Primate Version of Modified Rankin Scale for Classifying Dysfunction in Rhesus Monkeys.

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Translational Research
• Primate Models

Background:

• Nonhuman primates are crucial for ischemic stroke translational studies.
• Existing scoring systems lack focus on activities of daily living, limiting functional deficit evaluation.
• Clinically relevant data for primate stroke models are scarce.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a primate-specific Rankin Scale (pRS) for neurological dysfunction.
• To adapt the modified Rankin Scale for nonhuman primate stroke models.
• To assess functional deficits in activities of daily living in monkeys post-stroke.

Main Methods:

• Developed the primate Rankin Scale (pRS) based on the modified Rankin Scale.
• Included hand function, activity level, and general mobility as key components.
• Analyzed interobserver variability with blinded testers.

Main Results:

• The pRS is a simple, 6-level scale classifying deficits from none to severe.
• Validated on 11 monkeys with varying stroke-induced neurological dysfunction.
• Achieved high consistency among technicians and residents after brief training.

Conclusions:

• The pRS is a simple, reliable tool for assessing long-term neurological dysfunction in nonhuman primates.
• It is comparable to the widely used modified Rankin Scale.
• Further validation studies are recommended.