Staircase Test
Objective: Assess forelimb extension, grasping skills, side bias and independent use of forelimbs in rodents
This is a Staircase Test protocol using rat as the model organism. The procedure involves 3 procedural steps, 2 equipment items, 2 materials. Extracted from a 2010 paper published in Experimental & Translational Stroke Medicine.
Model and subjects
rat • Not specified • unknown • Not specified • Not specified
Study window
Estimated timing pending
Core workflow
Animal placement and task initiation • Pellet retrieval task • Observation and recording
Primary readouts
- Forelimb extension capability
- Grasping skills
- Side bias (preference for left or right forelimb)
- Independent use of forelimbs
Key equipment and reagents
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Protocol Steps
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Animal placement and task initiation
Place animal on the platform of the staircase apparatus to begin the test
Note: Animal must climb onto platform before reaching behavior can be assessed
View evidence from paper
“After the animal climbs on a platform, it must reach to either side to retrieve food from a double set of staircases.”
Pellet retrieval task
Animal reaches to either side to retrieve food pellets from double set of staircases. Animal must make coordinated reach and grasp movements to retrieve pellets rather than simply scooping them.
Note: Normal animals typically collect pellets rapidly. Animal may attempt to reach and retrieve pellets but knock them to lower levels instead.
View evidence from paper
“The animal cannot simply scoop the pellet; it must make a coordinated reach and grasp to retrieve it. A normal animal will typically collect the pellets rapidly.”
Observation and recording
Observe animal behavior and record latency, number of pellets retrieved from each side, and location at increasing distances
Note: Use color-stained pellets to distinguish which pellets were grasped and retrieved versus knocked to lower levels
View evidence from paper
“Latency and the number of pellets from each side and location at increasing distances are then calculated to determine impairments.”