A comparison of stride parameters and carpal and tarsal joint angles during terrestrial and swimming locomotion in domestic dogs

In recent years, canine hydrotherapy has become increasingly popular to treat a range of conditions despite a lack of empirical evidence. It is currently unclear whether joint angles and limb movements performed by dogs during swimming are quantifiably beneficial for healthy animals. This study investigated the swimming kinematics of healthy dogs to establish baseline data for this activity and compare limb kinematics to that of overground locomotion. Kinematic data were recorded from eight healthy dolichocephalic dogs (mean age: 3.4±2.2) of a variety of breeds. Overground data were collected prior to swimming and consisted of dogs trotting on a flat surface. Swimming data were collected using an underwater camera during a standard hydrotherapy session conducted by a trained canine hydrotherapist. Range of motion, primarily due to an increase in flexion, was significantly greater (P<0.005) during swimming than trotting. Stride length (P<0.001) and frequency (P<0.005) were both significantly reduced in swimming compared to trot. Swimming kinematics recorded in this study are consistent with previously published data on canine aquatic locomotion but differ from those previously reported for water treadmill exercise. This study provides an insight into aquatic locomotion in healthy dogs indicating that range of motion exceeds that of terrestrial gaits. It is unclear whether these changes are beneficial for healthy animals and therefore further research is required to develop evidence-based protocols for industry practice.

Ankle Kinematics and Temporal Gait Characteristics over the Duration of a 6-Minute Walk Test in People with Multiple Sclerosis Who Experience Foot Drop

Foot drop is a common gait impairment in people with MS (pwMS) but in some foot drop may only occur after a period of prolonged walking and may be a sign of motor fatigability. The purpose of the study was to explore whether, for pwMS, an adapted six-minute walk test (6minWT) would result in an increase in foot drop as measured using electrogoniometry. Sagittal ankle kinematics were recorded for fifteen participants (10 females and 5 males, aged 37-64) with MS (EDSS 4-6) throughout the 6minWT. Ankle kinematics and temporal stride parameters were compared between the first and last 10 gait cycles of the 6minWT. Peak dorsiflexion in swing was significantly reduced at the end of the 6minWT compared to the start, with six of the fifteen participants having a decrease of two degrees or more. Statistically significant changes in temporal stride parameters suggested a decrease in walking speed. Our results suggest that with the protocol used in this study it is feasible to identify patients who experience increased foot drop as a result of a prolonged exercise task.

Analysis of Stride Parameters and Running Velocity at Indoor 400 M Running

Background. 400 m race is one of most difficult and complex events in athletics. In order to achieve good results in the distance an athlete must have not only good velocity characteristics, but also be able to tactically correctly allocate them, i.e. depending on their total and special endurance level be able to distribute efforts in the entire range, select the optimum running velocity for the start and keep it until the finish. Research aim was to analyse the choice of running tactics and change of stride parameters and running velocity of the best Lithuanian 400 m runners during a running indoor contest. Methods. The study was conducted during Lithuanian Indoor Championship. The best 15 runners of 400 meters were investigated. The runners were filmed by Digital cameras from the side at a distance of 90, 190, 290 and 390 meters. We analysed stride kinematic parameters (duration of support and flight, stride length, stride frequency) and the running velocity.Results. The maximum decrease of the stride length and running velocity were observed between 190 and 290 m where the stride length decreased from 2.22 ± 0.03 to 2.08 ± 0.03 m and running velocity from 8.18 ± 013 to 7.36 ± 0.07 m/s. In the first distance range, i.e. 90 m, the stride frequency was 3.83 ± 0.05 Hz. Later it gradually decreased to 3.46 ± 0.05 Hz in 390 meters. Duration of support at 90 m was 0.119 ± 0.001 s and till 290 m it become longer, later it was almost unchanging. Time of flight phase changed insignificantly over the entire distance.Conclusion. It was found that athletes’ choice of running tactics depended not only on their preparation type (sprint or endurance), but also on the conditions in which the athlete starts (indoor or outdoor), as well as on the number of the track in which the athlete starts. The maximum change of running velocity and stride length during the indoor running was observed in the second half of the range, while the stride frequency decreased gradually during the entire range. Change of support time had greater impact for stride frequency than change of flight time.Keywords: stride frequency, stride length, duration of support, duration of flight, tactics.