Research Hub

A. Humphries, A. F. Shaheen & C. B. Gómez Álvarez https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-73550-x The conformation of the German shepherd dog (GSD) varies considerably within the breed. These differences may result in large variation in the movement and limb loading and undesirable consequences to their musculoskeletal health. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between conformation and biomechanical measures in 60 GSDs. Full body kinematic and kinetic measures were

Rachel Mariël Cain, Kate Stanford, Marti Drum, Jim Richards, David Levine, Darryl Millis and Tena Ursini https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2025.1649009 This study evaluated forelimb muscle activity in clinically sound dogs during treadmill walking on level ground, inclines, and declines using surface and fine‑wire electromyography. Decline walking significantly increased average supraspinatus activity and both average and peak deltoideus activity compared with level and incline w

Carla Stecco, Carmelo Pirri, Caterina Fede, Can A. Yucesoy , Raffaele De Caro, and Antonio Stecco https://doi.org/10.3390/app11010307 This narrative review examines whether the effects of stretching are driven primarily by muscle tissue or by the fascia, and challenges the traditional view that muscles and tendons are the main limiting factors in flexibility. Drawing on biomechanical studies of muscle, tendon, and fascial tissues, the authors describe how fascia behaves as a

Kazuyuki Yoshikawa, Taisuke Iwata, Shintaro Tomura, Atsushi Fujita, Kosuke Haii, Kazuya Edamura, Akio Shimada and Tsuyoshi Kadosawa https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2026.1783495 This paper explored the use of cyclogram analysis to assess canine gait and its potential value in rehabilitation settings. Cyclograms are joint angle–angle plots that visually represent how different joints coordinate during movement, but they are rarely used clinically. The researchers established refe

Jessica Cathcart , Katherine L. Ellis , Valerie J. Moorman https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eqre.2024.100006 This study evaluated the effects of balance pad use on postural stability and multifidus muscle size in horses. Six healthy horses stood on pads twice daily for 4 weeks. Motion and ultrasound data showed reduced body sway and increased muscle cross-sectional area at T14. While asymmetry did not change, results suggest balance pads can improve stability and muscle development,

Marta Dybczynska, Małgorzata Goleman, Aleksandra Garbiec and Mirosław Karpinsk Physiotherapy in Dogs. Animals 2022, 12, 1760. https://doi.org/10.3390/ ani12141760 Animal physiotherapy is increasingly supported by scientific research, yet remains underused by pet owners. Dogs are the second most commonly treated species after horses. This review compiles key aspects of canine physiotherapy, most of which are adapted from human protocols. Success depends on selecting appropria

James S. Gaynora , Sean Hagbergb , Blake T. Gurfeinc https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rvsc.2018.05.005 Pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy can non-invasively treat a variety of pathologies by delivering electric and magnetic fields to tissues via inductive coils. The electromagnetic fields generated by these devices have been found to affect a variety of biological processes and basic science understanding of the underlying mechanisms of action of PEMF treatment has accelera

Genna Louise Harkness, Catherine M. McGowan , Lesley Goff https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eqre.2025.100031 This study explored horse-specific factors and management strategies linked to successful outcomes in horses with overriding dorsal spinous processes (ORDSP). Fifty-one horses were assessed via owner questionnaires. While 59% returned to riding, only 27.5% regained previous athletic function, and 17% maintained it for 12 months. Factors improving return to riding included high

by Aritz Saitua , Joaquín Pérez-Umbría , Karelhia García-Álamo and Ana Muñoz Animals 2025 , 15 (20), 2943; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15202943 Dynamic mobilization exercises (DME) help prevent musculoskeletal injuries and improve back health in sport horses. This study assessed locomotor changes in 14 sedentary horses over 8 weeks, comparing a DME group with a control group. Accelerometry showed that DME improved dorsoventral, mediolateral, and longitudinal activity, leadin

Ugo Carrozzo a , Matteo Toniato a , Adrian Harrison b https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jevs.2019.07.007 Therapeutic ultrasound is a noninvasive, well-tolerated treatment for horses that requires no sedation and is easily applied in clinical settings. In this study, 23 sport horses with suspensory ligament injuries were treated using EQ Pro, a low-frequency ultrasound device. After an average of 3.3 weeks of treatment and routine rehabilitation, 87% returned to competition. Ultrasoun

Paulina Zielińska 1 , Jakub Nicpoń 1 , Zdzisław Kiełbowicz 1 , Maria Soroko 2 , Krzysztof Dudek 3 , Daniel Zaborski 4 PMID: 32751968 PMCID: PMC7459490 DOI: 10.3390/ani10081327 This study evaluated the effects of high intensity laser therapy (HILT) on tendon and ligament injuries in horses. Twenty-six horses with tendinopathies were randomly assigned to either a HILT-treated or control group, all following the same rehabilitation programme. The treatment grou

Freeman, P., Atiee, G., Donoghue, E. M. & Jeffery, N. D. (2025). Percutaneous enzymatic chemonucleolysis of intervertebral disks appears...

Frye, C., Carr, B.J., Lenfest, M. and Miller, A. (2022) ‘Canine Geriatric Rehabilitation: Considerations and Strategies for Assessment,...

Goldberg, M.E. (2025) ‘Physical rehabilitation of cats: 1. Common conditions benefiting from physiotherapy’, Journal of Feline Medicine...

Altinkaya, N., Kavlak, E. and Özgencİl, F.E. (2025). Efficacy of physiotherapy program on treatment in dogs with osteoarthritis: A...

Spinella, G., Arcamone, G., & Valentini, S. (2021). Cranial cruciate ligament rupture in dogs: Review on biomechanics, etiopathogenetic...

Mata, F., Franca, I., Araújo, J., Paixão, G., Lesniak, K. and Lima Cerqueira, J., 2024. Investigating associations between horse hoof...

Tranquille, C. A., Tacey, J. B., Walker, V. A., Mackechnie‑Guire, R., Ellis, J., Nankervis, K. J., Newton, R., & Murray, R. C. (2022)....

Mille, M. A., McClement, J., & Lauer, S. (2023). Physiotherapeutic strategies and their current evidence for canine osteoarthritis....

Harrison, L. M., Sole Guitart, A., Ahern, B., & Goff, L. M. (2024). Equine back pain is a diagnostic challenge: A physiotherapist's...