Tendiboots Canine
The gait analysis tool from Ekico
Seven-year-old mixed-breed dog Luna has suffered from bilateral elbow dysplasia since she was young. Despite surgical treatment and accompanying orthopedic therapy, it soon became clear that continuous physiotherapy was essential to maintain her quality of life in the long term. Due to irreversible arthritic changes and the resulting poor posture and compensatory movements, Luna quickly develops muscular imbalances and tension, which can only be controlled in the long term through regular physiotherapy.
A central element of the therapy is the targeted maintenance and development of muscle mass in order to relieve and stabilize the affected joint structures as effectively as possible. Against this background, the question arose as to what form optimally coordinated therapeutic care could take—both from the owner's perspective and in interdisciplinary collaboration with the treating therapist.
As part of these considerations, the opportunity arose to use Ekico's gait analysis tool Tendiboots. The process was accompanied by experienced dog physiotherapist, dog fitness trainer, and lecturer Barbara Riner.
for analysis, Luna was equipped with four sensors, one for each limb. After a short familiarization phase, which was quickly completed through playful movement, the gait was recorded on a flat surface at a normal walking and trotting pace. The data was collected via an app, which provided the therapist with a structured evaluation immediately after the measurement.
Seven-year-old mixed-breed dog Luna has suffered from bilateral elbow dysplasia since she was young. Despite surgical treatment and accompanying orthopedic therapy, it soon became clear that continuous physiotherapy was essential to maintain her quality of life in the long term. Due to irreversible arthritic changes and the resulting poor posture and compensatory movements, Luna quickly develops muscular imbalances and tension, which can only be controlled in the long term through regular physiotherapy.
A central element of the therapy is the targeted maintenance and development of muscle mass in order to relieve and stabilize the affected joint structures as effectively as possible. Against this background, the question arose as to what form optimally coordinated therapeutic care could take—both from the owner's perspective and in interdisciplinary collaboration with the treating therapist.
As part of these considerations, the opportunity arose to use Ekico's gait analysis tool Tendiboots. The process was accompanied by experienced dog physiotherapist, dog fitness trainer, and lecturer Barbara Riner.
for analysis, Luna was equipped with four sensors, one for each limb. After a short familiarization phase, which was quickly completed through playful movement, the gait was recorded on a flat surface at a normal walking and trotting pace. The data was collected via an app, which provided the therapist with a structured evaluation immediately after the measurement.
Tendiboots™ Canine is an innovative gait analysis system for that uses smart sensors to collect objective data on movement. The easy-to-attach sensors measure impact force, ground contact time, stride length, and other parameters, and transmit the results in real time to an intuitive app. This allows even subtle gait irregularities to be detected at an early stage and the course of therapy or training progress to be reliably monitored—ideal for and dedicated dog owners.
Tendiboots™ Canine is an innovative gait analysis system for that uses smart sensors to collect objective data on movement. The easy-to-attach sensors measure impact force, ground contact time, stride length, and other parameters, and transmit the results in real time to an intuitive app. This allows even subtle gait irregularities to be detected at an early stage and the course of therapy or training progress to be reliably monitored—ideal for and dedicated dog owners.
The data obtained supplements the visual gait analysis and the manual and functional examination of the animal and enables an objective assessment of load distribution, asymmetries, and compensation mechanisms. Another significant added value lies in the documentation of progress: therapy successes and training adjustments can be tracked in subsequent sessions on the basis of data and communicated transparently.
This aspect is particularly important from the wearer's point of view. While trained therapists can usually detect changes in gait visually at an early stage, these subtle adjustments are often difficult for to recognize, especially at the onset of a chronic condition. Gait analysis can make an important contribution to therapy compliance and strengthen confidence in the therapeutic process.
In Luna's case, the analysis showed significant relief of the forehand with corresponding additional strain on the hindquarters. At the same time, insufficient muscular stabilization in the area of the forelimbs was confirmed. Based on these findings, an individually tailored training concept was developed to complement the physiotherapy treatment, enabling the owner to actively and specifically contribute to stabilizing the musculoskeletal system.
A key aspect here is providing technically correct instruction—both in terms of how to perform the exercises and how to select suitable training aids. Improper training or unsuitable equipment can exacerbate existing problems and should therefore be avoided at all costs.
Luna's training program included a
FlexBlox platform with anti-slip mat and an
unstable SensiPawDisc from Flexiness
. The raised platform promotes targeted weight transfer to the hindquarters, while the unstable surface allows for joint-friendly
training of the forequarter muscles. Additional tasks, such as giving paw in position, specifically engage the core muscles. The duration, intensity, and progression of the exercises were consistently adapted to Luna's individual requirements and gradually increased
.
This example is deliberately intended to be understood as an isolated case. Training structure, choice of materials, and load control must always be tailored to the individual and require in-depth specialist knowledge.
From the patient's perspective, the combination of objective gait analysis, expert physiotherapy care, and a clearly structured home training program offers significant added value. The comprehensible, data-based derivation of therapeutic measures creates transparency and security. Regular therapy appointments enable ongoing evaluation of progress, both clinically and on the basis of documented measurement data, and allow for targeted adjustment of the training plan.
Conclusion
From the owner's perspective, the use of gait analysis was a thoroughly positive and motivating experience. She felt she was receiving expert support, was able to better understand her dog's development, and is motivated to consistently implement the recommended training. The combination of professional guidance and objective data creates trust—both in the therapy and in the owner's contribution to the long-term health of the dog.
The data obtained supplements the visual gait analysis and the manual and functional examination of the animal and enables an objective assessment of load distribution, asymmetries, and compensation mechanisms. Another significant added value lies in the documentation of progress: therapy successes and training adjustments can be tracked in subsequent sessions on the basis of data and communicated transparently.
This aspect is particularly important from the wearer's point of view. While trained therapists can usually detect changes in gait visually at an early stage, these subtle adjustments are often difficult for to recognize, especially at the onset of a chronic condition. Gait analysis can make an important contribution to therapy compliance and strengthen confidence in the therapeutic process.
In Luna's case, the analysis showed significant relief of the forehand with corresponding additional strain on the hindquarters. At the same time, insufficient muscular stabilization in the area of the forelimbs was confirmed. Based on these findings, an individually tailored training concept was developed to complement the physiotherapy treatment, enabling the owner to actively and specifically contribute to stabilizing the musculoskeletal system.
A key aspect here is providing technically correct instruction—both in terms of how to perform the exercises and how to select suitable training aids. Improper training or unsuitable equipment can exacerbate existing problems and should therefore be avoided at all costs.
Luna's training program included a
FlexBlox platform with anti-slip mat and an
unstable SensiPawDisc from Flexiness
. The raised platform promotes targeted weight transfer to the hindquarters, while the unstable surface allows for joint-friendly
training of the forequarter muscles. Additional tasks, such as giving paw in position, specifically engage the core muscles. The duration, intensity, and progression of the exercises were consistently adapted to Luna's individual requirements and gradually increased
.
This example is deliberately intended to be understood as an isolated case. Training structure, choice of materials, and load control must always be tailored to the individual and require in-depth specialist knowledge.
From the patient's perspective, the combination of objective gait analysis, expert physiotherapy care, and a clearly structured home training program offers significant added value. The comprehensible, data-based derivation of therapeutic measures creates transparency and security. Regular therapy appointments enable ongoing evaluation of progress, both clinically and on the basis of documented measurement data, and allow for targeted adjustment of the training plan.
Conclusion
From the owner's perspective, the use of gait analysis was a thoroughly positive and motivating experience. She felt she was receiving expert support, was able to better understand her dog's development, and is motivated to consistently implement the recommended training. The combination of professional guidance and objective data creates trust—both in the therapy and in the owner's contribution to the long-term health of the dog.
The gait analysis tool from Ekico
FlexBlox System – Build. Balance. Master.
The FlexBlox platform with anti-slip mat from Flexiness
The unstable SensiPaw Disc from Flexiness
