The Need for Speed in Rodent Locomotion Analyses

Richard J. Batka, Todd J. Brown, Kathryn P. Mcmillan, Rena M. Meadows, Kathryn J. Jones et al.

The Anatomical Record • 2014

DOI PMC

CatWalk Gait Analysis

behavioralmousewild-type

Objective: Comprehensively analyze the relationship between speed and locomotion variables in rodents using the CatWalk gait analysis system, and develop statistical methods to properly incorporate speed effects when analyzing gait data

Materials & Equipment Checklist

2 items1 from ConductScience

Gather these items before starting the experiment. Check off items as you prepare.

Equipment1

CatWalk Gait Analysis System

Noldus

$2,610

Software1

CatWalk Software

Noldus

1 item available from ConductScience

Estimated: $2,610.00

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Protocol Steps

Animal Selection and Preparation

Sixteen wild-type mice were selected for the study to analyze locomotion variables and their relationship to walking speed

Note: Study focused on understanding how speed affects locomotion analysis across a diverse range of variables

View evidence from paper

“comprehensively analyze the relationship between speed and 162 locomotion variables in a group of 16 wild-type mice”

CatWalk Gait Analysis

Mice were subjected to gait analysis using the CatWalk system to measure 162 different locomotion variables and their relationship to walking speed

Automated gait analysis

Matches: CatWalk Gait Analysis System

$2,610View

Note: Analysis revealed that over 90% of variables reported by CatWalk were dependent on speed, with most variables related to speed in a nonlinear manner

View evidence from paper

“over 90% of variables, reported by CatWalk, were dependent on speed with an average R2 value of 0.624, most variables were related to speed in a nonlinear manner”

Statistical Analysis Using Linear Mixed Model

Locomotion variables were analyzed using a linear mixed model statistical method that incorporates speed-dependent relationships rather than attempting to control for speed independently

Note: The linear mixed model was determined to be an appropriate and effective statistical method for locomotion analyses that is inclusive of speed-dependent relationships

View evidence from paper

“the linear mixed model is an appropriate and effective statistical method for locomotion analyses that is inclusive of speed-dependent relationships”