Automated systems are the way to go when performing gait analysis. However, you might wonder, where do I start, what do I need, and how does CatWalk actually work? Well, keep reading or request a demo to see what CatWalk is all about.
CatWalk uses the most effective method for gait analysis. Footprints are illuminated where the paw touches the glass. A green LED light injected into the glass plate is completely internally reflected, except at those areas where the animal makes contact with the glass plate.
Where the paws touch the glass, light escapes and is reflected by the paw to the camera. The high-speed color camera captures these footprints and sends the data to the CatWalk software. You can download the full technical specs below.
Automatic gait analysis like with Noldus' CatWalk vastly improves reliability and efficiency of your research. However, using these automated methods is not always straightforward. You might be asking yourself questions like: What readouts do I use? How will my animal model and housing conditions influence my results? CatWalk is a gait analysis system based on the voluntary movement of rats or mice. Generally, animals quickly learn to cross in a consistent manner, especially rats. However, familiarizing them with the system before you start your experiment makes your job a lot easier. CatWalk has been used for gait analysis in multiple studies and has enabled experimental procedures for several neurological disorders and in lesion models. With the Illuminated Footprint Technology and a high-speed camera this system gives you an accurate and automated analysis. The CatWalk gait analysis method has existed for quite a while. However, Noldus has been improving and finetuning the method since day one. We are always looking to improve upon the CatWalk system to provide you with the best materials for performing gait analysis. CatWalk automatically detects classification conflicts. You can select them from a dropdown box, upon which the video jumps to the corresponding time point. Use the zoom function to look at the print in detail and reclassify if needed. You can manually change the amount of green signal filtered out of each run. Adjusting the intensity threshold allows you to filter out noise or overexposed paws for optimal detection. View parameter charts for every parameter you're interested in. See how gait changes between experimental groups over time. Export graphs to PowerPoint or as a PDF report. The CatWalk gait analysis system can be an incredibly useful tool in assessing the subtle motor deficits exhibited by mice post-TBI, making it ideal for detecting deficits that might not be readily observable to researchers. CatWalk is a gait analysis system based on the voluntary movement of rodents. Generally, animals quickly learn to cross in a consistent manner. In this white paper we share our favorite tips and tricks. CatWalk is an invaluable tool to monitor and quantify gait for spinal cord injured rats. Parameters such as stride length, base-of-support, print area, and intensity are measured objectively and automatically. Insights on the inter-limb coordination can provide you with valuable and important data for your research. CatWalk calculates this data automatically. In this white paper we take a closer look at Phase Dispersions values.
Whether you're new to gait research or looking to optimize your existing protocols, this free eBook is your go-to guide. Learn how to measure rodent gait with precision, interpret key parameters, and apply best practices in preclinical models of neurological and musculoskeletal disorders. Download it now to level up your data quality and study design.
Need help setting up? Whether you need advice on setup, help configuring your CatWalk, or want a guided demo, our team is ready to help.How do I use CatWalk?
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CatWalk, a versatile system
CatWalk in a nutshell
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CatWalk and TBI mice
Getting the perfect runs for CatWalk
Parameters in spinal cord injury
What are phase dispersions?
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