Methods to quantify the velocity dependence of common gait measurements from automated rodent gait analysis devices.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Walking slowly is a different biomechanical task than walking quickly, thus measures of gait will be different at different velocities, such as pre/post injury. It is necessary to determine if the difference in gait measures are from the experimental changes, or simply from traveling at different speeds.

New method

Instead of limiting this effect, we have developed techniques to embrace the velocity dependence of gait measures. By translating the pawprints into a body coordinate frame we are able to measure location of paw placement in addition to the standard gait measures.

Results

At higher velocities rats have greater consistency of steps, place their forelimb initial contact more medially and anteriorly, and place their hindlimb toe off more medially an

SUBMITTER: Neckel ND 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4560675 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature