Catwalk Gait Analysis
Objective: Assessment of locomotion patterns and gait speed by analyzing footprint patterns during spontaneous walking on an illuminated glass lane
Gather these items before starting the experiment. Check off items as you prepare.
Equipment1
Noldus • XT
Software2
Neurolite, Switzerland
Noldus
1 item available from ConductScience
Estimated: $2,610.00
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Protocol Steps
Animal placement on Catwalk lane
Animals were placed to spontaneously walk on a glass lane with tangential illumination
Note: At least 3 runs per animal were acquired with 10 minutes break in between
View evidence from paper
“Animals were placed to spontaneously walk on a glass lane with tangential illumination and each step was recorded by detecting light diffraction using a camera below the lane. At least 3 runs per animal were acquired with 10 minutes break in between”
Recording of footstep patterns
Each step was recorded by detecting light diffraction using a camera below the lane
View evidence from paper
“each step was recorded by detecting light diffraction using a camera below the lane”
Selection of smooth runs for analysis
Smooth runs were identified and selected for analysis, defined as runs during which the rat maintained constant speed for at least 3-4 prints per paw
View evidence from paper
“Locomotion patterns and gait speed were then analyzed from smooth runs, which were defined as runs during which the rat maintained constant speed for at least 3-4 prints per paw”
Automated analysis and manual editing
Locomotion patterns and gait speed were analyzed using the automated Catwalk analysis software. All runs were required to be manually edited for correct detection of the paws
Note: Manual editing was necessary to ensure correct paw detection
View evidence from paper
“using the automated Catwalk analysis software. All runs were required, manually edited for correct detection of the paws”