Kinematic and biomechanical estimates of head and neck loading during the long attack in IGP protection work dogs

The long attack is a demanding exercise within the defence phase of IGP (Internationale Gebrauchshunde Prüfungsordnung) dog sport. The aim of this study was to describe the kinematics of the final approach and bite during the long attack and to estimate cervical mechanical loads acting on the atlanto-occipital (AO) joint using a simplified inverse dynamics approach.

Ten well-trained Belgian Shepherd Malinois were evaluated. Kinematic variables, including velocity, flight time, and joint angles, were obtained from high-speed video recordings and analyzed using open-source motion analysis software. Mechanical variables (force, torque, power, and kinetic energy) were subsequently estimated from the kinematic data. Descriptive statistics were applied.

Mean (± SD) body kinetic energy at impact was 842.06 ± 243.03 J, and estimated torque at the AO joint was 333.72 ± 100.06 N·m. The total estimated force acting on the cranio-cervical region was 1439.29 ± 446.25 N.

These findings provide the first quantitative description of the mechanical demands imposed on the cranio-cervical region during the long attack. The estimated forces and torques at the AO joint suggest that this exercise generates substantial mechanical loading, highlighting the need for further research to explore potential long-term implications for cervical spine health in working dogs.