Source Paper
Computational modeling reveals cognitive processes in simple rodent depression tests
Li Z, Lu T, Yan J, Zhang X, Li YF
Cell Rep Methods • 2025
Forced Swim Test (FST)
Objective: Behavioral assessment of depression-like behavior through measurement of immobility time during forced swimming
This is a Forced Swim Test (FST) protocol using Mouse as the model organism. The procedure involves 5 procedural steps, 2 equipment items, 2 materials. Extracted from a 2025 paper published in Cell Rep Methods.
Model and subjects
Mouse • C57Bl/6 • Male • 8 weeks old at the start of experiments • Not specified
Study window
~6 minutes hands-on
Core workflow
Room preparation • Water preparation • Individual placement
Primary readouts
- Immobility time
- Behavioral trajectories
- Movement patterns (struggling vs immobile states)
Key equipment and reagents
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Protocol Steps
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Room preparation
Perform the test in a well-lit room
View evidence from paper
“The FST was performed in a well-lit room”
Water preparation
Fill cylinders with water at appropriate depth and temperature
View evidence from paper
“at depth sufficient to prevent their limbs from touching the bottom”
Individual placement
Place each mouse individually in the water-filled cylinder
View evidence from paper
“Mice were individually placed in water-filled cylinders”
Swimming session
Allow mouse to swim freely for 6 minutes
View evidence from paper
“Each mouse was allowed to swim freely for 6 min”
Video recording
Record all movements during the swimming session
View evidence from paper
“its movements were recorded on video”