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Research Update       Temporary Link to Product List

The IAVRPT  is dedicated to keeping you informed about the latest research and innovations. New and important research advances and discoveries
will be cataloged and summarized for your convenience.  Entire studies will not be published due to copyright laws; however the full citation will appear to
help interested parties obtain the full article.  This page will have frequent updates.

   
Reviewers and Journal Responsibilities

Anna Bergh, BSc (PT), DVM, PhD
(Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences)
Comparative exercise physiology

Gina Bertocci, PhD, PE
University of Louisville
Journal of biomechanics (J Biomech)
Journal of applied biomechanics (J Appl Biomech)
Journal of biomechanical engineering (J Biomech Eng)

Barbara Bockstahler, DVM, CCRP
(University of Vienna)
The Veterinary Journal (Vet J)

Liz LaFond, DVM, DACVS, CCRP
(University of Minnesota)
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
(J Am Vet Med Assoc)

David Levine, PT, PhD, DPT, DABPTS, CCRP
(University of Tennessee)
Physical Therapy (Phys Ther)
Gait and Posture (Gait Posture)
The Veterinary Record (Vet Rec)

Denis Marcellin-Little, DEDV, DACVS, DECVS, CCRP
(North Carolina State University)
American Journal of Veterinary Research (Am J Vet Res)

Darryl Millis, MS, DVM, DACVS, CCRP
(University of Tennessee)
Veterinary Surgery (Vet Surg)






If you would like to become a reviewer please email David-Levine@utc.edu and attach a brief summary of your qualifications		 2009
2008

2007




































Sawaya SG, Combet D, Chanoit G, Thiebault JJ, Levine D, Marcellin-Little DJ.  Assessment of impulse duration thresholds for electrical stimulation of muscles (chronaxy) in dogs.  Am J Vet Res. 2008 Oct;69(10):1305-1309.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the electrical impulse duration thresholds (chronaxy) for maximal motor contraction of various muscles without stimulation of pain fibers in dogs.
ANIMALS: 10 healthy adult Beagles.
PROCEDURES: The dogs were used to assess the minimal intensity (rheobase) required to elicit motor contraction of 11 muscles (5 in the forelimb [supraspinatus, infraspinatus, deltoideus, lateral head of the triceps brachii, and extensor carpi radialis], 5 in the hind limb [gluteus medius, biceps femoris, semitendinosus, vastus lateralis, and tibialis cranialis], and the erector spinae). The rheobase was used to determine the chronaxy for each of the 11 muscles in the 10 dogs; chronaxy values were compared with those reported for the corresponding muscles in humans.
RESULTS: Compared with values in humans, chronaxy values for stimulation of AA motor fibers in the biceps femoris and semitendinosus muscles and muscles of the more distal portions of limbs were lower in dogs. For the other muscles evaluated, chronaxy values did not differ between dogs and humans.
CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Application of the dog-specific chronaxy values when performing electrical stimulation for strengthening muscles or providing pain relief is likely to minimize the pain perceived during treatment in dogs.
Lauer SK, Hillman RB, Li, Hosgood GL. Effects of treadmill inclination on electromyographic activity and hind limb kinematics in healthy hounds at a walk.  Am J Vet Res 2009;70:658–664

OBJECTIVE:  To assess the muscle activity of the gluteals, quadriceps, and hamstrings, and the range of motion of the hip and stifle joint in canines while walking on a treadmill at different inclinations.
METHODS AND MATERIALS:  Eight healthy adult hounds were chosen to perform this study on a conventional treadmill at a set speed of 0.54 m/s.  Three trials were performed with each hound, lasting 30 to 45 min per trial.  The trials were walking at a 5% incline, level surface, and a 5% decline.  Muscle activity of each group of hind limb musculature was measured using electromyographic sensors placed on the skin.  Range of motion of the hip and stifle joint were measured using electrogoniometric surface sensors as well.
RESULTS:  Swing phase, stance phase, and stride were not affected by the changes in inclinations.  Mean (± SEM) stifle joint extension was significantly decreased when the treadmill was at a 5% incline (143.1±1.2°) as compared to a 5% decline (146.2±1.1°).  Hip joint range of motion was significantly increased at a 5% incline (27.3±0.6°) as compared to a 5% decline (25.1±0.6°). A statistically significant increase in electromyographic hamstring activity was present during the first and second half of the stance phase when walking at a 5% incline as compared to walking on a level surface or at a 5% decline.  The gluteal and quadriceps muscle groups were not significantly affected by changes in treadmill inclination.
CONCLUSIONS:  Hamstring musculature shows a significantly greater amount of activity when walking at a 5% incline when compared to walking on a level surface or a 5% decline.  This can be used to have a greater strengthening affect following a period of disuse or orthopaedic injury.  Also, walking at a 5% incline will lead to a slight increase in hip joint range of motion and a slight decrease in stifle joint extension.
Crook T, McGowan C, Pead M.  Effect of passive stretching on the range of motion of osteoarthritic joints in 10 labrador retrievers.  Vet Rec 160:545-547, 2007

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of passive stretching on osteoarthritic joints with restricted range of motion.
ANIMALS: 10 adult Labrador Retrievers with osteoarthritis confirmed by radiography.
PROCEDURES: Dog's owners were instructed on how to perform passive range of motion by a veterinary physiotherapist.  The joints were stretched into full flexion and extension 10 times for a 10 second count, twice daily.  The program was carried out for 21 consecutive days.
RESULTS: There was a significant increase in range of motion of all joints in the dogs after the 21 day stretching program (p < .001).  
CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Passive stretching significantly increased range of motion in osteoarthritic joints as measured by goniometry.