Canine VO2Max Measurement System

RT&L FOCUS AREA(S): Biotechnology TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Bio Medical OBJECTIVE: Develop a canine respiratory mask system capable of reliably measuring VO2Max in Military Working Dogs in treadmill-based exercise studies. DESCRIPTION: Military Working Dogs (MWDs) have proven to be a vital component in the execution of warfighter missions. The optimization of an MWD's ability to perform at very high levels for long durations and to process the operational environment under high levels of stress and distraction will significantly improve their operational effectiveness and recovery. Aerobic potency is a critical component of overall performance and is improved through canine conditioning. Improved aerobic potency leads to enhanced cardiovascular and respiratory capacity to help increase work capacity and overall performance. Measurement of VO2Max is a non-invasive way to measure fitness and cardiovascular health and track improvements over time. Currently there are no reliable canine systems that capable of measuring VO2Max in Military Working Dogs. The goal of this topic is to develop a canine VO2Max measurement system addressing the following requirements: 1. Provides a complete seal so reliable measurements can be made 2. Able to be used in MWDs in treadmill-based exercise studies 3. End users able to use during routine conduction of fitness evaluations Research conducted under this topic must comply with Federal and Department of Defense Regulations, and Public Law (in particular, Animal Welfare Act 4 and amendments) regarding the treatment of dogs. PHASE I: Design an appropriate canine respiratory mask system capable of reliably measuring VO2Max that will meet the requirements outlined above. Threshold and objective quantitative health requirements including physiological, anatomical and behavioral will be defined after consulting with both military and commercial sources. Provide a detailed description of the operation of the system and mechanism of air sampling to support reliable measurements from a complete seal. Identify components and/or develop technical specifications for components that, when integrated, will meet the performance goals. Conduct necessary calculations on the design and performance of the components to demonstrate the feasibility and practicality of the proposed Canine VO2Max Measurement System. Demonstrate a prototype system or primary components of a prototype system at TRL 3+. PHASE II: Optimize and construct working prototypes at TRL 4-5 as designed in Phase I to meet or exceed stated objectives. Conduct laboratory tests to validate all specifications. Conduct field tests if appropriate. Develop final product specification documents that include a list of all system components and their requirements and instructions for deployment and stowage. In addition, an investigation of potential alternative applications should be conducted in conjunction with a market assessment. PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Any materials and technology developed under this project could be incorporated for use in other applications for MWDs. Proposed system could be introduced into the civilian marketplace for use in canine conditioning studies and other research. The system would also be applicable to federal, state and local law enforcement agencies that utilize working dogs. REFERENCES: Bansel HE, Sidesl RH, Ruby BC, and Bayly WM (2007). Effects of endurance training on VO2max and submaximal blood lactate concentrations of untrained sled dogs. Equine Comp Exer Physiol 4: 89-94 Seeherman HJ, Taylor CR, Maloiy GMO and Armstrong RB (1981). Design of the mammalian respiratory system. II. Measuring maximum aerobic capacity. Respiratory Physiology 44: 11 23 Lucas A, Therminarias A and Tanche M (1980). 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Comp Exerc Physiol. 2017;13: 217 26. Nye CJ, Musulin SE, Hanel RM, Mariani CL. Evaluation of the Lactate Plus monitor for plasma lactate concentration measurement in dogs. J Vet Emerg Crit Care. 2017;27:66 70. Santos POPR, Santos EA, Reis AC, Santos AMMR, Kuster MCC, Trivilin LO, et al. Effect of exercise on cardiovascular parameters in search and rescue-trained dogs. Arq Bras Med Vet Zootec. 2018;70:1036 44. KEYWORDS: Military Working Dog, Canine Conditioning, Canine Physiology, Canine VO2Max