Presented here is a protocol to collect and analyze three-dimensional kinematics of quadrupedal locomotion in rodents for preclinical studies.
Position and arrange cameras and hardware for 3D kinematic tracking of rodent locomotion. This establishes the physical recording environment.
Perform system calibration using standardized calibration objects to ensure accurate 3D spatial reconstruction and marker tracking.
Acclimate and train the rodent to walk on the treadmill at controlled speeds to habituate the animal and ensure consistent locomotor behavior.
Collect synchronized 3D kinematic data while the animal walks on the treadmill at standardized speeds.
Process raw video data to identify and track reflective markers on the animal's limbs, generating 3D coordinate trajectories over time.
Calculate joint angles (e.g., elbow, hip, knee) and other kinematic parameters from tracked marker positions to quantify locomotor function.
Analyze representative kinematic profiles and coordination patterns to identify differences between healthy and injured animal models.
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