Neurobehavioral evaluation of function following experimental nerve damage.

Accuracy of axonal regrowth is a major factor of recovery after a peripheral nerve lesion. In sciatic nerve studies, gait is a simple indicator of the precision of repair. It is possible to quantify nerve function through measurements made from rats' walking tracks. The rat sciatic nerve trunk was injured in several ways and the resulting changes in sciatic function were measured using tracks. The advantages and limits of the method are discussed.