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Gait style during weave pole performance affects limb dynamics in agility dogs
Charlotte Ramsey1, Roberta Blake1
1School of Agriculture, Animal and Environmental Sciences Anglia Ruskin University Writtle UK.
Veterinary Record Open
|March 2, 2026
Summary
Canine agility dogs exhibit limb asymmetry during weave pole performance, with outer limbs bearing higher forces and longer stance times. The hopping gait (FFH) shows higher peak forces, raising concerns for long-term canine health.
Area of Science:
- Canine biomechanics
- Sports science
- Veterinary orthopedics
Background:
- Canine agility is a high-demand sport with injury risks.
- Weave pole obstacles require unique, complex gaits.
- This study investigates forces and stance times during weave pole performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate kinetic parameters (peak force, peak vertical force, vertical impulse, stance time) in canine forelimbs and hindlimbs during weave pole performance.
- To compare these parameters across three common forelimb gait variations: front-feet single-stepping rear double (FFSS/RD), double-stepping (FFDS), and hopping (FFH).
Main Methods:
- Seventeen experienced agility dogs performed a set of six competition-standard weave poles.
- Kinetic data were collected using two pressure-sensing walkways.
- Statistical analysis was performed to compare gait variations.
Main Results:
- Outer limbs consistently showed significantly higher peak vertical force, vertical impulse, and stance time compared to inner limbs.
- The hopping (FFH) gait resulted in significantly greater peak vertical force in outer forelimbs and hindlimbs compared to FFDS and FFSS/RD.
- The FFSS/RD gait exhibited higher stance time and vertical impulse on the outer forelimb compared to FFH and FFDS.
Conclusions:
- A clear limb asymmetry exists during weave pole performance, with increased loading on outer limbs.
- A trend of load redistribution towards the outer hindlimb was observed, most pronounced in the FFSS/RD gait.
- The FFH gait demonstrated lower stance times and higher peak forces, prompting concerns about potential long-term musculoskeletal implications in agility dogs.
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