Kinematics of forward and backward locomotion performed in different environmental conditions.

Abstract

Mice are frequently used in analyses of the locomotor system. Although forward locomotion (FWL) in intact mice has been studied previously, backward locomotion (BWL) in mice has never been analyzed. The aim of the present study was to compare kinematics of FWL and BWL performed in different environmental conditions (i.e., in a tunnel, on a treadmill, and on an air-ball). In all setups, the average speed and step amplitude during BWL were significantly reduced compared with FWL. The cycle duration varied greatly during both FWL and BWL. The average swing duration during BWL was twice shorter than during FWL on each setup. Mice exhibited different interlimb coordinations (trot and walk with lateral or diagonal sequence) during BWL but only one gait (walk with lateral sequence) during FWL. Location of the rostro-caudal paw trajectory in relation to the hip projection to the surface (HP) depended on hip height. With low hip height, the trajectory was displaced either rostrally (anterior steps) or caudally (posterior steps) to HP. With high hip height, HP was near the middle of the trajectory (middle steps). During FWL, all three forms of steps were observed in the tunnel and predominantly anterior and posterior steps on the treadmill and air-ball, respectively. During BWL, only anterior steps were observed. Intralimb coordination depended on the form of stepping. Limb joints were coordinated to keep the hip at approximately constant height during stance and to have the smallest functional limb length during swing when the limb passed under the hip.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Mice are extensively used for the analysis of the locomotor system. This study is the first examination of the kinematics of forward and backward locomotor movements in different environmental conditions in mice. Obtained results represent a benchmark for studies based on manipulations of activity of specific populations of neurons to reveal their roles in control of specific aspects of locomotion.