Abstract
Objectives To evaluate the effect of limb position during initial skin marker application on
sagittal plane kinematics of the hindlimb.
Methods Six healthy dogs (20–30 kg) were evaluated. An established two-dimensional kinematic
model of the pelvic limb was utilized to describe sagittal plane motion. Kinematic
markers were applied separately for each dog while standing in three different positions:
(1) the limb extended cranially, (2) a normal standing limb position and (3) the limb
extended caudally. Following marker application at each of the three positions, dynamic
gait was recorded at a walk (velocity, 0.9–1.2 m/s; acceleration, 0.5m/s2). Five valid trials were used for comparison. Complete waveform analysis was performed
with generalized indicator function analysis (GIFA). Maximum and minimum joint angles
and joint range of motion were compared with a one-way repeated measures ANOVA with
significance at p < 0.05.
Results Significant differences were found between stifle waveforms. No differences were
found between the hip or tarsus waveforms. Minimum and maximum joint angles were significantly
different for the hip and stifle but not for the tarsus. No differences were found
between ranges of motion for any joint evaluated.
Clinical Significance Limb position at the time of skin marker application affects gait data and is an
important consideration for kinematic analysis of the hindlimb in dogs.
Keywords
kinematics - dog - variability
