Comparison of a manual walking platform and the CatWalk gait analysis system in a rat osteoarthritis model

Background Effects of osteoarthritis (OA) are observed in experimental animal models using different gait analysis systems. Objectives The aim this study was to determine whether the Noldus CatWalk XT v. 10.9 system (CatWalk) device can be used effectively a chemically induced rat OA model and reveal strengths weaknesses compared manual analysis. Material methods Ten Wistar rats were run on walking platform as well basal values recorded. For induction, monosodium iodoacetate (MIA) injected into left knee all under anesthesia. After period 4 weeks for development, again both platforms. analysis, stride length, paw print width length measured knees. In addition these parameters, average speed, duration, maximum contact intensity, area, mean stance, swing speed (affected knee) device. Results Significant differences (p = 0.0272), 0.0344), 0.0233) recorded before after via platform. CatWalk, significant difference detected knee's 0.0010), intensity 0.0155), 0.0058), 0.0324), 0.0066) based data obtained OA. Conclusions is suitable evaluation related interventions. It also provides additional parameters minimizes human-related variation.