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.
Ledged Tapered Beam Test
Objective: A locomotor assessment of hindlimb placement dysfunction measured by foot faults while walking across a tapered balance beam with an under-hanging ledge
Gather these items before starting the experiment. Check off items as you prepare.
Equipment1
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Product links help support this free resource.
Protocol Steps
Pre-training Phase
Animals must be pre-trained until they successfully walk across the beam without turning around and without making any faults
Note: Pre-training is required for this task
View evidence from paper
“For this task, pre-training is required until the animal successfully walks across the beam without turning around and without making any faults”
Trial Execution
Animal walks across the elevated tapered balance beam with under-hanging ledge. Foot faults made with hindlimbs are recorded as deficits in hindlimb function
Note: Conduct 5 trials per session. Allow short breaks between trials to prevent habituation
View evidence from paper
“Foot faults made with hindlimbs are viewed as deficits in hindlimb function”
Rest Between Trials
Allow each animal a short break between trials
Note: Important to prevent habituation to the task
View evidence from paper
“It is also important to allow each animal a short break between trials so the animal does not habituate to the task”
Observation During Increasing Difficulty
Observe and record foot faults as the ledge tapers and the difficulty of the task increases
Note: After stroke, an animal's foot faults will increase on the contralateral side as the ledge tapers
View evidence from paper
“After a stroke, an animal's foot faults will increase on the contralateral side as the ledge tapers and the difficulty of the task increases”