Fig. 5

Walking characteristics of step length (heel), stride length (heel) and both-foot contact time. Heel step length was significantly longer for the left compared to right side at 1 weeks and 4 weeks post-operation in the SNL rats. However, heel stride length did not differ between the left and right limbs in the SNL rats. Both-foot contact time was significantly longer in the SNL rats compared to the sham. *p < 0.05; SNL model, n = 10; sham model, n = 10. n.s