Gait analysis in the rat as a model for the study of peripheral vascular disease

A number of problems are associated with investigation of the pathophysiology of peripheral vascular disease (PVD) in humans and unilateral ligation of the common iliac artery in the rat has been extensively used as an experimental model of PVD. However, techniques so far applied to monitor the effects of PVD on muscular function are invasive and difficult to relate to natural locomotion. The present study aimed to investigate gait during spontaneous, unforced locomotion in the animal model. No differences were observed between control and experimental rats in velocity or stride lengths. Although stride time was unchanged, its internal balance was disturbed with reduced stance, prolonged swing, for the ligated limb (LL) relative to the nonligated limb (NLL). Gait symmetry was also affected with NLL strike occurring earlier during LL stance. Analysis of footfall patterns showed a reduction of stance area and pressures exerted via LL relative to NLL. It is concluded that gait and footfall analysis could be useful for assessing limb function under natural exercise conditions.