Behavioral Tests for Rodent Models

Abstract

The “rotarod” technique was originated by N.W. Dunham and T.S. Miya and has proved to be of great value in preclinical research in testing of drugs which affect motor coordination. The rotarod test is a performance-based test on long cylindrical rotating rod with forced motor activity being applied, usually by rodents. This test measures parameters such as latency to fall (in seconds). This test is used to evaluate balance, grip strength, and motor coordination of the rodents, especially during testing of experimental drugs in animal models of movement disorders or after traumatic brain injury.