Rota Rod Test
IACUC Standard Procedure
Effective Date: May 2025
Description of Procedure
This test is used to evaluate motor coordination and balance.
Supplies
- Rotarod apparatus
- Computer-controlled automated system (optional)
- Padding that is easy to maintain and disinfect (optional depending on height of apparatus).
Procedure Steps
- The rod is typically 15 cm above the base. The rod and base are cleaned prior to use.
- The animal is placed in a lane on the rod, which is either stationary or already rotating, facing away from the researcher.
- In the fixed speed version of the test, the rod turns at a constant rotation speed (4-16 rpm) for the entire length of the trial, which is typically 1-5 minutes. In the accelerating speed version of the test, the rod slowly accelerates from 4 rpm to up to 40 rpm. Performance is usually assessed by averaging the length of multiple trials, with a minimum of 10 minutes inter-trial-interval (ITI). Multiple sessions may be run in 1 day, with a maximum of 6 trials per animal per day.
- The trial ends when the animal falls off the rod or when the maximum trial length cutoff is reached.
- Variations of trial length cutoffs and re-run trials can be used. For example, a fourth (re-run) trial may be performed if the animal does not move and instead clings to passively rotate (instead of actively running to remain at the apex of the rotating surface) 1 or 3 consecutive times, or if the animal falls off <5 seconds after the start of trial. The maximum trial length is 5 minutes, and the maximum number of trials is 6 trials per animal per day.
- Animals should be given at least 24 hours between testing days and tested no more than 3 times per week.
- Some strains may require a training session prior to testing.
- Computerized systems can automatically record the rpm at the time of fall, latency to fall and termination of the trial.
Protocol Requirements
RIO Documents Section
- Email a completed Documentation of Sanitation Procedures form to LARC ([email protected]) for review and to request ATP testing. Once sanitation procedure is approved, upload completed form to Documents section of RIO protocol and post in procedure room.