Cued Test
Objective: Assess visual platform-finding ability by measuring latency to reach a visible platform located in a different quadrant than the hidden platform used during training
Protocol Steps
Pre-training habituation
Animals are habituated to the pool before training begins
Note: Habituation occurs before the start of training
View evidence from paper
“Before the start of the training, the animals were habituated to the pool for 2 d for 1 min/d”
Cued test trial
Animal is placed in pool and must locate a visible platform in a different quadrant than the hidden platform location used during training. Latency to reach the visible platform is measured.
Note: Platform is visible (above water surface) and located in a different quadrant than the submerged platform used during training. Performance is assessed by latency to reach the visible platform.
View evidence from paper
“For the cued test (90 s), performances were assessed by the latency to reach the visible platform located in a different quadrant than the one used for the nonvisible platform”
Data recording and analysis
Video camera records animal movement and computerized tracking system measures latency. Swim paths are analyzed using Wintrack software.
Note: Video camera is fixed to ceiling and connected to Videotrack system in adjacent room
View evidence from paper
“The time to reach the platform (latency in seconds) was collected using a video camera fixed to the ceiling of the room and connected to a computerized tracking system (Videotrack; Viewpoint)”