Evaluation of Gait Analysis Data Obtained Using a Cover versus No Cover on a Validated Pressure Sensitive Walkway System

Introduction: Using a pressure walkway system (PSW) to objectively analyze canine gait is an effective and convenient way to assess musculoskeletal conditions and response to treatment. A previous study showed the cover type affects data obtained. The aim of this study was to determine if there is a difference in data obtained during gait analysis with and without the use of a cover.

Materials and Methods: Healthy dogs were enrolled with IACUC approval and owner consent. A crossover study design was used where all dogs were evaluated on a calibrated PSW with no cover and with a cover (1/8” yoga mat). Temporospatial and ground reaction force data was obtained and analyzed with Student’s t-test and Pearson’s correlation coefficient.

Results: All evaluated variables were significantly lower when using the cover (range, 53–68%). Moderate correlations existed for maximum peak pressure, maximum force (%BW), and impulse (%BW × sec), r = 0.57, 0.56, and 0.68, respectively. Maximum force (kg), and impulse (kg × sec) did correlate well with r values of 0.82 and 0.78.

Discussion/Conclusion: The use of a cover significantly lowers temporospatial and GRF data obtained using a PSW compared with data obtained without a cover with only moderate correlation for several variables. No direct comparison should be made between data obtained with and without a cover.

Acknowledgment: The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.