Gait analysis in swine, sheep, and goats after neurologic injury: a literature review

Neural Regeneration Research, 2023 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.4103/1673-5374.367839 · Published: September 1, 2023

Neurology Research Methodology & Design Biomechanics

Simple Explanation

This review compares motor testing and data collection methods used in swine, sheep, and goats to encourage testing standardization in these larger animal models. The PubMed database was analyzed by searching combinations of swine, sheep, and goats, neurologic injuries, and functional assessments. Swine and sheep were used in the majority of the studies, while only two studies were found using goats.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Swine, sheep, and goats

Evidence Level

Review

Key Findings

1
Swine and sheep were well-suited for a variety of assessment designs, with treadmill walking and guided free walking offering the most consistency across multiple trials.
2
Data collection methods varied, but image-based gait analysis software provided the most robust analysis.
3
Future studies should be conducted to standardize functional testing methods after neurologic impairment in large animals.

Research Summary

Medical research on neurologic ailments requires representative animal models to validate treatments before they are translated to human clinical trials. This review focuses on swine, sheep, and goats as large animal alternatives for transitional studies between rodents and non-human primates. The objective of this review is to compare motor testing and data collection methods used in swine, sheep, and goats to encourage testing standardization in these larger animal models.

Practical Implications

Standardization of testing methods

Encourages the standardization of locomotor testing methods in larger animal models to improve the translatability of preclinical research.

Model Selection

Provides insights into selecting appropriate large animal models (swine, sheep, goats) based on anatomical features, pharmacologic responses, and overall size compared to humans.

Data Collection Improvement

Highlights the need for both subjective and objective data collection methods to thoroughly assess functional recovery after neurological impairment in large animals.

Study Limitations

1
Limited number of studies using goats for locomotor function following neurologic injury.
2
PTIBS and TIBS are limited by their primary assessment of the hindlimbs without considering possible compensation by the forelimbs.
3
Behavioral scores are subject to the individual assessor, creating inherent variability.

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Back to Neurology