Publication Date

2008-01-01

Availability

Open access

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Psychology (Arts and Sciences)

Date of Defense

2008-02-01

First Committee Member

Dr. Edward J. Green - Committee Chair

Second Committee Member

Dr. Helen M. Bramlett - Committee Member

Third Committee Member

Dr. Philip M. McCabe - Committee Member

Abstract

Three-dimensional kinematic analysis was used to precisely quantify alterations in gait and compensatory behaviors in rat performance on beamwalk and treadmill tasks following moderate traumatic brain injury. Measures included limb height, joint angles, adduction, flexion, and swing/stance phase duration. Injury-associated changes on the treadmill included postural and hip angle change, and increases in hip height and adduction. The beamwalk presented as a more sensitive measure when coupled with kinematic analysis, as differences between injury groups were evident on measures including knee, ankle, elbow, and mid hip height. Animal response was diverse, possibly reflecting individual compensatory strategies which varied among injured animals. Kinematic analysis was ultimately shown to be a useful tool in characterizing and dissociating initial impairment, compensation, and recovery.

Keywords

Quantitative Analysis; Gait Analysis; Endpoint Measures; Individual Differences

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