Impact of Aging and Visual Input on Postural Stability in Dogs: Insights from Center-of-Pressure Analysis
Christiane Lutonsky, Christian Peham, Nadja Affenzeller, Masoud Aghapour, J Wegscheider, Alexander Tichy, Barbara Bockstahler
Abstract
This study investigates the impact of visual input and aging on postural stability (PS) in dogs by analyzing center-of-pressure (COP) parameters during static posturography under sighted (EO) and blindfolded (EC) conditions. Twenty adult (<50% of fractional lifespan) and 20 senior (>75% of fractional lifespan) dogs, free from orthopedic, neurological, or visual impairments, were assessed using a pressure measurement plate. While no significant differences were found between adult and senior dogs under standard EO conditions, blindfolding revealed age-related disparities. Senior dogs exhibited significantly higher craniocaudal displacement and support surface values compared to adult dogs, indicating a greater reliance on visual input for sagittal stability. Conversely, adult dogs exhibited a reduction in postural sway during EC conditions, indicating an adaptive shift toward greater reliance on somatosensory input. These findings highlight diminished sensory integration and adaptability in senior dogs, correlating with aging-related declines in proprioception and sensory processing. This research underscores the critical role of vision in canine PS, particularly in older individuals, and emphasizes the need for targeted interventions, such as balance training, to enhance sensory integration and mitigate fall risk in aging dogs. Future studies should explore dynamic and multimodal challenges to further elucidate compensatory mechanisms.