Rodent Gait Analysis via Multidimensional Coordinate Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current gait analysis techniques fail to accurately address the interdependency of gait variables in rodents, leading to inconsistent and unreliable results in animal research, as they treat independent measures as separate entities when they are interconnected.
Innovation Solution
A multidimensional analysis approach that captures and translates gait data into a coordinate frame specific to each animal, accounting for the interplay between spatial and temporal movements of all limbs, allowing for a holistic view of locomotion that minimizes the confounding effect of interdependent variables.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional independent variable analysis is used, then analysis simplicity is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to ignoring interdependency of gait variables
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the gait analysis into distinct phases (stance phase, swing phase) and components (spatial parameters, temporal parameters), allowing independent analysis of each segment while maintaining awareness of their interrelationships through coordinated reporting
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new dimension to gait analysis by incorporating interdependency analysis that examines relationships between variables. This is achieved through coordinated reporting that shows how variables change together, moving beyond traditional single-dimensional independent variable analysis to a multi-dimensional framework that captures the coordinated nature of gait parameters
2Device complexity
If multiple gait variables are analyzed independently, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to confounding effects
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments gait variables into organized groups (spatial, temporal, phase-specific) that can be analyzed and reported separately, reducing the apparent complexity while maintaining the integrity of interrelationships through structured coordinated reporting
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary framework of coordinated reporting that mediates between simple independent variable analysis and complex interdependent analysis. This intermediary layer organizes variables into phases and components, showing relationships without requiring complex mathematical modeling, thus improving reliability while keeping the system manageable
3Measurement precision
If comprehensive gait data is captured, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of information increases due to interdependency confounds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments comprehensive gait data into organized phases (stance, swing) and parameter types (spatial, temporal), making the data more interpretable by presenting it in a structured format that highlights meaningful patterns while reducing the confusion from interdependency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the presentation of comprehensive gait data by adding a dimensional organization based on gait phases and parameter categories. This reorganization maintains all the measurement precision of comprehensive data while improving interpretability through a structured framework that shows how variables relate across different phases of the gait cycle
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present systems and methods may provide techniques for analyzing rodent gait that addresses the confound of interdependency of gait variables to provide more accurate and reproducible results. In embodiments, multidimensional analysis of gait in animals, such as rodents, may be performed. For example, in an embodiment, a computer-implemented method of animal gait analysis may comprise capturing data relating to steps taken a plurality of animal test subjects, performing a multidimensional analysis of the captured data to generate data describing a gait of the animal test subjects, and outputting data characterizing the gait of the animal test subjects.