How do I use CatWalk XT?
Automated systems are the way to go when performing gait analysis. However, you might wonder, where do I start, what do I need, and how does CatWalk XT actually work? Well, keep reading or request a demo to see what CatWalk XT is all about.
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Which software is best for analysing gait data?
The advantage of CatWalk XT is how it detects the paws. Unlike treadmills or artificially-classified prints, CatWalk detects the feet (or of the rest of the body) as part of the print.
With CatWalk XT you:
- Can automatically detect classification errors
- Don't have to paint parts of the body to avoid detection
- Can view and export parameter charts
- Don't have to worry about print misinterpretations
- Have access to all the raw data, there is no black box
Which hardware do I need?
CatWalk XT uses the most effective method for gait analysis.
Footprints are illuminated where the paw touches the glass. A green LED light injected into the
glass plate is completely internally reflected, except at those areas where the animal makes contact
with the glass plate.
Where the paws touch the glass, light escapes and is reflected by the paw to
the camera. The high-speed color camera captures these footprints and sends the data to the CatWalk
XT software. You can download the full technical specs below.
How do I collect my data?
Which parameters should I choose?
Automatic gait analysis like with Noldus’ CatWalk XT vastly improves reliability and efficiency of your research. However, using these automated methods is not always straightforward. You might be asking yourself questions like: What readouts do I use? How will my animal model and housing conditions influence my results?
How do I motivate my animals?
CatWalk XT is a gait analysis system based on the voluntary movement of rats or mice. Generally, animals quickly learn to cross in a consistent manner, especially rats. However, familiarizing them with the system before you start your experiment makes your job a lot easier. Check out this whitepaper to learn more.
CatWalk XT, a versatile system
CatWalk XT has been used for gait analysis in multiple studies and has enabled experimental procedures for several neurological disorders and in lesion models. With the Illuminated Footprint Technology and a high-speed camera this system gives you an accurate and automated analysis of the locomotor ability of your rodents for a variety of studies.
CatWalk XT in a nutshell
The CatWalk gait analysis method has existed for quite a while. However, Noldus had been improving and finetuning the method since day one. We are always looking to improve upon the CatWalk XT system to provide you with the best materials for performing gait analysis. Here you can find an overview of the most important improvement CatWalk XT has made over the years.
CatWalk is easy to use and obtained data are directly applicable for further analysis. The system is robust and user friendly.
Dr. Jarosław Jerzy Barski
Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
How do I analyze my data?
Error detection
CatWalk XT automatically detects classification conflicts. You can select them from a dropdown box, upon which the video automatically jumps to the corresponding time point. You can use the zoom function to look at the print in detail and (re)classify it if needed.
Adjustable at every step
You can manually change the amount of green signal that is going to be filtered out of each run. Adjusting the intensity threshold allows you, for instance, to filter out noise or overexposed paws. This will help you reach optimal detection of each placed paw.
Explore your data
CatWalk XT contains the possibility to view parameter charts. This provides you with graphs for every parameter you are interested in and have selected in your “parameter profile”. This way it will be very easy to see how gait is changing between your experimental groups, over time. The generated graphs can be exported to either programs such as PowerPoint or as a PDF report.
Why should I use CatWalk XT?
Using CatWalk XT has a myriad of benefits over using other methods, like treadmills. CatWalk XT allows animals to exhibit natural walking behavior, moving at a pace dictated by their condition or endurance. On a treadmill, rats or mice often adjust their speed to match the treadmill's pace, inducing stress in the animal.
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.
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.
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