Effects of a whole-body vibration on serum cortisol in adult healthy dogs

Abstract

The vibrating platforms are innovated technology which are used on rehabilitation and clinical treatment of among diseases in humans and, recently, in horses. They promote whole body vibrations as rhythmic movements. Otherwise, the vibrating platforms can cause beneficial or worse effects to the body depending on the methodology used. For clinical and rehabilitation use in small animals, it is necessary to determine the effects on serum cortisol levels, because high levels of serum cortisol can lead worse effects in body. Thus, this study aims to evaluate the effects of the vibrating platform on the serum cortisol levels, haematology and serum biochemistry (renal, liver and muscle) in healthy dogs. At least 10 adult dogs clinically healthy, Beagle breed, five males and five females, weight between 8 and 15 kg will be used. The dogs will be submitted to platform test, without rest, with a frequency of 30 Hz for 5 minutes, followed by an increase on frequency of 50 Hz for 5 minutes, and will finish on a frequency of 30 Hz for 5 minutes. The serum cortisol, haematology, serum biochemistry (renal, hepatic and muscle) will be evaluated before and immediately after the exam, and 1 and 6 hours after the dogs have been submitted to the platform test. The data will be analyzed statically using the paired t-test and variance analysis for repeated measures. Differences will be significant with p < 0.05. (AU)