Does the DigiGait system measure ground reaction forces?
The DigiGait system does not measure ground reaction forces. Only a system that includes force transducers can measure ground reaction forces. The qualitative shape and quantitative timings of gait signals obtained by the DigiGait system, however, have been shown to correlate to force development in rodents. For example, the protracted braking durations of forelimbs compared to hind limbs, and the briefer propulsion durations of hind limbs compared to forelimbs, indicate hind limb vs. forelimb functional differences in loading and force development. DigiGait, moreover, has demonstrated significant differences in several gait metrics in hamsters with muscular dystrophy that may be attributable to their muscle weakness.
