Surface Electromyography of the Biceps Brachii and Lateral Triceps Muscles in Dogs during Walking, Trotting, and Selected Therapeutic Exercises

Introduction: The objective of this study was to evaluate muscle activity of the biceps brachii (BB) and lateral triceps (LT) muscles during walking, trotting, and selected therapeutic exercises. Our hypothesis was that the muscle activity in both muscles during all exercises would be significantly higher when compared with muscle activity at a stance.

Materials and Methods: Surface electromyography of the BB and LT was performed on eight sound dogs during a stance, walk, trot, and a series of therapeutic exercises. The maximum and mean EMG amplitude (μV) were compared between a stance and each exercise after signal processing.

Results: Maximum EMG amplitude of both muscles were significantly higher during most exercises. Mean EMG amplitude of both muscles were significantly higher when stepping over an obstacle and wheelbarrowing. The mean EMG amplitude of both muscles were either significantly lower or not significantly different from a stance when using a balance board and elevation of the hind limbs with the forelimbs either on the floor or on an inflatable balance device. Both walking and trotting significantly increased the maximum and mean EMG amplitude of both muscles.

Discussion/Conclusion: Compared with a stance, only dynamic exercises increased muscle activity in the BB and LT. The results of this study indicate that the unevaluated muscles in the forelimb may play a larger role in static weight bearing than the BB and LT. Our results may help clinicians when selecting-specific exercises to strengthen and condition these muscles in dogs.

Acknowledgment: No proprietary interest or funding was provided for this project.