Open AccessA three dimensional multiplane kinematic model for bilateral hind limb gait analysis in cats
Author(s) -
Nathan P. Brown,
Gina Bertocci,
Kimberly A. Cheffer,
Dena R. Howland
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
plos one
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.99
H-Index - 332
ISSN - 1932-6203
DOI - 10.1371/journal.pone.0197837
Subject(s) - sagittal plane , kinematics , gait analysis , tarsal joint , gait , biomechanics , anatomy , ankle , hindlimb , joint (building) , coronal plane , transverse plane , stifle joint , fetlock , physical medicine and rehabilitation , medicine , physics , lameness , surgery , structural engineering , engineering , anterior cruciate ligament , classical mechanics , cruciate ligament
Background Kinematic gait analysis is an important noninvasive technique used for quantitative evaluation and description of locomotion and other movements in healthy and injured populations. Three dimensional (3D) kinematic analysis offers additional outcome measures including internal-external rotation not characterized using sagittal plane (2D) analysis techniques. Methods The objectives of this study were to 1) develop and evaluate a 3D hind limb multiplane kinematic model for gait analysis in cats using joint coordinate systems, 2) implement and compare two 3D stifle (knee) prediction techniques, and 3) compare flexion-extension determined using the multiplane model to a sagittal plane model. Walking gait was recorded in 3 female adult cats (age = 2.9 years, weight = 3.5 ± 0.2 kg). Kinematic outcomes included flexion-extension, internal-external rotation, and abduction-adduction of the hip, stifle, and tarsal (ankle) joints. Results Each multiplane stifle prediction technique yielded similar findings. Joint angles determined using markers placed on skin above bony landmarks in vivo were similar to joint angles determined using a feline hind limb skeleton in which markers were placed directly on landmarks ex vivo . Differences in hip, stifle, and tarsal joint flexion-extension were demonstrated when comparing the multiplane model to the sagittal plane model. Conclusions This multiplane cat kinematic model can predict joint rotational kinematics as a tool that can quantify frontal, transverse, and sagittal plane motion. This model has multiple advantages given its ability to characterize joint internal-external rotation and abduction-adduction. A further, important benefit is greater accuracy in representing joint flexion-extension movements.