Cerebellar control of gait and interlimb coordination methods
Aim. Evidence-backed execution summary for Cerebellar control of gait and interlimb coordination methods from Cerebellar control of gait and interlimb coordination.
Show snapshot details
On this page
This experiment, in seven questions
Jump straight to the part of the recipe you need. Data and provenance labels stay close to the action they support.
Shopping and prep list
What do I need before I start?
mouse
Subject model for the experiment.
- Use
- confirm full cohort details in the source paper
Equipment and behavioral protocol
To study locomotion and cognitive capabilities in mice, we used the fully automated Erasmus Ladder. Details on the device and its software have been published (Van Der Giessen et al.; Vinueza Veloz et al. ). In short, the Erasmus Ladder consists of a horizontal ladder between two shelter boxes, each equipped with a...
- Use
- To study locomotion and cognitive capabilities in mice, we used the fully automated Erasmus Ladder. Details on the device and its software have been published (Van Der Giessen et al.; Vinueza Veloz et al. ). In short, the Erasmus Ladder consists of a horizontal ladder between two shelter boxes, each equipped with a...
Statistical analyses
Cluster analysis was performed using PAST software (Hammer et al. ). First, we normalized all quantifiable parameters of session 5 (average number of steps per trial, average number of missteps per trial, average ratio between steps with step lengths 2 and 4, average block size of step lengths 2 and 4, average numbe...
- Use
- Cluster analysis was performed using PAST software (Hammer et al. ). First, we normalized all quantifiable parameters of session 5 (average number of steps per trial, average number of missteps per trial, average ratio between steps with step lengths 2 and 4, average block size of step lengths 2 and 4, average numbe...
Data processing
Data collected from the Erasmus Ladder were stored in a relational database (MySQL, Oracle, Redwood Shores, CA, USA) and then processed off-line using custom-written software in LabView and Python (Python Software Foundation, Beaverton, OR, USA). Step lengths were determined by the distance between two consecutive t...
- Use
- Data collected from the Erasmus Ladder were stored in a relational database (MySQL, Oracle, Redwood Shores, CA, USA) and then processed off-line using custom-written software in LabView and Python (Python Software Foundation, Beaverton, OR, USA). Step lengths were determined by the distance between two consecutive t...
The Erasmus Ladder
There are many experimental paradigms to characterize the locomotion pattern in small rodents. Most of these methods focus either on spatial patterns (e.g., CatWalk, footprint analysis), on general aspects of locomotion (e.g., open field test) or on balance (e.g., rotarod, balance beam). The Erasmus Ladder combines...
- Use
- There are many experimental paradigms to characterize the locomotion pattern in small rodents. Most of these methods focus either on spatial patterns (e.g., CatWalk, footprint analysis), on general aspects of locomotion (e.g., open field test) or on balance (e.g., rotarod, balance beam). The Erasmus Ladder combines...
Basic walking patterns
During non-perturbed locomotion, Pcd and L7-Pp2b mice made significantly more small steps, had a prolonged step time for large steps when they occurred and had more inconsistent stepping patterns than controls. These data emphasize the strategic and important role of Purkinje cells, which form the sole output of the...
- Use
- During non-perturbed locomotion, Pcd and L7-Pp2b mice made significantly more small steps, had a prolonged step time for large steps when they occurred and had more inconsistent stepping patterns than controls. These data emphasize the strategic and important role of Purkinje cells, which form the sole output of the...
Cerebellum controls interlimb coordination
All cerebellar mutants exhibited impairments in both front-hind and left-right interlimb coordination during locomotion, in that they showed more irregular step cycles than controls (Tables, ). Interestingly, these impairments occurred not only in all groups of mutants during perturbed, but also d...
- Use
- All cerebellar mutants exhibited impairments in both front-hind and left-right interlimb coordination during locomotion, in that they showed more irregular step cycles than controls (Tables, ). Interestingly, these impairments occurred not only in all groups of mutants during perturbed, but also d...
Cognition
None of the four types of cerebellar mutants had a deficit in their motivation to leave the box during the unperturbed sessions (Table ) or in their tendency to avoid leaving the box during the perturbed sessions (Table ). These outcomes indicate that the use of LED and/or puffs itself does not lead dire...
- Use
- None of the four types of cerebellar mutants had a deficit in their motivation to leave the box during the unperturbed sessions (Table ) or in their tendency to avoid leaving the box during the perturbed sessions (Table ). These outcomes indicate that the use of LED and/or puffs itself does not lead dire...
Statistical analyses
Software used for acquisition, scoring, statistics, or reporting.
- Use
- Cluster analysis was performed using PAST software (Hammer et al. ). First, we normalized all quantifiable parameters of session 5 (average number of steps per trial, average number of missteps per trial, average ratio between steps with step lengths 2 and 4, average block size of step lengths 2 and 4, average numbe...
Statistical analyses
Software used for acquisition, scoring, statistics, or reporting.
- Use
- Except for the cluster analysis (see below), data were analyzed using SPSS (IBM Corporation, Armonk, NY, USA) and all p values were calculated by comparing cerebellar mutant mice with their control littermates. We tested for significant differences between sessions in naive walking patterns, locomotion adaptation, a...
Before you run
What should be confirmed before execution?
First confirmation
Equipment is listed but no product mappings are linked.
Confirm before execution
This page is backed by a publishable Replication Data Ledger package with zero critical source-verification issues.
Confirm before execution
Open the source paper before finalizing run-specific details.
Procurement checkpoint
Use source-stated vendors where present. Treat mapped products as sourcing options unless the page marks an exact source match.
Open quote workflowStep-by-step procedure
What do I do, in order?
Walking pattern consistency and efficiency
To analyze the consistency of their walking patterns, we investigated how frequently the mice changed their step length. We identified blocks of consecutive steps with the same length and then calculated the average number of such blocks per trial as well as the maximum number of steps per block (Fig. ). During the first session, control mice changed their step lengths multiple times (approximately 6 times). Only Pcd mice changed their step lengths significantly more often than their littermates (Pcd F (1,10) = 35.27, p < 0.001; L7-Ppp2b F (1,22) = 0.14, p = 0.714; L7-∆γ2 F (1,18) = 0.00, p = 0.966; α6-Cacna1a F (1,14) = 0.04, p = 0.841) (Fig. a). As training progressed, all groups made fewer changes in their step lengths. The only exception was Pcd mice, which kept walk...
Walking pattern consistency and efficiency
Elaborating on the finding that cerebellar mutants made more steps per trial than controls, we calculated the number of regular steps per block (see " "). Unlike the block sizes for small regular steps (step length = 2), for which we found no statistically significant difference between mutants and controls (Pcd F (1,10) = 0.812, p = 0.389; L7-Pp2b F (1,22) = 3.10, p = 0.092; L7-∆γ2 F (1,18) = 2.66, p = 0.120; α6-Cacna1a F (1,14) = 4.36, p = 0.056), those for large regular steps (step length = 4) were significantly smaller in Pcd and L7-Pp2b mice (Pcd F (1,10) = 16.51, p = 0.002; L7-Pp2b F (1,22) = 7.70, p = 0.011; L7-∆γ2 F (1,18) = 2.70, p = 0.118; α6-Cacna1a F (1,14) &...
Cognition
When we test mice for locomotion impairments on the Erasmus Ladder, we can also assess various cognitive parameters, such as those related to motivation and avoidance. Motivation can be tested by calculating the number of times mice react to specific stimuli meant to serve as a signal for them to leave the box. Similarly, we can test avoidance behavior by determining to what extent motivation mice are de-motivated when confronted with an aversive situation, such as an emerging obstacle. To evaluate motivation we calculated the percentage of trials per session in which the mice reacted to cues for departure, being either a friendly LED light or a more forceful air flow (see " "). The mice progressively began to respond to light rather than to the air flow that was switched on when they would not leave the starting shelter box on time. The number of trials during which the m...
Measurement outputs
What raw and processed outputs should exist?
Cluster analysis was performed using PAST software (Hammer et al. ). First, we normalized all quantifiable parameters of session 5 (average number of steps per trial, average nu...
- Raw artifact
- Per-run gait capture with paw placement, timing, and stride features for each animal
- Processed artifact
- Cleaned gait metrics table and recovery trend summary across timepoints
- Reported as
- Group comparisons of gait indices, stride metrics, or recovery curves
Two cognitive functions were tested with the Erasmus Ladder: motivation and avoidance behavior. The assessment of these cognitive abilities depended on the ability of the mouse...
- Raw artifact
- Per-run gait capture with paw placement, timing, and stride features for each animal
- Processed artifact
- Cleaned gait metrics table and recovery trend summary across timepoints
- Reported as
- Group comparisons of gait indices, stride metrics, or recovery curves
Except for the cluster analysis (see below), data were analyzed using SPSS (IBM Corporation, Armonk, NY, USA) and all p values were calculated by comparing cerebellar mutant mic...
- Raw artifact
- Per-run gait capture with paw placement, timing, and stride features for each animal
- Processed artifact
- Cleaned gait metrics table and recovery trend summary across timepoints
- Reported as
- Group comparisons of gait indices, stride metrics, or recovery curves
Elaborating on the finding that cerebellar mutants made more steps per trial than controls, we calculated the number of regular steps per block (see " "). Unlike the...
- Raw artifact
- Per-run gait capture with paw placement, timing, and stride features for each animal
- Processed artifact
- Cleaned gait metrics table and recovery trend summary across timepoints
- Reported as
- Group comparisons of gait indices, stride metrics, or recovery curves
Analysis plan
How should the outputs become interpretable results?
Acquisition
Collect raw experimental outputs with enough metadata to preserve sample identity, condition, and timing.
inferred from protocolPreprocessing / cleaning
During the non-perturbed sessions locomotion performance was severely impaired in Pcd and L7-Pp2 mice, but only slightly altered in L7-Δγ2 and α6-Cacna1a mice.
from paperScoring or quantification
Quantify the primary readouts for this experiment: Cluster analysis was performed using PAST software (Hammer et al. ). First, we normalized all quantifiable parameters of session 5 (average number of steps per trial, average nu...; Two cognitive functions were tested with the Erasmus Ladder: motivation and avoidance behavior. The assessment of these cognitive abilities depended on the ability of the mouse...; Except for the cluster analysis (see below), data were analyzed using SPSS (IBM Corporation, Armonk, NY, USA) and all p values were calculated by comparing cerebellar mutant mic...; Elaborating on the finding that cerebellar mutants made more steps per trial than controls, we calculated the number of regular steps per block (see " "). Unlike the....
from paperStatistical comparison
During the non-perturbed sessions locomotion performance was severely impaired in Pcd and L7-Pp2 mice, but only slightly altered in L7-Δγ2 and α6-Cacna1a mice. At...; For the current study, we followed a paradigm similar to that of a previous study (Vinueza Veloz et al. ). Briefly, each mouse had to perform one daily session during 8 day...; Non-perturbed locomotion: walking pattern consistency and efficiency. a To estimate the consistency of the walking pattern, we calculated the mean number of blocks with steps of...; Non-perturbed locomotion: temporal control. a Step time corresponds to the elapsed time (in ms) between two consecutive touches (see Fig. ). For small steps only L7-Pp2b m...
from paperReporting output
Report representative outputs alongside summary comparisons for Cluster analysis was performed using PAST software (Hammer et al. ). First, we normalized all quantifiable parameters of session 5 (average number of steps per trial, average nu..., Two cognitive functions were tested with the Erasmus Ladder: motivation and avoidance behavior. The assessment of these cognitive abilities depended on the ability of the mouse..., Except for the cluster analysis (see below), data were analyzed using SPSS (IBM Corporation, Armonk, NY, USA) and all p values were calculated by comparing cerebellar mutant mic..., Elaborating on the finding that cerebellar mutants made more steps per trial than controls, we calculated the number of regular steps per block (see " "). Unlike the....
inferred from protocolStructured statistical methods
During the non-perturbed sessions locomotion performance was severely impaired in Pcd and L7-Pp2 mice, but only slightly altered in L7-Δγ2 and α6-Cacna1a mice. At...; For the current study, we followed a paradigm similar to that of a previous study (Vinueza Veloz et al. ). Briefly, each mouse had to perform one daily session during 8 day...; Non-perturbed locomotion: walking pattern consistency and efficiency. a To estimate the consistency of the walking pattern, we calculated the mean number of blocks with steps of...; Non-perturbed locomotion: temporal control. a Step time corresponds to the elapsed time (in ms) between two consecutive touches (see Fig. ). For small steps only L7-Pp2b m...
source structuredSource and audit
What supports the facts on this page?
Evidence quotes (3)
To analyze the consistency of their walking patterns, we investigated how frequently the mice changed their step length. We identified blocks of consecutive steps with the same length and then calculated the average number of such blocks per trial as well as the maximum number of steps per block (Fig. ). During the first session, control mice changed their step lengths multiple times (approximately 6 times). Only Pcd mice changed their step lengths significantly more often than their littermates (Pcd F (1,10) = 35.27, p < 0.001; L7-Ppp2b F (1,22) = 0.14, p = 0.714; L7-∆γ2 F (1,18) = 0.00, p = 0.966; α6-Cacna1a F (1,14) = 0.04, p = 0.841) (Fig. a). As training progressed, all groups made fewer changes in their step lengths. The only exception was Pcd mice, which kept walking irregularly (for p values, see Table ).
Elaborating on the finding that cerebellar mutants made more steps per trial than controls, we calculated the number of regular steps per block (see " "). Unlike the block sizes for small regular steps (step length = 2), for which we found no statistically significant difference between mutants and controls (Pcd F (1,10) = 0.812, p = 0.389; L7-Pp2b F (1,22) = 3.10, p = 0.092; L7-∆γ2 F (1,18) = 2.66, p = 0.120; α6-Cacna1a F (1,14) = 4.36, p = 0.056), those for large regular steps (step length = 4) were significantly smaller in Pcd and L7-Pp2b mice (Pcd F (1,10) = 16.51, p = 0.002; L7-Pp2b F (1,22) = 7.70, p = 0.011; L7-∆γ2 F (1,18) = 2.70, p = 0.118; α6-Cacna1a F (1,14) = 3.45, p = 0.086) (Table; Fig. b). Since most controls progressively increased the rate of large steps over the course of session one to four (Fig. b), it is likely that by increasing the length of their steps, they improved their efficiency when walking on t...
When we test mice for locomotion impairments on the Erasmus Ladder, we can also assess various cognitive parameters, such as those related to motivation and avoidance. Motivation can be tested by calculating the number of times mice react to specific stimuli meant to serve as a signal for them to leave the box. Similarly, we can test avoidance behavior by determining to what extent motivation mice are de-motivated when confronted with an aversive situation, such as an emerging obstacle. To evaluate motivation we calculated the percentage of trials per session in which the mice reacted to cues for departure, being either a friendly LED light or a more forceful air flow (see " "). The mice progressively began to respond to light rather than to the air flow that was switched on when they would not leave the starting shelter box on time. The number of trials during which the mice left the shelter box upon the light stimulus was interpreted as a measure of their motivation. During the perturbed sessions, the mice became more reluctant to start a trial, which was taken as a sign of avoidance behavior.
Machine-readable layer
[
{
"@context": "https://schema.org",
"@type": "HowTo",
"name": "Cerebellar control of gait and interlimb coordination methods",
"description": "Evidence-backed execution summary for Cerebellar control of gait and interlimb coordination methods from Cerebellar control of gait and interlimb coordination.",
"step": [
{
"@type": "HowToStep",
"position": 1,
"name": "Walking pattern consistency and efficiency",
"text": "To analyze the consistency of their walking patterns, we investigated how frequently the mice changed their step length. We identified blocks of consecutive steps with the same length and then calculated the average number of such blocks per trial as well as the maximum number of steps per block (Fig. ). During the first session, control mice changed their step lengths multiple times (approximately 6 times). Only Pcd mice changed their step lengths significantly more often than their littermates (Pcd F (1,10) = 35.27, p < 0.001; L7-Ppp2b F (1,22) = 0.14, p = 0.714; L7-∆γ2 F (1,18) = 0.00, p = 0.966; α6-Cacna1a F (1,14) = 0.04, p = 0.841) (Fig. a). As training progressed, all groups made fewer changes in their step lengths. The only exception was Pcd mice, which kept walk..."
},
{
"@type": "HowToStep",
"position": 2,
"name": "Walking pattern consistency and efficiency",
"text": "Elaborating on the finding that cerebellar mutants made more steps per trial than controls, we calculated the number of regular steps per block (see \" \"). Unlike the block sizes for small regular steps (step length = 2), for which we found no statistically significant difference between mutants and controls (Pcd F (1,10) = 0.812, p = 0.389; L7-Pp2b F (1,22) = 3.10, p = 0.092; L7-∆γ2 F (1,18) = 2.66, p = 0.120; α6-Cacna1a F (1,14) = 4.36, p = 0.056), those for large regular steps (step length = 4) were significantly smaller in Pcd and L7-Pp2b mice (Pcd F (1,10) = 16.51, p = 0.002; L7-Pp2b F (1,22) = 7.70, p = 0.011; L7-∆γ2 F (1,18) = 2.70, p = 0.118; α6-Cacna1a F (1,14) &..."
},
{
"@type": "HowToStep",
"position": 3,
"name": "Cognition",
"text": "When we test mice for locomotion impairments on the Erasmus Ladder, we can also assess various cognitive parameters, such as those related to motivation and avoidance. Motivation can be tested by calculating the number of times mice react to specific stimuli meant to serve as a signal for them to leave the box. Similarly, we can test avoidance behavior by determining to what extent motivation mice are de-motivated when confronted with an aversive situation, such as an emerging obstacle. To evaluate motivation we calculated the percentage of trials per session in which the mice reacted to cues for departure, being either a friendly LED light or a more forceful air flow (see \" \"). The mice progressively began to respond to light rather than to the air flow that was switched on when they would not leave the starting shelter box on time. The number of trials during which the m..."
}
],
"tool": [
{
"@type": "HowToTool",
"name": "Equipment and behavioral protocol"
},
{
"@type": "HowToTool",
"name": "Statistical analyses"
},
{
"@type": "HowToTool",
"name": "Data processing"
},
{
"@type": "HowToTool",
"name": "The Erasmus Ladder"
},
{
"@type": "HowToTool",
"name": "Basic walking patterns"
},
{
"@type": "HowToTool",
"name": "Cerebellum controls interlimb coordination"
},
{
"@type": "HowToTool",
"name": "Cognition"
}
],
"supply": [],
"isBasedOn": {
"@type": "ScholarlyArticle",
"headline": "Cerebellar control of gait and interlimb coordination",
"datePublished": "2014",
"author": [
{
"@type": "Person",
"name": "María Fernanda Vinueza Veloz"
},
{
"@type": "Person",
"name": "Kuikui Zhou"
},
{
"@type": "Person",
"name": "Laurens W. J. Bosman"
},
{
"@type": "Person",
"name": "Jan-Willem Potters"
},
{
"@type": "Person",
"name": "Mario Negrello"
},
{
"@type": "Person",
"name": "Robert M. Seepers"
},
{
"@type": "Person",
"name": "Christos Strydis"
},
{
"@type": "Person",
"name": "Sebastiaan K. E. Koekkoek"
},
{
"@type": "Person",
"name": "Chris I. De Zeeuw"
}
],
"identifier": "10.1007/s00429-014-0870-1"
}
},
{
"@context": "https://schema.org",
"@type": "BreadcrumbList",
"itemListElement": [
{
"@type": "ListItem",
"position": 1,
"name": "Experiments",
"item": "https://replicatescience.com/experiments"
},
{
"@type": "ListItem",
"position": 2,
"name": "Cerebellar control of gait and interlimb coordination methods",
"item": "https://replicatescience.com/experiments/cerebellar-control-of-gait-and-interlimb-coordination-methods-mar-237-a-fernanda-vinueza-veloz-pmc4575700/cerebellar-control-of-gait-and-interlimb-coordination-mlph8rwz"
}
]
}
]