# A Pilot Study on the Effects of a 10-Session Underwater Treadmill Programme on Canine Joint Range of Motion

## TL;DR

A 10-session underwater treadmill programme improved joint mobility in dogs with musculoskeletal and neurological disorders.

## Contribution

This pilot study provides evidence that repeated underwater treadmill sessions enhance canine joint range of motion.

## Key findings

- A 10-session UWTM programme significantly improved passive range of motion in multiple joints.
- Improvements in joint mobility were consistent across different diagnostic groups and unaffected by age.
- Median PROM increases ranged from 1.9% in the tarsus to 5.6% in the hip after the programme.

## Abstract

Dogs affected by musculoskeletal and neurological disorders often struggle with stiffness and limited mobility, which can reduce their quality of life. Rehabilitation aims to restore movement and comfort, and one method that is increasingly used is the underwater treadmill (UWTM). Exercising in water reduces the impact on joints while encouraging active movement and muscle strengthening. In this study, we reviewed the records of 50 dogs that participated in a programme consisting of ten UWTM sessions over five weeks. Before and after the programme, we measured the range of motion in the main limb joints using a goniometer. The results showed measurable improvements in both flexion and extension angles, indicating that overall joint mobility increased. These improvements were observed in dogs with different conditions and were not influenced by the dogs’ age, suggesting that the therapy can be useful for a broad range of patients. The findings highlight the potential benefits of repeated UWTM sessions as part of multimodal rehabilitation programmes. This practical and non-invasive method may therefore play an important role in helping dogs regain mobility and improve daily functioning.

Underwater treadmill (UWTM) therapy is increasingly applied in canine rehabilitation, yet evidence on its effects after multiple sessions on joint mobility remains limited. The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the impact of a 10-session UWTM programme on passive range of motion (PROM) in dogs with various disorders. Clinical records from 50 dogs were analysed. Each patient completed two 20 min sessions per week over five consecutive weeks. PROM in the carpal, elbow, shoulder, tarsal, stifle, and hip joints was measured using a goniometer before and after the programme. After ten sessions, a significant improvement was observed in all joints, both in flexion and extension. Flexion angles decreased from 2.89% in the tarsal joint to 12.21% in the carpal joint, while extension angles increased from 0.61% in the elbow to 2.55% in the stifle joint. Consequently, overall PROM improved, with median increases ranging from 1.9% in the tarsus to 5.6% in the hip. These improvements were observed consistently across diagnostic groups. No significant correlations were found between age and the degree of PROM improvement. In summary, the findings indicate that a 10-session UWTM programme is associated with measurable improvements in joint mobility and may be a valuable component of multimodal canine rehabilitation.