Veterinary Gait Analysis Quiz

A series of coordinated limb movements, typically categorized as symmetrical or asymmetrical.

Gaits where the limb movement on one side is mirrored on the other side. Examples: trot, walk, pace.

Gaits where limb movement on one side doesn't mirror the other. Examples: canter, gallop.

The period when a foot is in contact with the ground during a gait cycle.

The period when a foot is in the air during a gait cycle.

The analysis of forces generated during the stance phase of the gait cycle.

The force exerted by the animal's foot on the ground, and the equal and opposite force exerted by the ground on the foot.

A vector representing the direction and magnitude of the force acting at a specific point on the foot.

The maximum force exerted in a specific direction during ground contact. It's the highest point on the force-time curve.

The area under the force-time curve, representing the total force applied over the duration of ground contact.

The vertical force that acts directly upwards, opposing gravity. It's measured during ground contact.

The force that acts parallel to the animal's body, either pushing forwards (propulsive) or backwards (breaking).

The force that acts sideways, usually measured for stability.

The period from initial ground contact until the peak force is reached.

The period after the peak force, when the force decreases and the limb lifts off the ground.

A reduction in vertical force and impulse during ground contact, which can indicate lameness or pain.

The time during which weight is applied to the limb during a gait cycle.

The rate at which weight is applied to the limb during loading.

The time during which weight is removed from the limb during a gait cycle.

The rate at which weight is removed from the limb during offloading.

A device that measures forces exerted on its surface.

The use of multiple force plates in a line to collect data from multiple footfalls.

A type of force plate installation where the plate is embedded into the floor, flush with the surface.

A type of force plate installation where the plate is permanently attached to the existing flooring.

A platform built around a force plate that is flush with its top surface. It's a simple method of mounting force plates, often used in small-animal gait labs.

A material used to cover the force plate and surrounding area to improve traction and prevent slipping.

Photoelectric switches that are used to measure an animal's velocity and acceleration as it crosses over force plates.

The minimum number of photocells required to measure an animal's velocity.

The minimum number of photocells required to measure an animal's acceleration.

A five-photocell system has been shown to be more efficient than a three-photocell system for collecting kinetic gait data from dogs.

Placement of each photocell 0.5m above the gait platform has been shown to accurately measure truncal velocity in dogs.

A system that measures ground reaction forces in three directions: vertical, craniocaudal, and mediolateral.

A system that measures ground pressure, typically only in the vertical direction.

The ability of a measurement system to produce consistent results over repeated trials.

The ability of a measurement system to produce results that are comparable across different locations or systems.

Changes in velocity and acceleration can significantly affect gait data. Therefore, these parameters are set beforehand (a priori) for each study. This helps ensure consistency and provides a basis for accepting or rejecting individual gait trials.

A force plate is a device that measures the forces exerted by an animal's foot on the ground. The ideal size for a force plate is one that allows only one limb to contact it at a time. This helps ensure accurate force measurements.

Smaller animals (like cats and small-breed dogs) often have shorter strides than larger dogs. This can make it tricky to use standard-sized force plates, as multiple paws may land on the plate at once. Modifications to the force plate's surface area can help overcome this problem.

Although treadmills with embedded force plates offer rapid data collection and space efficiency, they require animals to adapt to the treadmill environment. This can be challenging, as dogs may need specific training to use treadmills.

Comparing gait data collected using a standard force plate system with a treadmill system with embedded force plates shows similarities in peak vertical forces for both healthy and injured (lame) dogs. However, the treadmill system can't measure mediolateral and craniocaudal forces effectively, and the paws often overlap on the force plate.

The area dedicated to evaluating an animal's movements, often outfitted with specialized equipment to measure forces, motion, and other factors.

A simple 'bell shape' during the trot and an 'M shape' during the walk.

The period of stance when an animal is initially contacting the ground and decreasing forward momentum.

The period of stance when the limb is pushing off and propelling the animal forward.

The changing magnitude (values) of the ground reaction forces during movement.

Force exerted by the ground on an animal's foot, measured as vertical, craniocaudal, and mediolateral components.

The force acting upwards, opposing gravity. It is the most commonly measured ground reaction force component.

The force acting parallel to the animal's body, either propulsive or breaking. It is measured during stance.

The force acting sideways, usually measured for stability. It is not often used for comparative purposes due to its small amount of force and inconsistent results.

A measure of an object's mass in relation to a gravitational force. It is a vector quantity with a magnitude and direction, expressed in newtons.

Weight is a force, but it is considered a downward force due to gravity. It's what you experience while standing still on the ground.

Most modern electronic scales measure mass, but due to their factory calibration, they also account for the acceleration of Earth's gravity in their calculations, essentially reporting weight in kilograms.

The analysis of forces generated during the stance phase of a gait cycle.

A type of gait analysis trial where the animal is standing on the force plates.

A type of gait analysis trial where the animal is moving, typically walking or trotting, over the force plates.

A symmetrical gait used for obtaining ground reaction force data, often preferred for detecting subtle lameness.

The average vertical force exerted by the thoracic limbs during a trot, exceeding the body weight.

The average vertical force exerted by the pelvic limbs during a trot, often less than the body weight.

The velocity and acceleration of the animal during gait analysis should be controlled to reduce variability of the gait data.

Narrower velocity ranges during gait analysis are often preferred as they can help reduce variability of the gait data.

They are especially helpful for larger animals, as they can comfortably accommodate a wide range of body sizes and shapes.

They offer advantages in portability and ease of use.

Pressure walkways are typically designed to collect data from multiple footfalls in a single pass.

They can be used in various locations without the need for a dedicated gait analysis lab.