ErasmusLadder
The ErasmusLadder is a fully automated system that tests motor performance and motor learning in mice. It consists of two goal boxes with a horizontal ladder in between, which contains 74 pairs of rungs equipped with touch-sensitive sensors, allowing the system to detect the position of the mouse and determine front paw placement. Over several test sessions, the ErasmusLadder software records the motor performance and the motor learning ability of mice. In the second phase, an unexpected object – a rung raised above stepping surface – poses a sudden challenge. Rungs are strategically placed at a specific distance apart, making the test challenging enough for wild type mice but not too difficult for mice with extreme motor dysfunction to cross. How the animal learns to cope with this challenge is a measure of reflexive motor learning and a reflection of cerebellar functioning.
CatWalk XT
CatWalk XT is a complete solution for the quantitative assessment of footfalls and gait in rodents, validated in research on spinal cord injury, neuropathic pain, arthritis, stroke, Parkinson’s, ataxia, traumatic brain injury, and peripheral nerve damage. Footprints are captured while a rat or mouse voluntarily traverses a glass plate towards a goal box. The turn-key system consists of a corridor that directs the free movement of the subject in a straight line, a hardened glass walkway that enables CatWalk XT’s Illuminated Footprints technology, and a high speed (100 fps) color camera for extremely accurate spatial and temporal resolution. With the Illuminated Footprints technology, the software identifies subtle changes within the dimensions, position and timing of each footprint. Over 100 parameters are calculated for qualitative and quantitative analysis of individual footfalls and gait.