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Improving postural stability through proprioceptive training in dogs
Christiane Lutonsky1, Nadja Affenzeller1,2, Masoud Aghapour1
1Section of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Small Animals Surgery, Clinical Centre for Small Animal Health and Research, Clinical Department for Small Animals and Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria.
Frontiers in Veterinary Science
|August 7, 2025
Summary
Proprioceptive training on a specialized platform significantly improved postural stability in dogs, particularly under challenging conditions. This suggests its value for rehabilitation and assessment protocols.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Biomechanical Engineering
- Canine Rehabilitation
Background:
- Postural stability (PS) is crucial for mobility and rehabilitation in dogs.
- Assessing PS often involves posturography and center of pressure (COP) parameters.
- The impact of proprioceptive training on canine PS remains under-researched.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effects of a 4-week proprioceptive training program on canine postural stability.
- To assess changes in center of pressure (COP) parameters using a motorized training platform.
- To compare outcomes between a training group and a control group.
Main Methods:
- Twenty dogs were divided into training and control groups.
- A 4-week training program utilized a motorized platform with 3D Elispheric® trajectories.
- Five COP parameters were measured under four standing conditions pre- and post-intervention.
Main Results:
- The training group showed significant reductions in COP excursions (craniocaudal, mediolateral displacement, support surface).
- Improvements were most notable during challenging conditions like perturbed, downhill, and uphill standing.
- The training group demonstrated significantly greater improvements compared to the control group, with large effect sizes.
Conclusions:
- Proprioceptive training on a motorized platform effectively enhances canine postural stability.
- Training is particularly beneficial under biomechanically demanding conditions.
- These findings support the integration of such training into PS assessment and rehabilitation protocols for dogs.
