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5 Animal Studies Using Tekscan Technology
We often hear about the research and clinical uses that Tekscan systems provide for humans, like gait analysis, balance testing, and athletic training. However, the capabilities of our technology reach even further than that. Think hooves, paws, fur, and feathers. That’s right—even veterinarians have a need for gait technology to study and diagnose a variety of animals. Here are five recent examples of animal gait studies using Tekscan pressure measurement systems.
Changes in Hoof Kinetics and Kinematics at Walk in Response to Hoof Trimming: Pressure Plate Assessment
Product used: Walkway
Abstract: Appropriate hoof preparation and symmetry are linked to the well-being of the horse. Previous studies have shown the efficacy of pressure plates in delivering objective biomechanical analysis. This study aimed to assess the effect of hoof trimming on hoof biomechanics using a pressure plate. Nine clinically sound Arabian horses were walked across a PP while foot strike was recorded by a digital camera. Kinetic and kinematic parameters were recorded before and after trimming. The reported results underline the importance of farriery practice and its effect on hoof biomechanics, which should be considered by both farriers and veterinarians.
Full study: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6070594/
Gait Parameters in Four Strains of Turkeys and Correlations with Bone Strength
Product used: Walkway (7100 QL Virtual Sensor 4)
Abstract: Locomotion problems in meat poultry have multifactorial etiology. A better understanding of normal gait and its influences on biomechanical aspects of leg bones among turkey genetic lines is important to prevent skeletal disorders and locomotion issues. The objective of this experiment was to determine the possible differences in gait kinetic and kinematic parameters of turkey strains and their effects on bone biomechanical properties. Four genetic lines were obtained, and 15 turkeys from each strain were trained to walk on a pressure sensitive walkway and video was recorded to calculate articulation movements.
Full study: https://academic.oup.com/ps/article/96/7/1989/2999719?searchresult=1
Functional Outcome Measures in a Surgical Model of Hip Osteoarthritis in Dogs
Product used: Walkway (7100 QL Virtual Sensor 4)
Abstract: The hip is one of the most common sites of osteoarthritis in the body, second only to the knee in prevalence. However, current animal models of hip osteoarthritis have not been assessed using many of the functional outcome measures used in orthopaedics, a characteristic that could increase their utility in the evaluation of therapeutic interventions. The canine hip shares similarities with the human hip, and functional outcome measures are well documented in veterinary medicine, providing a baseline for pre-clinical evaluation of therapeutic strategies for the treatment of hip osteoarthritis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a surgical model of hip osteoarthritis in a large laboratory animal model and to evaluate functional and end-point outcome measures.
Full study: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4987758/
Pressure Load on Keel Bone and Foot Pads in Perching Laying Hens in Relation to Perch Design
Product used: I-Scan
Abstract: The provision of perches in housing systems for laying hens is meant to improve hens’ welfare by allowing a more natural behavior repertoire. However, the use of perches is associated with welfare problems, such as keel bone deviations and foot pad lesions that may possibly result from high mechanical pressure load during extended perching activities. The aim of this study was to analyze peak force and contact area of hens’ keel bones and foot pads on solid test perches of square, round, and oval shape with 3 different diameters each, and on commercially used perches (round steel tube, 2 sizes of mushroom-shaped plastic, and flattened round plastic) together with 2 prototypes of soft, round polyurethane perches.
Full study: https://academic.oup.com/ps/article/90/4/715/1514426
Effect of Different Flooring Types on Pressure Distribution Under the Bovine Claw
Product used: Hoof System (3200 E)
Abstract: Mechanical interactions between hard floorings and the sole of bovine claws can be reasonable to cause traumatic claw lesions. In this ex vivo study, the direct kinetic impact of concrete and three types of rubber mats on the sole of dairy cattle claws was analyzed. In order to apply uniform loads, isolated distal hind limbs of adult Holstein Friesian dairy cows were functionally trimmed according to the Dutch method and attached to a load applicator. Kinetic data were recorded using a thin, foil-based pressure measurement system.
Full study: https://bmcvetres.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12917-018-1579-9
We can barely go a day without hearing about some new or interesting application for Tekscan systems, and animal gait analysis seems to be an area that is growing.