Foot Placement Analysis

Foot Placement Analysis

IACUC Standard Procedure

Effective Date: June 2024

Description of Procedure:

Walking patterns or gait abnormalities can be evaluated by performing a foot placement analysis.

Supplies:

• Narrow plastic corridor (18 inch mice and larger for rat)
• Nontoxic watercolor-based paint
• White paper

Procedure Steps:

1. The hind paws of the mouse or rat are dipped in watercolor paint.
2. The animal then walks on white paper within a narrow plastic corridor. An enclosed safety platform is placed at the end of the walkway, which serves to motivate the animal’s movement down the corridor.
3. The imprints of the paws are left on the paper as the animal traverses the corridor. Outcome measures include stride length, stride width and base of support.
4. The paint should be washed off before returning the animal to the home cage.