Inter- and intraobserver reliability of walking-track analysis used to assess sciatic nerve function in rats.

The inter- and intraobserver reliability of the walking-track analysis of sciatic nerve function in the rat was assessed. Twenty-five walking tracks were assessed on three different occasions by four observers. Whereas the interobserver reliability was found to be excellent (r = 0.92), the intraobserver reliability was only satisfactory (r = 0.53 to r = 0.76). Walking-track analysis provides a noninvasive technique to assess function recovery in the rat, with excellent intraobserver reliability demonstrated. The lower intraobserver reliability suggests limitations to this new measurement technique.