Utilizing Three-dimensional motion analysis and foot print data to investigate walking motion of rats exposed to simulated microgravity

摘要

While it has been well known that microgravity environment adversely affect to musculo-skeletal aspects of physiological systems, little studies have been investigated alteration to functional properties of motion such as walking. We have examined adverse effects on rats' walking, evoked by simulated microgravity using hind limb unloading. We revealed that alteration in their walking might persist for a certain period of time after returning to the normal gravity situation as well as potential counter effects of intermittent centrifugation. Through those attempts, we utilized 3-dimensional motion analysis that is specialized in joint angles and joint excursions. Motion analysis could be improved if we incorporated foot print analysis which enables us to investigate length and overlapping of steps etc. The purpose of this study was to investigate gait motion properties of rats affected by microgravity and intermittent centrifugation as a countermeasure using multiple-aspect approach by integration of foot print analysis into 3-dimensional motion analysis.