Measurement Techniques in Animal Locomotion Analysis

摘要: Animal performance can be determined by subjective observations or objective measurements. Numerical data are only then superior to results of when they the result measurements carried out test a well-defined hypothesis give answer clear, precisely formulated question. In analysis kinematics careful evaluation set-up measurement equipment and resulting accuracy in is required. Measurements three dimensions (3D) theoretically better than those 2D. Practically, however, collection, analysis, interpretation presentation 3D so much more complicated that frequently 2D appears useful. The minimal size markers necessary obtain certain kinematic usually too big for practical use. Smaller impair accuracy. Reduction noise obligatory time derivatives calculated. Skin movement artefacts cannot removed smoothing. Forces occurring between digits ground using force plate an instrumented shoe. A accurate, but repeated trials necessary. Using shoe each contact useful data. However, itself may affect locomotion. Surface strains on long bones recorded relatively easily. Determination loading forces from surface multiple strain gauges post-mortem calibration test. Strain tendons difficult measure due problems defining ‘zero’ reference length. Tendon either calculated signals parallel, compliant transducers estimated application tendon buckles wedge-shaped implantable transducers. both cases procedure required convert transducer forces.