Gait and Locomotion
Kinetic, motion capture, and pressure systems are housed in 3 rooms in the Equine Athletic Performance Building. Kinematic and kinetic data acquisition systems are configured for companion and equine animals, and for research studies. A 3-D kinematic data acquisition and analysis system including six Qualisys Miqus optical cameras and 2 color view cameras is synchronized with dual portable Kistler force plates configure for canine use. Gait trials are acquired and analyzed with Qualisys, and Visual 3D software. Weight-bearing pressure and force can be acquired using the 3-tile Tekscan Strideway walkway. Standing weight-bearing for canines is measured with a StanceAnalyzer system. Surface electromyography is acquired using a fully wireless 8-channel Noraxon DTS system. There are two large animal force platforms (90 x 90 cm, 25 kN vertical load, Kistler) mounted adjacent to two additional force platforms (40 x 60 cm, 25kN vertical load, Kistler) surrounded by a set of stocks to allow for measurement of weight-bearing of each limb during stationary standing of equine or medium-sized animals. Dual SPRI high-speed (up to 1000Hz) video cameras allow for kinematic data capture in outdoor conditions. A custom instrumented force-sensing horseshoe and tri-axial accelerometer allows for capture of all components of force and acceleration in other environments.
