Why should I use CatWalk XT?
Analyzing gait isn't always straightforward. However, using CatWalk XT makes your life a lot easier by:
- Being easy to learn and use
- Providing validated and trustworthy data
- Keeping your animals stress free
This means you can trust it to deliver the proper results, and achieve your research goals.
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Easy to learn, easy to use
CatWalk XT is easy to learn and understand. And with its extensive
capabilities, it is the ideal system for beginners and veterans alike.
Moreover, for those who want more assistance in person or remote trainings are available to get you and your team started with gait analysis.
The ease of use of CatWalk XT helps you get started faster. This helps you save time and therefore resources.
Most cited gait analysis system
There are over 2400 publications based on CatWalk XT, which is at least 6 times more than with any other gait analysis system! Check out our resources section for an overview of publications for a variety of models, like sciatic nerve injury, Parkinson's Disease, Ataxia, and many more.
Curious about all the studies that have published with CatWalk XT?
Then, check out our resources page for a detailed overview.
Source: Google Scholar 2024
Voluntary walking animals are better
Many people assume that all animals will walk or run at the same speed if they use a treadmill or
treadwheel. However, this is not the case.
Animals that walk voluntarily experience less stress and
are less inclined to mask gait imparities. This way, you will have data with higher translational
value. You can learn more about the advantages of free walking in this blog post
This does not mean that speed as a factor is not important to look at; it is. And for this reason, you can easily correct for speed and speed variations in the CatWalk XT software.
Detailed and accurate identification of paw prints
A problem many other print-measuring systems (that record from below a translucent stepping surface) face is that their software detects the paws and not just the contact service. This has the following effects:
- Every part of the paw (and sometimes other body parts) is measured, even parts not touching the floor.
- These systems use assumptions to guess if the placing of the paw, often causing errors in the results.
- Important gait impairments might go undetected due to these assumptions.
With CatWalk XT you will never encounter this problem, this saves you time and enhances the quality of your data.
Your system, adaptable to your needs
The CatWalk XT can be adjusted to fit your needs. Adjustable light
intensity enables you to
reach the optimal detection of each paw of the animal, no matter its weight, size, impairment, or
environmental light conditions.
Furthermore, you can easily adjust the CatWalk XT walls to fit both mice, rats or any other small mammal. This allows you to easily switch between setups in seconds.
We are always prepared to help you and give you the support you need to make your research a success. We are happy to come on site, install the system and give you and your staff a complete CatWalk XT training.
CatWalk XT vs. Treadmill methods
| Feature | CatWalk XT | Treadmill systems/DigiGait |
|---|---|---|
| Working principle | Light injected glass plate | Transparent treadmill & bright light |
| Adjustable size | One system for all small mammals | Different systems for rats and mice |
| Detection method | Light reflection | Assumption based algorithm |
| Motivation | Unforced natural walking | Forced treadmill |
| Animal Stress | Low | High |
| Preferred room lighting | Low light | Bright light |
| Easy error detection | Yes | No |
What can I use CatWalk XT for?
CatWalk XT gait analysis has been validated in research and experimental procedures for several (neurological) disorders and lesions. It does not matter if gait is affected due to genetic, chemical, or physical injury. If your animal can traverse the CatWalk runway, you can evaluate its gait.
How do I use CatWalk XT?
The CatWalk XT system detects actual footprints by employing the illuminated footprint technology. With a high-speed camera and dedicated software, the CatWalk XT system offers impeccable quantification of footprints and gait parameters, automatic detection of errors, and easy results visualization.
All I need to know about CatWalk XT
CatWalk XT has been used in a great variety of studies, from TBI to stroke and pain research. Do you want to know more about how CatWalk XT works, or get more in-depth information on what the CatWalk XT has been used for? Then, follow the link below.
Ready to take the next step?
Contact us to discover how we can help you achieve your goals. Let's advance your behavioral research!
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