Reducing risk factors which impact dog welfare through injury in flyball in the UK

Blake, Scott

Abstract

To date only two studies have sought to understand the frequency of injury in canine flyball, and no experimental data exists regarding the biomechanical demands placed upon competitors. Uniquely, competitors may use different angulations of flyball box in both training and competition, but no investigation has been conducted as to which may be safer for participants. This thesis therefore aimed to understand current injury risk and frequency in UK flyball and how the kinematics or kinetics of the flyball box turn might influence competitor welfare. We initially conducted two surveys to determine current injury rates and compare data between injured and uninjured flyball participants. Results indicate that faster dogs, those aged over 10 years, and those using a 45° angle of flyball box had the highest risk of injury. Furthermore, we established that injury is associated with the use of support bandaging on the carpus and metatarsus, and dogs are more likely to suffer an injury to the forelimb situated on the inside of a box turn, as well as to the hindlimb on the outside of the box turn. Subsequently, we undertook an investigation into the kinematics of turning in flyball across five different angulations of flyball box, using 2D and 3D motion capture. We determined that although a 45° box angle is more challenging for competitors, there is no evidence to suggest that it carries a greater risk of injury. An additional investigation carried out into the kinetics of the flyball turn also determined that both peak forces and PIP forces were not statistically significant across box angles. However, both our kinematics and kinetics data did confirm that the inner forelimb and outer hindlimb are subjected to patterns of repetitive, asymmetrical loading which would create a significant injury risk, in line with the data collected from our initial surveys. This thesis represents new and significant information regarding our understanding of injury within the sport, and it is hoped this knowledge will be used to enhance competitor welfare and increase competitor safety.

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Dec 1, 2023
• Publicly Available Date: Aug 19, 2024
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/11471320
• Award Date: Aug 19, 2024