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FTIR Walkway
SKU ME-4152
$2,400.00
IncludesStandard care
Automated FTIR-based gait analysis system for quantitative locomotor assessment in mice and rats, measuring step patterns, coordination, and kinematic parameters without pretraining requirements.
CE MarkedBAA available
Scientist guidance
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
- Mouse: Length 80 cm · Wall height 15 cm; Rat: Length 104 cm · Wall height 19 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
FTIR optical detection
Provides clear visualization of paw contacts without requiring floor sensors or markers, enabling natural walking behavior assessment.
Dual-species configuration
Accommodates both mouse (80cm) and rat (104cm) studies with species-appropriate walkway dimensions and wall heights.
No pretraining requirement
Animals can be tested immediately without habituation periods, reducing study timelines and minimizing stress-related confounding factors.
Integrated mirror system
Simultaneous capture of footprint and lateral views enables comprehensive gait analysis including body posture and limb coordination assessment.
Multi-parameter quantification
Measures speed, frequency, swing time, stance time, step length, footprint area, and linearity indices from single recording sessions.
Acrylic glass construction
Provides durable, easy-to-clean surface that maintains optical clarity for consistent FTIR performance across multiple studies.
Automated analysis capability
Reduces manual scoring time and inter-observer variability while providing objective, quantitative gait metrics for statistical analysis.
Sizes by model
| Measurement | Mouse | Rat |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 80 cm | 104 cm |
| Wall height | 15 cm | 19 cm |
- Mouse: Base 5cm
- Rat: Base 6.5cm
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
Compatible Tracking Software
- ConductVision
Shipping weight
- 21.0 lb
Shipping box
- L: 43.2 cm
- W: 38.0 cm
- H: 27.9 cm
| 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 | Size | SKU | Listed price | Status | Shipping box |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mouse | Length 80 cm · Wall height 15 cm | ME-4151 | $2,300.00 | Available | 43.2 x 38.0 x 27.9 cm |
| Rat | Length 104 cm · Wall height 19 cm | ME-4152 | $2,400.00 | Available | 43.2 x 38.0 x 27.9 cm |
Neuroscience
Assessment of motor deficits in neurological disease models by quantifying gait parameters, footprint positioning, and inter-limb coordination patterns during free walking.
Behavioral Pharmacology
Evaluation of drug effects on locomotor function by measuring changes in step length, swing time, stance time, and walking speed before and after treatment administration.
Motor Function
Characterization of motor phenotypes in transgenic animal models through detailed analysis of gait kinematics, body linearity, and footprint contact parameters.
Neurodegeneration
Longitudinal monitoring of progressive motor decline in models of Parkinson's disease, ALS, or other neurodegenerative conditions using quantitative gait metrics.
Aging Research
Documentation of age-related changes in locomotor performance by comparing gait parameters between young and aged animals in cross-sectional or longitudinal studies.
Pain Research
Objective assessment of pain-related gait alterations by measuring changes in footprint area, stance time, and step patterns in models of inflammatory or neuropathic pain.
Practical Tips
Calibration
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.
Maintenance
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.
Best Practices
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.
Data Quality
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.
Troubleshooting
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.
Safety
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
Unpack and Inspect
Remove the walkway components from packaging and inspect the acrylic glass surface for scratches or damage that could affect optical performance.
Position Mirror Assembly
Install the mirror base beneath the walkway according to species-specific dimensions (78cm for mouse, 100cm for rat configuration).
Set Up Lighting System
Position the light source to achieve optimal FTIR illumination through the acrylic glass walkway surface.
Configure Recording Equipment
Set up video recording system to capture both top-down footprint view and lateral mirror reflection simultaneously.
Clean Walkway Surface
Clean the acrylic glass surface thoroughly to remove residual odors and ensure optimal optical clarity for footprint detection.
Calibrate Measurement System
Establish spatial calibration using known reference dimensions to ensure accurate measurement of step lengths and footprint areas.
Perform Test Recording
Conduct initial test recording with an animal to verify proper footprint illumination and data acquisition settings.
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
ARRIVE GuidelinesSupports standardized reporting of animal research by providing objective, quantitative motor assessment data for behavioral studies.
IACUC Protocol RequirementsNon-invasive assessment method aligns with institutional animal care guidelines by minimizing animal handling and stress during motor function evaluation.
Protocol and background
Introduction
An alternative to the conventional method was provided by Hamers, Lankhorst, van Laar, Veldhuis, and Gispen, W.H. (2001), who developed an automated apparatus for gait analysis. However, their device did not allow flexibility over the parameters that could be observed and recorded. Further, most automated devices in addition to limiting the flexibility of parameter observations also tend to be expensive. The fTIR Walkway, on the other hand, is a relatively inexpensive automated device that allows a qualitative and quantitative measure of motor performances.
Apparatus & Equipment
The fTIR Walkway device consists of a 12 × 8 × 7 inch chamber that is equipped with a guillotine door. The testing area is 7 × 8 inch with a 5 × 8 inch start area. The chamber is supported by support posts off the surface with the help of post clamps. Under the chamber, a 45° angled mirror (12 × 8 inches) is placed. The cool white background backlight is provided using LED lights (12 × 8 inches) above the walkway. Additionally, the apparatus comes with eight ceramic cups having 2.5 inch diameter and a height of 1.5 inches.
Training Protocol
Clean the apparatus before and after use to prevent any lingering stimuli from affecting the subject’s performance and quality of video recording. The apparatus does not require any pretraining. The tests can be initiated simply by placing the subject on the walkway and recording the performance.
Investigation of the gait of free moving mice
Wild-type C57BL/6J mice were evaluated for their motor functions on the fTIR Walkway device. It was observed that the initial contact involved the entire paw touching the surface almost simultaneously with prominent pressure being exerted by the metatarsal and metacarpal pads on the hind and forelegs, respectively. The pressure was observed to be gradually transferred rostrally to the toes before liftoff in the stance phase. It was further observed that up to one-third of the stance phase is dedicated to supporting by toes, which was found to be independent of the walking speed. Toe spreading was observed at the end of the swing phase 20 to 30 ms before ground contact, indicating an active neuronal control. It was also observed that faster subjects displayed approximately 20% longer step strides and shorter phase stance of about 50 ms (minimum) in comparison to slower subjects. (Mendes et al., 2015)
Data Analysis
The fTIR Walkway allows automated recording of motor and locomotion parameter including step patterns, footprint positioning, inter-leg coordination, and footprint contact parameters. The following set of kinematic parameters can be recorded in the fTIR Walkway device:
- Speed: instantaneous and average (cm/s)
- Frequency (cycles/s)
- Period (ms)
- Swing speed: average and for individual steps (m/s)
- Step length: average and for individual steps (mm)
- Swing time: average and for individual steps (s)
- Stance time: average and for individual steps (s)
- Duty factor (unitless)
- Anterior extreme position (AEP) (body units)
- Posterior extreme position (PEP) (body units)
- Footprint clustering (AEP and PEP; body units)
- Stance linearity index: average and for individual segments (m)
- Body linearity index (mm)
- Leg combination indexes: no swing, single-leg swing, diagonal-leg swing, lateral-leg swing, front or hind swing, three-leg swing, or all-legs swing (unitless)
- Leg phases: front and hind legs (unitless)
- Footprint pixel intensity (unitless)
- Footprint area (cm2)
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
The fTIR Walkway is an automated device. Therefore, human errors are significantly reduced during the investigation. The device, in comparison to other automated devices, is inexpensive and provides flexibility of observing additional parameters of locomotion and motor capabilities of the subjects. The device does not require any pretraining and testing procedures are simple and straightforward. Thus, the assessment procedure is relatively faster in comparison to other methods. When compared to tests like the Gait Test, the fTIR Walkway doesn’t require any additional supplies such as ink, nor does it use an aversive motivation such as fear of falling. Hence, the subjects are not affected by external factors like stress and anxiety. The acrylic glass surface allows a better fTIR signal-to-noise ratio in comparison to glass, thus allowing more contact between the subject’s paws and the walking surface.
Limitations
The acrylic glass scratches more easily than glass. Thus it may lead to interference with the fITR signal and subsequent tracking. This can be rectified by replacing the scratched glass. Repeated trials on the fTIR Walkway may cause muscle fatigue in the subjects. Allowing rest periods between each trial is important. Factors such as strain, species, age, and sex can also affect performance. Subject’s own emotional and mental status can also influence the results.
Summary & Key Points
- The fTIR Walkway is an automated device that provides qualitative and quantitative measurements of motor performance.
- The device is based on the simplified and inexpensive frustrated total internal reflection (fTIR) set-up.
- The fTIR Walkway allows flexibility to extract additional and unanticipated metrics of locomotion and motor capabilities.
- The device can be effectively used to investigate the effects of diseases, lesions, pharmacological manipulations and other treatments on motor performances.
References
Hamers, F.P., Lankhorst, A.J., van Laar, T.J., Veldhuis, W.B., & Gispen, W.H. (2001). Automated quantitative gait analysis during overground locomotion in the rat: its application to spinal cord contusion and transection injuries. Journal of Neurotrauma, 18(2):187-201.
Mendes, C. S., Bartos, I., Márka, Z., Akay, T., Márka, S., & Mann, R. S. (2015). Quantification of gait parameters in freely walking rodents. BMC Biology, 13(1). doi:10.1186/s12915-015-0154-0
From the Maze Engineers documentation for this apparatus.
Q
What temporal resolution can be achieved for gait parameter measurements?
A
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.
Q
How does the FTIR detection compare to pressure-sensitive walkway systems?
A
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.
Q
What cleaning protocols are recommended between animals?
A
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.
Q
Can the system detect subtle gait asymmetries in disease models?
A
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.
Q
What video recording specifications are recommended?
A
Recording requirements depend on desired temporal resolution for gait analysis; consult product datasheet for recommended frame rates and camera positioning for optimal footprint visualization.
Q
How is spatial calibration maintained across experimental sessions?
A
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.
Q
What analysis software is compatible with the recorded data?
A
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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ConductVision is our video-tracking software. Record your sessions on video, and it scores standard rodent tests, such as those listed below.
Examples of tests it scores
To check whether ConductVision scores your protocol in this apparatus, ask in your quote request.
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