Biometric Data Comparison Between Lewis and Sprague Dawley Rats.

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Biomechanics
• Animal Models

Background:

• Pressure mapping systems are utilized for assessing gait parameters in animal models after peripheral nerve repair.
• Limited data exists on baseline gait differences between Lewis and Sprague Dawley rats using Tekscan VH4 pressure mapping.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate and compare the gait profiles of Lewis and Sprague Dawley rats using the Tekscan VH4 pressure mapping system.
• To identify similarities and differences in temporal and force-based gait variables between the two rat strains.

Main Methods:

• Gait data was collected from 14 Lewis and 14 Sprague Dawley rats using a Tekscan VH4 pressure mat.
• Two successful walks per animal were recorded, and gait parameters were normalized for inter-strain variance.

Main Results:

• No significant differences were observed in temporal and normalized force gait parameters between Lewis and Sprague Dawley rats.
• Significant differences in maximum force, contact area, stride length, and adjusted pressure were noted, attributed to body size and weight variations.
• Individual kinematic variations and experimental design limitations may have influenced some parameter differences.

Conclusions:

• Both Sprague Dawley and Lewis rats are acceptable baseline animal models for gait analysis using the Tekscan VH4 system.
• This finding supports the use of either strain in future *in vivo* studies investigating peripheral nerve defect repairs.