Inter- and intraobserver reliability of walking-track analysis used to assess sciatic nerve function in rats

Microsurgery. 1991;12(2):76-9. doi: 10.1002/micr.1920120204.

Abstract

The inter- and intraobserver reliability of the walking-track analysis of sciatic nerve function in the rat was assessed. Twenty-five walking tracks were assessed on three different occasions by four observers. Whereas the interobserver reliability was found to be excellent (r = 0.92), the intraobserver reliability was only satisfactory (r = 0.53 to r = 0.76). Walking-track analysis provides a noninvasive technique to assess function recovery in the rat, with excellent intraobserver reliability demonstrated. The lower intraobserver reliability suggests limitations to this new measurement technique.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Foot / anatomy & histology
  • Gait / physiology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Observer Variation
  • Rats
  • Rats, Inbred Lew
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Sciatic Nerve / physiology*
  • Sciatic Nerve / surgery
  • Single-Blind Method
  • Toes / anatomy & histology
  • Walking*