Data Sheet 1_Development of a web-based tool to assess daily rating of perceived exertion in agility dogs.pdf

ObjectiveTo develop a web-based tool for daily use by agility handlers to log rating of perceived exertion (RPE) for dogs as an aid in quantifying daily exercise and training load and to improve training and conditioning strategies.
ProceduresFocus group meetings with small groups of handlers were conducted via internet—based video conferencing using a semi-structured interview format. Meeting notes were coded for reflexive thematic analysis. The RPE logging tool was revised based on handler feedback. Each handler was asked to log their dog’s daily RPE data for 1 week. Data were analyzed to assess compliance and timeliness of entries. Participants completed a post-logging questionnaire to provide feedback about their experiences.
ResultsEighteen agility dog handlers participated in all phases of the project. Handler and dog demographics were similar to previously reported demographics of agility participants in the United States. Reflexive thematic analysis of their comments related to the initial draft RPE logging tool yielded 3 initial themes, all of which supported a fourth and major theme: the need for specific and detailed training resources before agility handlers utilized the RPE tool. Of 18 handlers, 14 (78%) submitted logging records for the full week. Median time for data entry was 87 s (IQR = 56–117 s), and 92% of logging records were entered within 1 day of the events which were being recorded. In the follow-up questionnaire the handlers did not identify any major concerns. Based on all available data from the handlers, a final version of the RPE logging tool was produced.
Conclusion and clinical relevanceAgility dog handlers are very interested in developing and validating tools to quantify training load for their dogs. The final RPE logging tool was quick and easy to use. Further validation of this logging tool is required with a larger number of handlers and comparison to physiologic data from exercising dogs.

研究目的：开发一款基于网页的工具，供犬敏捷运动训导员日常使用，以记录犬只的自觉劳累分级（Rating of Perceived Exertion, RPE），辅助量化每日运动与训练负荷，优化训练与体能调控策略。
研究方法：采用半结构化访谈形式，通过互联网视频会议开展小群体训导员焦点小组会议。对会议记录进行编码以开展反思性主题分析，并根据训导员反馈修订RPE记录工具。要求每名训导员连续1周记录其犬只的每日RPE数据，通过数据分析评估记录的依从性与及时性。参与者完成记录后填写问卷，反馈其使用体验。
研究结果：共有18名犬敏捷运动训导员参与了本项目的全部阶段。训导员与犬只的人口统计学特征与此前美国地区犬敏捷运动参与者的报道数据相近。针对初始版RPE记录工具的相关评论开展反思性主题分析，共得到3个初始主题，所有初始主题均支撑第四个核心主题：犬敏捷运动训导员在使用RPE工具前，需要获取针对性且详尽的训练资源。18名训导员中，14名（78%）提交了完整1周的记录数据。数据录入的中位时长为87秒（四分位距IQR=56~117秒），92%的记录数据在对应事件发生后的1天内完成录入。在后续问卷中，训导员未提出任何重大顾虑。基于训导员提供的全部有效数据，最终版RPE记录工具得以开发完成。
结论与临床相关性：犬敏捷运动训导员对开发并验证用于量化其犬只训练负荷的工具表现出极高兴趣。最终版RPE记录工具操作便捷高效。未来仍需扩大训导员样本量对该记录工具开展进一步验证，并与运动犬只的生理数据进行对比分析。