Validity and reliability of the CatWalk system as a static and dynamic gait analysis tool for the assessment of functional nerve recovery in small animal models

Elisabeth A Kappos; Patricia K Sieber; Patricia E Engels; Alessio V Mariolo; Salvatore D'Arpa; Dirk J Schaefer; Daniel F Kalbermatten

doi:10.1002/brb3.723

Validity and reliability of the CatWalk system as a static and dynamic gait analysis tool for the assessment of functional nerve recovery in small animal models

Brain Behav. 2017 May 18;7(7):e00723. doi: 10.1002/brb3.723. eCollection 2017 Jul.

Authors

Elisabeth A Kappos^{1

2}, Patricia K Sieber^{1

2}, Patricia E Engels^{1

2}, Alessio V Mariolo³, Salvatore D'Arpa⁴, Dirk J Schaefer¹, Daniel F Kalbermatten^{1

2}

Affiliations

¹ Division of Plastic, Reconstructive, Aesthetic and Hand Surgery Department of Surgery University Hospital of Basel Basel Switzerland.
² Division of Neuropathology Institute of Pathology University Hospital of Basel Basel Switzerland.
³ Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Department of Surgery, Oncology and Stomatology University of Palermo Palermo Italy.
⁴ Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Department of Surgery Ghent University Hospital Gent Belgium.

Abstract

Introduction: A range of behavioral testing paradigms have been developed for the research of central and peripheral nerve injuries with the help of small animal models. Following any nerve repair strategy, improved functional outcome may be the most important evidence of axon regeneration. A novel automated gait analysis system, the CatWalk^™, can measure dynamic as well as static gait patterns of small animals. Of most interest in detecting functional recovery are in particular dynamic gait parameters, coordination measures, and the intensity of the animals paw prints. This article is designed to lead to a more efficient choice of CatWalk parameters in future studies concerning the functional evaluation of nerve regeneration and simultaneously add to better interstudy comparability.

Methods: The aims of the present paper are threefold: (1) to describe the functional method of CatWalk gait analysis, (2) to characterize different parameters acquired by CatWalk gait analysis, and to find the most frequently used parameters as well as (3) to compare their reliability and validity throughout the different studies.

Results: In the reviewed articles, the most frequently used parameters were Swing Duration (30), Print Size (27), Stride Length (26), and Max Contact Area (24). Swing Duration was not only frequently used but was also the most reliable and valid parameter. Therefore, we hypothesize that Swing Duration constitutes an important parameter to be chosen for future studies, as it has the highest level of reliability and validity.

Conclusion: In conclusion, CatWalk can be used as a complementary approach to other behavioral testing paradigms to assess clinically relevant behavioral benefits, with the main advantage that this system demonstrates both static and dynamic gait parameters at the same time. Due to limited reliability and validity of certain parameters, we recommend that only the most frequently assessed parameters should be used in the future.

Keywords: automated gait analysis system; dynamic and static gait parameters; peripheral nerve regeneration; rat and mouse sciatic nerve.

MeSH terms

Animals
Disease Models, Animal
Gait / physiology*
Nerve Regeneration / physiology*
Peripheral Nerve Injuries / physiopathology*
Recovery of Function / physiology*
Reproducibility of Results