Table_3_Evaluation of Functional Recovery in Rats After Median Nerve Resection and Autograft Repair Using Computerized Gait Analysis.XLSX

Computerized gait analysis is a common evaluation method in rat models of hind limb nerve injuries, but its use remains unpublished in models of segmental nerve injury of the forelimb. It was the aim of this work to investigate if computerized gait analysis is a feasible evaluation method in a rat model of segmental median nerve injury and autograft repair. Ten male Lewis rats underwent 7-mm resection of the right median nerve with immediate autograft repair. The left median nerve was resected without repair and served as an internal control. Animals were assessed for 12 weeks after surgery via CatWalk (CW) gait analysis every 2 weeks. Evaluation of motor recovery by means of the grasping test was performed weekly while electrophysiological measurements were performed at the end of the observation period. CW data were correlated with grasping strength at each post-operative time point. CW data were also correlated with electrophysiology using linear regression analysis. Principal component analysis was performed to identify clusters of outcome metrics. Recovery of motor function was observable 4 weeks after surgery, but grasping strength was significantly reduced (p < 0.01) compared to baseline values until post-operative week 6. In terms of sensory recovery, the pain-related parameter Duty Cycle showed significant (p < 0.05) recovery starting from post-operative week 8. The Print Area of the right paw was significantly (p < 0.05) increased compared to the left side starting from post-operative week 10. Various parameters of gait correlated significantly (p < 0.05) with mean and maximum grasping strength. However, only Stand Index showed a significant correlation with compound muscle action potential (CMAP) amplitude (p < 0.05). With this work, we prove that computerized gait analysis is a valid and feasible method to evaluate functional recovery after autograft repair of the rat median nerve. We were able to identify parameters such as Print Area, Duty Cycle, and Stand Index, which allow assessment of nerve regeneration. The course of these parameters following nerve resection without repair was also assessed. Additionally, external paw rotation was identified as a valid parameter to evaluate motor reinnervation. In summary, computerized gait analysis is a valuable additional tool to study nerve regeneration in rats with median nerve injury.

计算机化步态分析（computerized gait analysis）是大鼠后肢神经损伤模型中常用的评估手段，但其在前肢节段性神经损伤模型中的应用尚未见诸公开报道。本研究旨在探讨计算机化步态分析是否可应用于大鼠正中神经节段性损伤并即刻自体移植修复模型的功能评估。10只雄性Lewis大鼠接受右侧正中神经7mm切除并即刻行自体移植修复；左侧正中神经仅行切除而不修复，作为内对照。术后每2周采用CatWalk（CW）步态分析系统对动物进行评估，持续观察12周；每周通过抓握试验评估运动功能恢复情况，于观察期末开展电生理检测。将CatWalk步态分析数据与各术后时间点的抓握力量进行相关性分析，并通过线性回归分析将步态数据与电生理检测结果进行关联；采用主成分分析（Principal component analysis）对结局指标的聚类特征进行识别。术后4周即可观察到运动功能恢复，但抓握力量较基线水平显著降低（p < 0.01），且该状态持续至术后第6周。在感觉恢复方面，疼痛相关参数占空比（Duty Cycle）自术后第8周起即出现显著（p < 0.05）恢复。右侧爪的印压面积（Print Area）自术后第10周起较左侧显著升高（p < 0.05）。多种步态参数与平均抓握力量及最大抓握力量均呈显著相关（p < 0.05），但仅站立指数（Stand Index）与复合肌肉动作电位（CMAP）振幅呈显著相关（p < 0.05）。本研究证实，计算机化步态分析是评估大鼠正中神经自体移植修复后功能恢复的有效且可行的方法。我们成功识别出印压面积、占空比及站立指数等可用于评估神经再生的参数，并对未行修复的正中神经切除模型中上述参数的变化轨迹进行了分析；此外，爪外旋被证实为评估运动再支配的有效参数。综上，计算机化步态分析是研究正中神经损伤大鼠神经再生的极具价值的辅助检测工具。