Explore locomotion and motor disorders in rodents like never before with automated Gait Analysis. Reveal key gait parameters—like paw state, base of support, and phase difference—using AI-driven tracking.
| Parameter | Stance Phase | Swing Phase |
|---|---|---|
|
Definition |
The period during which a paw is in contact with the ground and supporting body weight.
Includes braking and propulsion durations
|
The period when the paw is lifted off the ground and moves forward to initiate the next step. |
|
Function |
Provides stability, weight-bearing, and propulsion
|
Responsible for advancing the limb in preparation for the next stance.
|
|
Duration |
Typically longer than swing phase during normal walking. Approximately 70% of the gait cycle |
horter than stance phase in healthy gait. Approximately 30% of the gait cycle |
↑ Stance Phase → Often indicates instability, weakness, or cautious movement.
↓ Stance Phase → Often due to pain avoidance or reduced weight-bearing.
↑ Swing Phase → May signal reluctance to place the paw, or dragging.
↓ Swing Phase → Indicates rigidity, bradykinesia, or hyperkinetic drive
Typically expressed as a percentage.
↑ Duty Cycle → Often indicates a strategy to maximize stability or increase weight-bearing time, typically due to weakness, general fatigue, or a compensation for instability (ataxia/loss of balance).
↓ Duty Cycle → Often indicates a need to quickly remove the paw from the ground, typically due to pain avoidance (antalgic gait) or a compensation for rigidity/bradykinesia to maintain forward momentum, but is also a natural result of increased speed and gait efficiency.
↑ Base of Support (BoS) → Often indicates a need for increased stability, typically due to loss of balance, general weakness, or ataxia (lack of voluntary coordination).
↓ Base of Support (BoS)→ May signal a shift toward cautious/narrow-based movement in some forms of rigidity, or is often a goal for increased gait efficiency (closer to a straight line) in healthy, confident movement.
Our software defines the Phase difference in degrees:
| Phase Difference (in ∘) | Synchronization Pattern | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
|
Zero |
Synchronization (In-Phase)
|
Both paws are moving together; Paw B begins its stance phase at the exact same moment (or the end of a cycle) as Paw A’s stride begins. This is common for bilateral forelimbs or hindlimbs in abnormal/pathological gaits (e.g., “bunny hopping”) but is pathological if seen in alternating gaits. |
|
180 |
Alternation (Anti-Phase)
|
Paw B begins its stance phase at the midpoint of Paw A’s stride cycle. This represents ideal coordination for alternating diagonal (e.g., right-fore to left-hind) or alternating lateral (e.g., right-fore to left-fore) movements in a typical healthy rodent gait.
|
|
90/270 |
Compromised Alternation |
Paw B begins its stance phase when Paw A is one-quarter ($1/4$) of the way through its stride cycle. This indicates a significant mistiming or asymmetry often seen in uncoordinated or pathological gaits. |
|
Close to 0 |
Clustering/Dragging |
Paws are moving too close together, potentially indicating weakness or dragging. |
|
High Variability/Spread |
Ataxia/Lack of Control |
The differences are highly inconsistent across strides. This suggests ataxia (loss of muscle control), or severe neurological deficits affecting rhythm and control |
Shuffling steps, reduced stride, asymmetry
Unilateral limb weakness, asymmetry
Spasticity, Ataxia
Progressive hindlimb weakness
Limb paralysis, recovery tracking
Foot dragging, altered paw placement
Wide stance, uncoordinated movements
Limping, reduced weight-bearing
Joint stiffness
Weak muscles, short stride
Altered weight-bearing, paw guarding
Limping, gait cycle changes
Motor coordination deficits
Hyper/hypokinetic movements
Diabetic neuropathy impacts gait
Your institution deserves software that is customized to fit your unique needs. To ensure that our software is tailored specifically to your institution, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today. Our team is dedicated to providing you with the highest quality service possible.
