FTIR Walkway
Automated FTIR-based gait analysis system for quantitative locomotor assessment in mice and rats, measuring step patterns, coordination, and kinematic parameters without pretraining requirements.
Louise Corscadden, PhD
Director of Science · ConductScience
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Key Specifications
Full details →- Model fit
- Mouse, Rat
- SKU family
- ME-4151/4152
- Sizing
- 43.2 x 38.0 x 27.9 cm
- Ordering
- Online checkout and quote request available
- Category
- Behavioral Mazes
- Build notes
- acrylic glass
The FTIR Walkway provides automated gait analysis for rodents using frustrated total internal reflection technology. The system captures detailed locomotor parameters including step patterns, footprint positioning, inter-leg coordination, and temporal gait characteristics without requiring animal pretraining. Available in mouse (80cm length) and rat (104cm length) configurations, the walkway features acrylic glass construction with integrated mirror bases for comprehensive paw print visualization.
The system quantifies multiple kinematic parameters including instantaneous and average speed, swing time, stance time, step length, footprint area, and body linearity indices. This approach offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional gait analysis methods while providing both qualitative and quantitative motor performance assessments for neuroscience and motor function research applications.
How It Works
The FTIR Walkway operates on the principle of frustrated total internal reflection, where light propagating through the acrylic glass walkway surface undergoes total internal reflection except at contact points where the animal's paws create optical disruption. When a paw contacts the walkway surface, the refractive index change at the glass-tissue interface allows light to escape, creating bright illumination of the contact area against a dark background.
The integrated mirror system positioned beneath the walkway enables simultaneous capture of paw prints and lateral body movement, providing comprehensive visualization of gait patterns. Video recording captures the temporal sequence of paw contacts, allowing extraction of kinematic parameters including swing and stance phases, step frequency, and coordination patterns between limbs.
Post-acquisition analysis quantifies multiple gait parameters from the recorded footprint sequences, including instantaneous and average walking speeds, individual and average step lengths, swing and stance times for each limb, footprint contact areas, and body linearity indices that reflect postural stability during locomotion.
Features & Benefits
recorded_parameters
- step patterns, footprint positioning, inter-leg coordination, footprint contact parameters
speed_measurement
- instantaneous and average (cm/s)
frequency_measurement
- cycles/s
period_measurement
- ms
swing_speed
- average and individual steps (m/s)
step_length
- average and individual steps (mm)
swing_time
- average and individual steps (s)
stance_time
- average and individual steps (s)
footprint_area
- cm²
body_linearity_index
- mm
stance_linearity_index
- m
pretraining_required
- no
system_type
- automated gait analysis
Behavioral Construct
- Motor Coordination
- Gait Analysis
- Locomotor Activity
Automation Level
- semi-automated
Material
- acrylic glass
Research Domain
- Aging Research
- Behavioral Pharmacology
- Motor Function
- Neurodegeneration
- Neuroscience
- Pain Research
Species
- Mouse
- Rat
Compatible Tracking Software
- ConductVision
Weight
- 21.0 kg
Dimensions
- L: 43.2 mm
- W: 38.0 mm
- H: 27.9 mm
| Feature | This Product | Typical Alternative | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walkway Length Options | 80cm mouse and 104cm rat configurations with species-optimized dimensions | Fixed-length systems often require single size for multiple species | Species-appropriate dimensions ensure natural gait patterns and reduce wall contact artifacts during assessment. |
| Detection Method | FTIR-based optical detection providing clear paw contact visualization | Pressure sensors or camera systems may require threshold adjustments | Optical detection captures actual contact area without pressure sensitivity settings or calibration drift issues. |
| Pretraining Requirements | No pretraining required for immediate testing capability | Many systems require multiple habituation sessions | Eliminates training variables and reduces study duration while minimizing animal stress from repeated handling. |
| Mirror Integration | Integrated mirror system for simultaneous top and lateral view capture | Separate camera systems or single-view analysis | Comprehensive gait analysis including body posture and limb coordination from single recording session. |
| Parameter Scope | Multi-parameter analysis including speed, timing, coordination, and spatial metrics | Limited parameter sets in basic walkway systems | Comprehensive motor assessment reduces need for multiple testing apparatus and enables detailed phenotyping studies. |
The FTIR Walkway provides species-optimized automated gait analysis with optical detection technology, integrated mirror visualization, and comprehensive parameter quantification. The no-pretraining design and dual-species compatibility offer practical advantages for research applications requiring detailed motor function assessment.
| Model | SKU | Listed price | Status | Dimensions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rat | ME-4152 | $2,400.00 | Available | 43.2 x 38.0 x 27.9 cm |
| Mouse | ME-4151 | $2,300.00 | Available | 43.2 x 38.0 x 27.9 cm |
Practical Tips
Verify spatial calibration using known reference objects before each experimental session to ensure accurate step length and footprint area measurements.
Why: Spatial accuracy is critical for detecting small changes in gait parameters between treatment groups or across time points.
Clean the acrylic glass surface with appropriate solvents that maintain optical clarity without damaging the FTIR properties.
Why: Surface contamination can reduce footprint contrast and affect automated detection algorithms.
Allow animals to acclimate to the testing environment for several minutes before recording to reduce stress-related gait alterations.
Why: Acute stress can modify normal locomotor patterns and confound motor function assessments.
Record multiple walking passes per animal and average parameters to account for natural variability in gait patterns.
Why: Single-pass measurements may not represent typical locomotor performance due to exploration or hesitation behaviors.
If footprint contrast is poor, check lighting alignment and ensure the acrylic surface is clean and free of scratches.
Why: Optimal FTIR requires proper light propagation and clear interface between the walkway surface and animal paws.
Ensure walkway walls are appropriate height for the species being tested to prevent falls while allowing natural walking behavior.
Why: Wall height affects animal confidence and natural gait patterns while providing necessary containment during testing.
Setup Guide
What’s in the Box
- FTIR Walkway assembly (species-specific dimensions)
- Integrated mirror base system
- Acrylic glass walkway surface
- Side wall assembly
- Setup and operation manual
- Calibration reference materials (typical)
- Cleaning supplies (typical)
Warranty
ConductScience provides a standard one-year manufacturer warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship, with technical support available for setup, calibration, and operational guidance.
Compliance
What temporal resolution can be achieved for gait parameter measurements?
Temporal resolution depends on video recording frame rate; the system measures swing time, stance time, and step frequency parameters, with measurement precision in milliseconds and cycles per second as specified in the parameter list.
How does the FTIR detection compare to pressure-sensitive walkway systems?
FTIR detection provides optical visualization of actual paw contact areas without requiring pressure thresholds, potentially offering more sensitive detection of partial weight-bearing or altered gait patterns compared to pressure-based systems.
What cleaning protocols are recommended between animals?
The acrylic glass surface should be cleaned thoroughly between subjects to eliminate residual odors that could influence animal behavior; consult product datasheet for specific cleaning solution compatibility.
Can the system detect subtle gait asymmetries in disease models?
Yes, the system quantifies individual limb parameters including step length, swing time, and stance time for each paw, enabling detection of left-right asymmetries and inter-limb coordination deficits.
What video recording specifications are recommended?
Recording requirements depend on desired temporal resolution for gait analysis; consult product datasheet for recommended frame rates and camera positioning for optimal footprint visualization.
How is spatial calibration maintained across experimental sessions?
The system requires spatial calibration using known reference dimensions to ensure accurate step length and footprint area measurements; calibration procedures should be verified regularly to maintain measurement accuracy.
What analysis software is compatible with the recorded data?
The system captures standard video output that can be analyzed using various gait analysis software packages; specific software compatibility and data export formats should be confirmed with product documentation.
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