The beam walking test apparatus can be used for TBI models in rodents.
The apparatus consists of a horizontal beam runway and a dark box. Obstacles are placed at intervals along the beam runway to increase the difficulty of the test. The end of the runway is the entrance to the dark box.
Model:
YAN-PHM Basic configuration
YAN-PHM-2 Height adjustable
Schematic diagram of the beam walking test:
At the start of the experiment, allow the animal to enter the noise-free dark box from the entrance and let it adapt for 60 seconds. Then remove the animal and place it on the beam runway, simultaneously turning on bright light or noise stimulation. To escape the light or noise, the animal will run towards the dark box. The moment the animal runs into the dark box, turn off the light or noise and record the time taken to enter the dark box, with a time limit of 60 seconds. TBI animals may have damage to many neural pathways (such as the motor cortex and cerebellum), resulting in incoordination of balance and motor function, so they often take longer to run than normal animals.
Studies have shown that the beam walking test and the horizontal beam runway test are very sensitive in evaluating various degrees of TBI damage and body control, and have good application in such experiments.
Main hardware specifications:
Beam: length 1.1 meters, width 1 cm, thickness 3 cm, height above ground 100 cm,
The small box has a fluorescent light panel (>200LUX) on top for light stimulation
Optional buzzer function
Main hardware components:
Beam ×1 (width can be customized: 1.5cm, 2cm, 3cm···)
Safety box ×1 (or 2 optional)
Support stand ×1
Fluorescent light panel ×1
Experimental design case:
Training period: Day 1, use the beam walking apparatus to make mice cross the square beam into the small dark box. Train each mouse 3 times, with an interval of 2 hours between each trial.
Day 2: Repeat the same procedure as Day 1.
Testing period: Day 3 is the testing phase. Let the mice cross the beam to reach the small dark box, record the time to reach the dark box and the number of slips. If they fail to reach it, record the time in the safety box as 60 seconds.
Scheme with dark box at one end (schematic diagram)
Scheme with dark boxes at both ends (schematic diagram)
