The effects of altered distances between obstacles on the jump kinematics and apparent joint angulations of large agility dogs

Birch, E.; Boyd, Jacqueline; Doyle, Geraldine; Pullen, Amanda B.

doi:10.1016/j.tvjl.2015.02.019

Cited by 28 publications

(37 citation statements)

References 15 publications

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“…Whilst ID movement is very similar to EDs, the exaggerated flexion recorded in atlas (C1) and L3 during kinematic evaluation corresponds to IDs moving their head more and looking over the apex before completing it, which could be a manifestation of their unrefined technique, a lack of refined motor skills, apprehension, excitement or distraction (seeking handler) due to their inexperience. Birch et al (2015) also found IDs exhibited different kinematic profiles compared to EDs when jumping a hurdle. The impact of training on kinematic parameters has been explored in showjumping horses.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 87%

“…The variation observed in the forelimb joint angles recorded, mirrors the role of the forelimb during the five phases of the A-Frame. Individual differences occur between dogs and are attributed to different methods of approach including speed, different take off locations and the length of time the dog spends in suspension over the apex (Birch et al, 2015;Pfau et al, 2011).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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The effect of the A-frame on forelimb kinematics in experienced and inexperienced agility dogs

Williams

Jackson

Phillips

et al. 2017

CEP

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Limited research has evaluated the kinematics of agility dogs over different equipment despite the growing popularity of recreational and competitive agility. A-frames are associated with a higher risk of injury; these risks could be related to how dogs approach the equipment. We hypothesised that forelimb (FL) and spinal kinematics would differ throughout the different phases of negotiating the A-frame: incline, apex, decline, and between experienced and inexperienced agility dogs. Eight agility dogs of mixed breed and age, all trained on the A-frame participated in the study. Participants were divided into two groups: inexperienced dogs (ID: <4 years training; n=4) and experienced dogs (ED: >4years training; n=4), and undertook 3 runs over the A-frame. Reflective markers were placed on each dog’s carpus (Ca), radiohumeral (RH) and scapulohumerus (SH) joints, Atlas, C3 and L3. Video footage was transferred to Dartfish™ to enable FL joint angles to be calculated for the approach (last stride), incline (FL contact), apex (FL over), decline (FL touchdown and FL departure). The range of movement (ROM) for spinal markers was also calculated. Wilcoxon signed rank analyses, with Bonferroni correction applied (P<0.02), indicated if kinematics differed for ED and ID between the phases. Similar kinematic patterns were observed through all phases for C3 and L3, however a greater ROM was found for ED: C3 and ID: L3. For Atlas, ED stayed in flexion for all phases whilst ID movement varied: approach-incline extension, incline-apex: flexion, apex to decline extension followed by flexion. No significant differences in FL joint angles existed (P>0.02). No significant differences in kinematic measures were seen between ED and ID dogs in any phase of the A-frame. ED demonstrate consistent movement patterns; ID vary their head and neck position more, and exaggerate their apex jump. Rounding the A-frame apex could encourage a less-extreme technique in ID.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 87%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The effect of the A-frame on forelimb kinematics in experienced and inexperienced agility dogs

Williams

Jackson

Phillips

et al. 2017

CEP

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show abstract

“…The study was undertaken in accordance with Birch et al, (2015), analysing data collected at assessed inter-observer reliability and one way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to 102 assess for any differences. Tukey's post hoc tests determined where the differences lay with 103 means (± standard error) used to report these differences.…”

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confidence: 99%

Small and medium agility dogs alter their kinematics when the distance between hurdles differs

Birch

Boyd

Doyle

et al. 2015

CEP

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There is currently a lack of research examining the health and welfare implications for competitive agility dogs. The aim of this study was to examine if jump kinematics and apparent joint angles in medium (351-430 mm to the withers) and small (<350 mm to the withers) agility dogs altered when distances between consecutive upright hurdles differ. Dogs ran a course of nine hurdles; three set at 3.6 m apart; three at 4 m apart and three at 5 m apart. Both medium (P=0.044) and small (P=0.006) dogs landed closer to the hurdle when consecutive hurdles were set 3.6 m apart, with small dogs jumping slower at this distance (P=0.006). Results indicate that jump kinematics, but not apparent joint angles, alter when the spacing between hurdles differs. These findings may have implications for the health and welfare of agility dogs and should be used to inform future changes to rules and regulations.

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“…Hurdle height has been shown to affect vertical peak force and landing angle (Pfau et al, 2011) and joint angles of the forelimb and hindlimb at take-off (Birch and Le sniak, 2013). The type of obstacle and the distance between them influences the peak vertical force, the vertical momentum, the accelerating horizontal momentum during landing (Pfau et al, 2011), the speed and the jumping distance (Birch et al, 2015). Furthermore, the peak vertical force depends on the breed of dog (Yanoff et al, 1992).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Limb dynamics in agility jumps of beginner and advanced dogs

Söhnel

Rode

Lussanet

et al. 2020

Journal of Experimental Biology

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A considerable body of work has examined the dynamics of different dog gaits, but there are no studies that have focused on limb dynamics in jumping. Jumping is an essential part of dog agility, a dog sport in which handlers direct their dogs through an obstacle course in a limited time. We hypothesized that limb parameters like limb length and stiffness indicate the skill level of dogs. We analyzed global limb parameters in jumping for 10 advanced and 10 beginner dogs. In experiments, we collected 3D kinematics and ground reaction forces during dog jumping at high forward speeds. Our results revealed general strategies of limb control in jumping and highlighted differences between advanced and beginner dogs. In takeoff , the spatially leading forelimb was 75% (P<0.001) stiffer than the trailing forelimb. In landing, the trailing forelimb was 14% stiffer (P<0.001) than the leading forelimb. This indicates a strut-like action of the forelimbs to achieve jumping height in takeoff and to transfer vertical velocity into horizontal velocity in landing (with switching roles of the forelimbs). During landing, the more (24%) compliant forelimbs of beginner dogs (P=0.005) resulted in 17% (P=0.017) higher limb compression during the stance phase. This was associated with a larger amount of eccentric muscle contraction, which might in turn explain the soft tissue injuries that frequently occur in the shoulder region of beginner dogs. For all limbs, limb length at toe-off was greater for advanced dogs. Hence, limb length and stiffness might be used as objective measures of skill.

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The effects of altered distances between obstacles on the jump kinematics and apparent joint angulations of large agility dogs

Cited by 28 publications

References 15 publications

The effect of the A-frame on forelimb kinematics in experienced and inexperienced agility dogs

The effect of the A-frame on forelimb kinematics in experienced and inexperienced agility dogs

Small and medium agility dogs alter their kinematics when the distance between hurdles differs

Limb dynamics in agility jumps of beginner and advanced dogs

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