Kinematic data were collected by use of a triple-camera system. The kinematic study was performed first on the right side of the dog, and then on the left side. Data were analysed by use of a motion-analysis program. Flexion and extension joint angles, angular velocity and angular acceleration were determined for the shoulder, elbow, carpal, hip, stifle, and tarsal joints.
Results:
Within each group, the differences between the right and left limbs in all variables were not significant. Significant differences occurred between Labradors and Rottweilers in the following categories: angular displacement and minimum angular acceleration of the stifle (Rottweiler >Labrador); angular displacement and maximum angular velocity of the tarsus (Rottweiler >Labrador); minimum angular velocity of the shoulder (Labrador >Rottweiler); angular displacement, maximum angular acceleration, maximum angular velocity, and minimum angular velocity of the elbow (Labrador>Rottweiler); and maximum angle and maximum angular velocity of the carpus (Labrador>Rottweiler).
Clinical Significance:
Both breeds had similar kinematic patterns, but there were magnitude differences, especially of the elbow and stifle joints. Therefore, each breed should have a specific database.
