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

Birch, E. ORCID: 0000-0002-8515-5006, Boyd, J. ORCID: 0000-0002-0677-1450, Doyle, G. and Pullen, A. ORCID: 0000-0002-6216-2377, 2015. The effects of altered distances between obstacles on the jump kinematics and apparent joint angulations of large agility dogs. The Veterinary Journal. ISSN 1090-0233

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Abstract

Canine agility is a rapidly growing sport in the UK. However, there is a paucity of scientific research examining jump kinematics and associated health and welfare implications of the discipline. The aim of this research was to examine differences in jump kinematics and apparent joint angulation of large (> 431 mm at the withers) agility dogs (n = 54), when the distance between hurdles was altered (3.6 m, 4 m and 5 m apart) and to determine how level of skill impacted upon jump kinematics. Significant differences were observed for both the take-off (P < 0.001) and landing distances (P < 0.001) between the 3.6 m, 4 m and 5 m distances. Further differences were observed when level of skill was controlled for; take-off (F[3,55] = 5.686, P = 0.002) and landing (F[3,55] = 7.552, P < 0.001) distances differed at the 3.6 m distance, as did the take-off distance at the 4 m hurdle distance (F[3,50] = 6.168, P = 0.001). Take-off and landing speeds differed for hurdle distances (P < 0.001) and level of skill (P < 0.001). There were significant differences in apparent neck angle during take-off and landing (P < 0.001), lumbar spine angles during take-off, bascule and landing (P < 0.01), and in shoulder angles during the bascule phase (P < 0.05). The results indicate that agility dogs alter their jumping patterns to accommodate the spacing between hurdles, which ultimately may impact long term health and welfare due to altered kinematics.

Item Type: Journal article
Publication Title: The Veterinary Journal
Creators: Birch, E., Boyd, J., Doyle, G. and Pullen, A.
Publisher: Elsevier
Date: 2015
ISSN: 1090-0233
Identifiers:
NumberType
10.1016/j.tvjl.2015.02.019DOI
Rights: Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V.
Divisions: Schools > School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences
Record created by: EPrints Services
Date Added: 09 Oct 2015 09:56
Last Modified: 08 Feb 2022 09:26
URI: https://irep.ntu.ac.uk/id/eprint/5126

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