MULTIPLE FORCE PLATFORM ANALYSIS OF THE CANINE TROT - A NEW APPROACH TO ASSESSING BASIC CHARACTERISTICS OF LOCOMOTION

Multiple platforms measure forces on different limbs simultaneously an d provide a convenient means of determining locomotion parameters dire ctly from force data. Four force platforms in series were used to meas ure force and positional data from simultaneous foot contacts of trott ing dogs. Proper evaluation of fore and hindlimb forces from a complet e stride requires a minimum of four platforms. Stride period, stride l ength, average velocity during the stride, relative phases of footfall s and duty factors can be determined directly from the force record. I mpulse, average force and change in forward velocity can be determined by integrating the summed force/time curves Over one stride period. T hese analytical techniques are illustrated using multiple platform dat a. Multiple platform analysis provides a comprehensive view of canine locomotion that cannot be achieved with a single platform.