Motor performance and motor learning in mice

ErasmusLadder

ErasmusLadder is a custom solution for the assessment of motor performance and motor learning in mice.

  • Assesses motor performance and motor learning in mice

  • Specifically designed to test cerebellar functioning

  • Non-invasive, automated, and easy to use

ErasmusLadder
 

Assessing motor performance and motor learning in mice

ErasmusLadder is a custom solution to study motor performance and motor learning and it is especially interesting for researchers that study the cerebellum, cerebellar disorders, and ataxia (e.g. Parkinson’s models). In addition it has been proven useful in mouse models of autism.

Find out about the different application areas of ErasmusLadder, such as cerebellar ataxia, Parkinson's, Alzheimer and even autism by taking a look at this list of selected publications.

 


ErasmusLadder

ErasmusLadder is an instrument that consists of two goal boxes with a horizontal ladder in between. The touch-sensitive rungs of the ladder make it possible to measure step durations and step types. Over several test sessions, the ErasmusLadder software records the motor performance and the motor learning ability of mice. In the second phase of testing, an unexpected object – a rung raised above stepping surface – poses a sudden challenge. How the animal learns to cope with this challenge is a measure of reflexive motor learning and a reflection of cerebellar functioning.

 

brown mouse on a white gloved hand
 


Dedicated software

The hardware is accompanied by dedicated ErasmusLadder software which controls the experiments by sending the protocol and start command to the apparatus. Sessions are performed automatically, and afterwards, the data is sent back to the software for storage and analysis.

The software presents you with several parameters: step times, step sizes, missteps, back steps and jumps. All parameters can be differentiated laterally, which means that you are able to see data for the right and left side of the body separately. This is particularly useful for disease models that affect only one side of the body.

ErasmusLadder overview
ErasmusLadder complete setup tethered mouse in startbox
 


Cerebellar functioning

Many neurological conditions involve the loss of motor coordination, making this an important subject of study in neuroscience research. The cerebellum plays a critical role in motor coordination, precision, and accurate timing. Ataxia – the impairment of this coordination – can result if cerebellar function is compromised. ErasmusLadder is able to discriminate between motor performance and associative motor learning in a fully automated manner.

 


Relevant blogs

10 behavioral studies on Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s

10 behavioral studies on Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s

This blog post features 10 interesting studies that use innovative techniques to study models of AD and PD and important underlying neuronal mechanisms.
Testing motor coordination in a mouse model with muscular dystrophy

Testing motor coordination in a mouse model with muscular dystrophy

Muscular Dystrophy is a broad group of diseases recognized by the loss of muscle mass and strenght. Researchers tried to discover if gene therapy strategies can help with reducing symptoms.
Alzheimer's: prevent instead of cure?

Alzheimer's: prevent instead of cure?

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a huge public health issue as it affects a large part of the aging population. Neuropathology is studied primarily in the end stages of the disease. What about prevention?
 
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