A New Method in Walking Analysis Using the Angles around the Midpoint between Print Length and Toe Spread by Four Different Color Footprints

Abstract

Sciatic function index (SFI) has long been used as one of the evaluation methods of walking analysis. SFI is a method in assessing nerve function through footprints in walking analysis. Methods that previously have been developed use one color ink, but this method is difficult to interpret. The interpretation is difficult because of mingled footprints among the mice four legs. If rats do not walk straight, their footprints will be overlapped to one another and complicate the measurement. SFI is a method using a special mathematic formula. Many researchers questioning this method because this method is affected by the muscle contracture, auto mutilation and the way and speed of the rat walk. In this study we use four different colors, which allow us to more easily interpret the results of the footprint. In this study, we modify a tool from the existing tools in other literatures. The measurement result of this tool is print length (PL), inter toe spread (ITS) and toe spread (TS), which belong to the SFI component. This tool must be valid and reliable when it is used to measure the components of measurements in the function analysis of the nerves. Validity and reliability are needed to ensure that research data can be trusted. We confirm the SFI result with the toe out of angle (TOA) and a new method to describe the normal footprint. TOA is believed to be the important measurement in walking analysis especially it affects the change of abduction-adduction and internal-external rotation of hind limb. The purpose of this study was to develop a new method to assess the nerve functional analysis, not only using measurement of the SFI and TOA, but also the angles around the meeting point of PL and TS. This study was a laboratory-based research. The subjects of the research are 6 Sprague Dawley rats