Abstract
Effects of osteoarthritis (OA) are observed in experimental animal models using different gait analysis systems. The aim of this study was to determine whether the Noldus CatWalk XT v. 10.9 gait analysis system (CatWalk) device can be used effectively in a chemically induced rat OA model and to reveal the strengths and weaknesses of the system compared to manual gait analysis. Ten Wistar rats were run on a manual walking platform as well as on the CatWalk and the basal values were recorded. For OA induction, monosodium iodoacetate (MIA) was injected into the left knee of all rats under anesthesia. After a period of 4 weeks for OA development, the rats were again run on both the manual and CatWalk gait platforms. For manual gait analysis, the stride length, paw print width and paw print length were measured on both knees. In addition to these parameters, the average run speed, run duration, maximum contact intensity, paw print area, mean stance, and swing speed were measured on the left knee (affected knee) using the CatWalk device. Significant differences were observed in the stride width (p = 0.0272), left stride length (p = 0.0344), and left paw print length (p = 0.0233) recorded before and after OA via the manual walking platform. For CatWalk, a significant difference was detected in the left knee's average run speed (p = 0.0010), maximum contact intensity (p = 0.0155), paw print length (p = 0.0058), paw print width (p = 0.0324), and swing speed (p = 0.0066) based on data obtained before and after OA. The CatWalk gait analysis system is suitable for the evaluation of OA rat models and related interventions. It also provides additional parameters compared to the manual system and minimizes human-related variation.
Highlights
Effects of osteoarthritis (OA) are observed in experimental animal models using different gait analysis systems
The aim of this study was to determine whether the Noldus CatWalk XT v. 10.9 gait analysis system (CatWalk) device can be used effectively in a chemically induced rat OA model and to reveal the strengths and weaknesses of the system compared to manual gait analysis
The CatWalk gait analysis system is suitable for the evaluation of OA rat models and related interventions
Summary
Effects of osteoarthritis (OA) are observed in experimental animal models using different gait analysis systems. Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most frequently seen form of arthritis and its prevalence increases with age.[3] Old age and obesity are significant risk factors for OA.[4,5] OA most frequently affects the knee joints, it can be seen in any joint in the body, including hip, waist and finger joints.[6] The main symptoms include joint pain, joint stiffness and swelling.[7] Currently, clinicians consider OA as a failure of the entire joint structure, such that OA affects articular cartilage and affects the subchondral bone, ligaments, joint capsule, synovial membrane, and periarticular muscles By another definition, OA starts as a result of the mechanical failure of the joint, during which the joint makes an effort to repair the defect area and fix the abnormal joint biomechanics.[8] For OA treatment, pharmacological, non-pharmacological and surgical options are available. The response of animal models to OA treatments is measured using various kinds of in vivo techniques and through postmortem evaluations
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