Epsilon Archive for Student Projects

Abstract

Humans and dogs are both mammals. One of the differences between the two species is that man walk on two legs and dogs on four legs. There are also differences in the nerve system between the two species. The human nerve system is supposed to provide opportunity for fine motor tasks- while the nerve system of the dog is more focused on the ability to perform locomotor tasks. Humans need to increase their motor control and postural control when affected by various conditions and diseases. Therefore, we have created theories and researched how this can be accomplished. Dogs are also affected by disease and similar conditions. But less is known about what treatment they need and what needs to be treated.

The aim of this study is to investigate how motor and postural control can be practiced. Humans can practice motor and postural control by performing active methods and passive methods. The current recommendations are to use active methods foremost. There is little research done about how dogs can practice motor and postural control. The author of this literature review suggests that some methods can be extracted from human research and practice into training of the dog. The challenge from the author’s perspective is to have a thorough knowledge of both species and at the same time master the art of animal nursing and physical therapy. If we are to make dogs practice exercises meant to increase motor control and postural control, we also need to find ways to evaluate their progress and our work. A few quantitative and qualitative methods are described in this review on that topic.