Ground reaction force and spatiotemporal measurements of the gait of the mouse

Measurement of ground reaction forces with force plates permits quantificat ion of the subtle changes in movement associated with a variety of pathophy siological states. The apparatus used here permits, simultaneous recording of other spatial and temporal characteristics of gait. Since the mouse is b ecoming increasingly important for modeling human disorders, we have record ed ground reaction forces (P) in this species. To date, we have measured th e vertical component (P-z) and found it to be similar to that of other spec ies, in that a greater P-z is exerted via the forelimb, although the areas under the force/time curves, are not different. Different points of discont inuity are seen in the forelimb and hindlimb curves, indicating differentia l deployment. P-z varies consistently with stance time and is consistent ac ross the adult life of the mouse. It is suggested that the technique has po tential for the study of a variety of mouse models of disease and of their therapies.