Determining Minimum Trial Numbers for Reliable Lameness Detection in Canine Kinematic Studies

Abstract

Visual orthopedic gait assessment in dogs is recognized as subjective and is limited by interobserver variability. Objective detection of lameness is offered by biomechanical analysis, where asymmetry between limbs is quantified through kinematic parameters and symmetry indices. However, the minimum number of trials (full stride cycles) required to reliably discriminate lameness has remained a challenge. In this study, six healthy adult dogs were used. Mild, reversible lameness was induced in one forelimb using a cotton pad. Dogs were walked along a straight runway, and kinematic data were captured with a high-speed video camera. Stride length (SLE), support time (ST), and elbow range of motion (ROM) were measured. Symmetry indices (for linear and temporal parameters) and the symmetry angle (for angular parameters) were computed. The asymptotic distribution of these indices was derived using the delta method, which allowed for the construction of confidence intervals (CIs) and hypothesis tests for an asymmetry threshold of 3%. The number of trials required to achieve reliable detection was estimated through statistical simulations. Results indicated that the required number of trials was highly dependent on both the kinematic parameter and the magnitude of asymmetry. While detecting subtle asymmetries (≈4%) required a high number of trials (up to 347 for stride length), the requirements decreased substantially for more pronounced lameness. For a true asymmetry of 6%, 11–39 trials per limb were sufficient to achieve 80–90% power. It is concluded that the collection of only five trials is insufficient for detecting mild asymmetries. A statistical framework and practical recommendations for kinematic gait studies in dogs are provided.