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3D Kinematic Gait Analysis for Preclinical Studies in Rodents
Published on: August 3, 2019
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The need for speed in rodent locomotion analyses.
Richard J Batka1, Todd J Brown, Kathryn P Mcmillan
1Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, 635 Barnhill Drive, MS 5025 C, Indianapolis, Indiana; R & D Services Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, 1481 W. 10th Street, Mail Code 151, Rm C-3074, Indianapolis, Indiana.
Anatomical Record (Hoboken, N.J. : 2007)
|June 4, 2014
Summary
Locomotion analysis in rodents is significantly influenced by speed. New statistical methods are needed to accurately analyze gait variables within the context of varying speeds for valid research conclusions.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biomechanics
- Animal Behavior
Background:
- Locomotion analysis is crucial for studying motor deficits, neural recovery, and treatment efficacy across species.
- Rodent locomotion analysis is increasingly utilized in diverse research fields.
- The influence of speed on locomotion variables is not fully understood and often inadequately addressed in data analysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the interplay between speed and locomotion variables in rodent studies.
- To analyze the relationship between speed and numerous locomotion variables in mice using CatWalk gait analysis.
- To develop and validate a statistical method for analyzing locomotion variables in the context of speed.
Main Methods:
- Literature review on speed and rodent locomotion variables.
- Comprehensive analysis of 162 locomotion variables in 16 wild-type mice using the CatWalk gait analysis system.
- Development and testing of a speed-contextual statistical analysis method, including linear mixed models.
Main Results:
- Over 90% of CatWalk-reported variables were speed-dependent (average R(2) = 0.624).
- The relationship between most locomotion variables and speed was nonlinear.
- Existing methods for controlling for speed in locomotion analysis were found to be insufficient.
- Linear mixed models proved effective for incorporating speed-dependent relationships in locomotion analysis.
Conclusions:
- Locomotion variables in rodents are highly dependent on speed.
- Current analytical approaches often fail to adequately account for speed, potentially leading to invalid conclusions.
- Analyzing and reporting locomotion data within the context of speed is essential for drawing valid scientific conclusions.
