Comparison of stance time and velocity as control variables in force plateanalysis of dogs

Objective-To investigate effects of the use of stance time or velocity as c ontrol variables on ground reaction forces in lame dogs. Animals-12 dogs with pelvic osteotomies, Procedure-Data for ground reaction forces were obtained preoperatively and at 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, and 28 weeks postoperatively, using velocity and stance time as control variables. Ground reaction forces obtained were compared between the 2 methods of data collection, as were velocities and stance times of the trials. Results-Significant differences in ground reaction forces were not found be tween the use of velocity or stance time as a control variable at any time. Also, significant differences in stance times or velocities were not found between the 2 methods of data collection. Greatest variation in stance tim e and velocity was found during periods of greatest lameness. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance-Use of stance time as a control variable in force plate analysis does not lead to significantly different results f rom use of velocity as a control variable, indicating that either method ma y be used in force plate analysis of dogs.