Balance and Coordination Testing

Overview

Balance and coordination are critical components involved in the control of movement. Many sensory receptors and neural processing units are required to help individuals maintain balance while performing various activities. Deficits in balance and coordination occur in patients suffering from movement disorders or due to aging. Therefore, scientists are trying to understand the pathophysiology behind these conditions. One way to do that is by using rodent models and testing them on behavioral paradigms such as the rotarod or balance beam.

This video discusses the currently known neurophysiology behind balance and coordination. Then, we go over protocols to run balance tests in rodents using the rotarod and balance beam. Finally, we'll discuss some current studies utilizing these methods to investigate aging, muscular dystrophy and Parkinson's disease.

Procedure

Balance and motor coordination are critical components involved in control of movement. We currently understand the basic mechanisms of the numerous sensory and processing systems that help us maintain our balance while performing various activities. To our advantage, laboratory animals, such as mice, use similar systems for maintaining balance and motor coordination. Scientists can therefore use mice to model different physiological conditions to observe their effect in balance and motor coordination tests.

Balance and Coordination Testing

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