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

Measurement of ground reaction forces with force plates permits quantification of the subtle changes in movement associated with a variety of pathophysiological states. The apparatus used here permits simultaneous recording of other spatial and temporal characteristics of gait. Since the mouse is becoming increasingly important for modeling human disorders, we have recorded ground reaction forces (P) in this species. To date, we have measured the vertical component (Pz) and found it to be similar to that of other species, in that a greater Pz is exerted via the forelimb, although the areas under the force/time curves, are not different. Different points of discontinuity are seen in the forelimb and hindlimb curves, indicating differential deployment. Pz varies consistently with stance time and is consistent across the adult life of the mouse. It is suggested that the technique has potential for the study of a variety of mouse models of disease and of their therapies.