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This test measures the muscular muscle strength using an isometric dynamometer connected to a grid. Once the animal is holding the grid with its forepaws it is slowly moved backwards until it releases it. The dynamometer records the maximal force exerted.
2 grip strength apparati (BIOSEB, Vitrolles, France)
10 mice per group are recommended for reliable data analysis.
This test measures the ability of an animal to maintain balance on a rotating rod. This task requires a variety of proprioceptive, vestibular and fine-tuned motor abilities.
2 rotarod apparati (BIOSEB, Vitrolles, France)
10 mice per group are recommended for reliable data analysis.
The string test measures the time required for a forelimb-hanging mouse to gain hindlimb traction. Defects in latency time reflect potential alteration in traction force, drug-induced sedation, or deficient coordination (Meziane et al. 1996)
Customized equipment: a wire stretched horizontally 40 cm above a table.
10 mice per group are recommended for reliable data analysis.
The balance beam test or gait analysis is relatively specific for evaluation of proprioceptive sensitivity. However, the performance in this test also depends on the integrity of motor coordination and vestibular function.
An elevated beam of standardized diameter and length.
10 mice per group are recommended for reliable data analysis.
The one-meter swim test is used to evaluate swimming ability of mice.
A straight swim tank (100 cm long, 6 cm wide, 27.3 cm high) made of translucent PVC and filled at 21 cm depth with water. A visible platform is placed opposite to the starting point, allowing to the animal to escape from water.
10 mice per group are recommended for reliable data analysis.
Electromyographic recording allows neurophysiological measurement of sensory-motor function. In situations of demyelination and/or axonal degeneration, the compound muscle action potential (CMAP), latency of motor response and sensitive nerve conduction velocity (SNCV) are affected.
Key Point electromyograph (EMG) apparatus (Medtronic, Boulogne-Billancourt, France). The body temperature is maintained at 37 °C with a homeostatic blanket (Harvard, LES ULIS, France).
10 mice per group are recommended for reliable data analysis.
The MoRaG test consists of a semiquantative and quantitative assessment of reaching and grasping behavior in mice. These fine-tuned motor abilities are altered in neurological diseases such as Parkinson’s disease. In this test, mice submitted to food restriction are forced to use a single paw instead of their mouth in order to get a small food pellet.
Homemade equipment: A Plexiglas chambers 10.5 cm high by 6 cm deep by 6 cm wide. On outside the front wall of each cubicle, a Plexiglas feeding plane, accessible only through a 9 mm diameter opening, is attached 5.4 cm from the floor.
10 mice per group are recommended for reliable data analysis.
Gait analysis evaluates proprioceptive sensitivity but also assesses the integrity of motor coordination and vestibular function. Animals require an accurate paw placement to succeed in this test. The gait is altered in in different pathologies including ataxia or neuropathic pain.
DigiGait™ (Mouse Specifics, Inc., Framingham, USA) transparent treadmill instrumentation.
10 mice per group are recommended for reliable data analysis
