Summary
Peak vertical impulse (PVF) and vetical impulse (VI) data were collected from the
left forelimbs and ipsilateral hind limbs of eight healthy adult Greyhound dogs ranging
in mass from 27.30 to 36.36 kg. Walking velocity and acceleration were restricted
to ranges of 0.9 to 1.1 m/s and −9.1 to 0.1 m/s2, resepctively. Data from the first 20 valid trials were analyzed for each dog on
both systems. Forces were normalized and expressed as a percent of the dog’s body
weight. Velocity and acceleration values were not statistically different in either
set of trials. Evaluation of intra-dog variability via t-test revealed a statistical
difference in two of 16 limbs (1/8 forelimb, 1/8 hind limb). The results indicate
that the Tekscan walkway system is a viable alternative to the AMT1 model OR6-5 force
platform for the generation of vertical impulse data. Statistically significant differences
in peak vertical force values were noted between the two systems and were likely related
to calibration times, but their clinical relevance appears negligible.
Keywords
Forceplate - pressure walkway - gait analysis - Tekscan - normal greyhounds
