Kinematics and kinetics of dogs walking over increasing heights of cavaletti exercise

The purpose of this study was 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 on bony landmarks of the fore and hindlimb joints. Each trial was recorded via a high-speed camera and two pressure mats. Kinematics outcomes were joint range of motion (ROM). Kinetic outcomes were force (%BW), impulse and peak pressure. Friedman and Wilcoxon's tests were performed to identify significant differences between cavaletti heights. A statistically significant increase was found at hock height placement across all joints whilst maintaining kinetic 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 showed no increase in joint range of motion but has the highest forces involved. This determines that hock height is the most beneficial height for improving joint range of motion whilst not increasing forces upon the limbs. Stifle height should be avoided, in some conditions, due to high peak pressures, which do not necessarily lead to a significant further increase in range of motion.