Source Paper
Functional assessments in the rodent stroke model
Krystal L Schaar, Miranda M Brenneman, Sean I Savitz
Experimental & Translational Stroke Medicine • 2010
View Abstract
Abstract Stroke is a common cause of permanent disability accompanied by devastating impairments for which there is a pressing need for effective treatment. Motor, sensory and cognitive deficits are common following stroke, yet treatment is limited. Along with histological measures, functional outcome in animal models has provided valuable insight to the biological basis and potential rehabilitation efforts of experimental stroke. Developing and using tests that have the ability to identify behavioral deficits is essential to expanding the development of translational therapies. The present aim of this paper is to review many of the current behavioral tests that assess functional outcome after stoke in rodent models. While there is no perfect test, there are many assessments that are sensitive to detecting the array of impairments, from global to modality specific, after stroke.
Grid Walking Test
Objective: Evaluation of sensorimotor function, motor coordination, and placing deficits during locomotion by recording foot faults on an elevated grid
Gather these items before starting the experiment. Check off items as you prepare.
Equipment1
not specified • not specified • not specified • not specified
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Product links help support this free resource.
Protocol Steps
Animal placement on grid
Place the animal on the elevated, leveled grid with openings
Note: The grid should be elevated and leveled to ensure consistent testing conditions
View evidence from paper
“An animal is placed on an elevated, leveled grid with openings.”
Locomotion observation and foot fault recording
Observe the animal as it moves along the grid. Record each instance when a paw slips through an open grid opening as a foot fault. Count both contralateral and ipsilateral faults for each limb
Note: Animals without brain damage typically place paws precisely on the wire frame. Intact animals generally demonstrate few to no foot faults, and when faults occur, they do so symmetrically
View evidence from paper
“Each time a paw slips through an open grid, a foot fault is recorded. The number of both contra- and ipsilateral faults for each limb is compared to the total number of steps taken”
Step counting
Count the total number of steps taken by the animal during the test
Note: Total steps are used as the denominator for calculating the foot fault index
View evidence from paper
“The number of both contra- and ipsilateral faults for each limb is compared to the total number of steps taken”
Foot fault index calculation
Calculate the foot fault index by comparing the number of faults to the total number of steps taken
Note: The foot fault index provides an objective measure of motor coordination deficits
View evidence from paper
“The number of both contra- and ipsilateral faults for each limb is compared to the total number of steps taken and then scored using a foot fault index”