Gait Analysis Using Animal Models of Peripheral Nerve and Spinal Cord Injuries

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Biomedical Engineering
• Animal Models

Background:

• Spinal cord and peripheral nerve injuries significantly impair motor function.
• Accurate assessment of motor deficits and recovery is crucial for developing effective treatments.
• Rodent models are widely used to study nerve injury and regeneration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the utility of the CatWalk system for gait analysis in rodent models of neurological injury.
• To highlight the capabilities of CatWalk in quantifying motor deficits and recovery.
• To discuss the application of CatWalk in evaluating therapeutic strategies for nerve repair.

Main Methods:

• Gait analysis using the CatWalk (CW) system, an automated, high-resolution video-based platform.
• Assessment of rodent motor function following induced peripheral nerve and spinal cord lesions.
• Quantitative measurement of various gait parameters derived from footprint analysis.

Main Results:

• The CatWalk system offers reliable and objective data on gait abnormalities and motor coordination.
• It effectively tracks improvements in walking post-lesion and aids in therapy selection.
• Recent studies predominantly utilize CW for assessing peripheral nerve, spinal cord, and brain injuries in rodents.

Conclusions:

• The CatWalk system is a valuable tool for evaluating rodent models of nerve injury and regeneration.
• Standardized use of CW can facilitate the translation of preclinical findings into clinical applications.
• Careful selection of gait parameters is essential for maximizing the insights gained from CW analysis.