Table 1

Gait indices and descriptions

Gait index
Description

Paw area
The maximal paw area in contact with the treadmill during the stance phase of the step cycle
Paw angle
The angle of the hind paws in relation to the long axis of the body and its direction of motion
Stride frequency
The average number of times a paw contacts the treadmill belt per second
Stride length
The distance between initial contacts of the same paw in one complete stride
Stride time
The amount of time to complete one complete stride for one limb
Stance time
The portion of the stride in which the paw remains in contact with the belt
Swing time
The forward portion of the stride in which the paw is not in contact with the belt
Braking time
The time between initial paw contact with the belt and the maximal paw contact
Propulsion time
Time between maximal contact and the end of stance, just prior to swing

Vincelette et al. Arthritis Research & Therapy 2007 9:R123   doi:10.1186/ar2331