Division of Biomedical Engineering, University of Saskatchewan, 57 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5A9, Canada.
Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, 52 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5B4, Canada.
Vet J. 2024 Aug;306:106160. doi: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2024.106160. Epub 2024 Jun 5.
Canine rehabilitation optimizes recovery and the quality of life in dogs with musculoskeletal conditions or after surgery. Achieving proper range of motion (ROM) is vital post-stifle surgery, often accomplished through manual therapy and active exercises. We investigated the mechanical performance of a continuous passive motion (CPM) device for dogs and its potential use in canine rehabilitation therapy. In the ethical review process, our research was accepted to be evaluated in a sample of four dogs that had undergone left stifle surgery. Each dog underwent four sessions with the device at three different speeds. Results showed the device replicated extension angles close to goniometer measurements used in manual therapy. Flexion was also achieved, but not to the same extent. A force threshold stopped the device, avoiding discomfort in dogs with restricted ROM. Dog-specific factors like body position, opposition to movement, limb size, stage of recovery, haircoat, and discomfort, appeared to influence device operation. Mechanical improvements to allow for enhanced flexion are recommended in future CPM device designs, including a resistance threshold that could be adjusted for individual dogs and stages of healing. This study serves as a foundation for future advancements in canine rehabilitation systems. A canine CPM device may provide an affordable option to improve ROM. This could be beneficial for dog owners, who may not be comfortable with manual therapy, to assist with home rehabilitation exercises.
犬只康复可以优化患有肌肉骨骼疾病或手术后犬的恢复和生活质量。在膝关节后手术中，实现适当的活动范围（ROM）至关重要，通常通过手动治疗和主动运动来实现。我们研究了一种用于犬只的连续被动运动（CPM）设备的机械性能及其在犬只康复治疗中的潜在用途。在伦理审查过程中，我们的研究被接受在接受左膝关节手术后的四只犬只样本中进行评估。每只狗在三种不同速度下接受了四次设备治疗。结果表明，该设备复制的伸展角度接近手动治疗中使用的量角器测量值。也可以实现弯曲，但程度不同。力阈值会停止设备运转，避免限制 ROM 的犬只感到不适。犬只的特定因素，如身体姿势、对运动的抵制、肢体大小、恢复阶段、被毛和不适，似乎会影响设备的操作。建议在未来的 CPM 设备设计中进行机械改进，以实现更好的弯曲度，包括可以为个别犬只和愈合阶段调整的阻力阈值。这项研究为未来的犬只康复系统的发展奠定了基础。犬用 CPM 设备可能为改善 ROM 提供一种经济实惠的选择。这对那些可能不熟悉手动治疗的犬主来说可能是有益的，可以帮助他们在家中进行康复锻炼。
