Gait analysis

Walking seems to be an uncomplicated activity. However, there are many systems of the body, such as strength, coordination, and sensation, that work together to allow a person to walk with what is considered a normal gait. Gait depends on a complex interplay of major parts of the nervous, musculoskeletal and cardiorespiratory systems. Underlying reasons for gait abnormalities are manifold including neurodegenerative and neuroinflammatory disorders, hip and knee osteoarthritis or muscular abnormalities.

In rodents, forelimb and hindlimb locomotor deficits are commonly assessed using subjective scoring systems. Quantification of gait impairment is being recognized increasingly as a useful preclinical assay to better understand how animal models may reflect the human condition, and to generate quantitative metrics of successful intervention. Our group has recently demonstrated early gait deficits in a multiple sclerosis animal model using the semi-automated gait analysis system DigiGait™
ProMyelo now offers DigiGait™-based gait analysis. You either send us your animals for subsequent gait analysis or we visit your facility with our system to conduct the gait analysis in your animal facility.