Learning effects during balance analysis on a modified posturomed-platform in healthy dogs.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Posturographic balance assessments are increasingly used in veterinary medicine, yet potential learning effects during evaluation remain unstudied. This study investigated learning effects in static, slow-dynamic, and fast-dynamic posturography using a modified Posturomed platform in healthy dogs. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Healthy adult dogs (n&#x2009;=&#x2009;20) were positioned longitudinally on a pressure sensitive modified balance platform (Posturomed-FDM-JS, Zebris, Isny, Germany). Five static, slow-dynamic and fast-dynamic posturographic trials were recorded (duration: 20s) and repeated three times over three weeks. Center of pressure (COP) parameters-COP-path-length (PL, mm), 95% COP-confidence-ellipse-area (CEA, mm) and COP-average-velocity (AV, mm/sec) were analyzed over five steady-state 5-s intervals per trial. Data were analyzed using generalised linear or robust linear mixed-effects models with random effects on the individual dog; p-values were adjusted using the Tukey method for multiple comparisons. RESULTS: Under static conditions, none of the COP-parameters differed significantly across time points (all p-values&#x2009;>&#x2009;0.448). Under slow-dynamic conditions, all COP-parameters decreased significantly between time points 1 and 2 (all p values&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.0007) but remained stable thereafter (all p-values&#x2009;>&#x2009;0.159). Under fast-dynamic conditions, all COP-parameters decreased significantly from time point to time point (all p-values&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.034), except for CEA between time points 1 and 3 (p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.0759) and 2 and 3 (p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.999). Differences among trials occurred only at the first time point under dynamic conditions and were more pronounced under fast-dynamic conditions. CONCLUSIONS: No learning effects were observed during static posturography in healthy adult dogs. However, training effects must be considered in both slow- and fast-dynamic posturography.