Motor Function – Beam Test
The tapered balance beam test is a behavioral assay used to assess motor coordination and balance in both rats and mice and serves as a sensitive measure of motor impairment, detecting motor deficits early and even when other measures of motor function fail to show any deficits. As the name of the test implies, the balance beam tapers in width and narrows as the animal traverses the length of the beam. In addition, the beam is elevated and is mounted at a 17o angle, thus adding an additional challenge to the experimental animal. Furthermore, the test is capable of detecting subtle differences in fine motor control as indicated by forelimb and hindlimb placement as the animal traverses the beam.
Pretreament of rats with haloperidol, but not olanzapine, significantly decreased amphetamine-induced hyperlocomotor activity.
