Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Range of motion in healthy dogs' front legs climbing stairs and ramps
By Carr, J G et al.·Published in The Journal of small animal practice·2013·Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Exercises in canine physical rehabilitation: range of motion of the forelimb during stair and ramp ascent.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A study looked at how healthy dogs move their front legs when going up stairs versus a ramp. Researchers found that both activities allowed for more movement in the joints compared to walking on flat ground, but going up a ramp offered even more flexibility than stairs. This information is helpful for veterinarians when designing physical rehabilitation exercises for dogs recovering from forelimb injuries, as both stair and ramp climbing can improve joint movement, with ramps being the most beneficial.
People also search for: dog physical therapy exercises · how to help dog recover from forelimb injury · benefits of ramp for dog rehabilitation
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To evaluate overall joint range of motion of the forelimb in healthy dogs ascending stairs compared with incline slope walking. METHODS: Normal canine forelimb kinematics (range of motion, flexion and extension) were compared during ascent of stairs or a ramp, and compared to unimpeded trotting on a flat surface. Eight adult dogs with no evidence of orthopaedic or neurological lameness were assessed using a 2-dimensional kinematic system as they walked up a custom built ramp and stairs. RESULTS: In healthy dogs, ramp and stair ascent consistently had greater range of motion compared to trotting on a flat surface, and ramp ascent had significantly greater range of motion compared to stair ascent (P<0·05). Shoulder flexion and extension, elbow extension and carpal flexion were all significantly greater while ascending the ramp compared to stairs. Shoulder extension on the flat was significantly greater than while ascending stairs. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: When planning physical rehabilitation exercises following injury to the forelimb, stair and ramp ascent may be considered, as both augment range of motion of joints. Ramp ascent provides the greatest increase in range of motion of forelimb joints.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23848597/