Stride length, stance width and gait symmetry were measured as paramet
ers of gait analysis in young (5 months) and old (28 months) Sprague-D
awley rats following 3 months of treadmill running as well as in seden
tary controls. Stride length decreased significantly with age and incr
eased significantly following training in both young and old rats. Mea
ns of stance width increased significantly with age, but were unaffect
ed by training. Gait symmetry declined with age; however, treadmill ru
nning counteracted the decline of gait symmetry. It was concluded that
treadmill running compensates for or prevents age-related changes in
the neuromuscular function of rats, which lead to gait detoriation.