Effects of Soft Ground on Paw Center of Pressure Metrics in Dogs During Walk and Trot

Physiotherapeutic interventions in dogs frequently incorporate compliant surfaces to improve postural stability (PS), proprioception, and limb coordination; however, objective assessment of surface-related locomotor adaptations remains limited. This study investigated the effects of walking on surfaces with increasing compliance on PS in healthy adult dogs using paw center of pressure (pCOP) analysis. Fourteen orthopedically and neurologically sound dogs were assessed at walk and trot on a pressure-sensitive walkway under four surface conditions: a standard rubber mat (0.1 cm) and three yoga mats of increasing thickness (0.5 cm, 0.8 cm, and 1.0 cm). Vertical ground reaction force (vGRF) and pCOP parameters were recorded and analyzed for each limb. vGRF parameters were largely unaffected by surface conditions. In contrast, several pCOP metrics, including pCOP radius, craniocaudal displacement, and mediolateral displacement, showed a significant decrease with increasing surface compliance. These effects were more consistent and widespread during trot, whereas during walk changes were primarily observed in the forelimbs. The findings indicate that dogs adapt to increased surface compliance by reducing pCOP displacement, likely reflecting active postural stabilization strategies. While vGRF parameters appeared insensitive to these adaptations, pCOP measures proved more sensitive in detecting subtle neuromuscular adjustments. These results highlight the potential value of pCOP analysis for evaluating functional adaptations during physiotherapeutic interventions in canine rehabilitation.