Methods for evaluating gait associated dynamic balance and coordination in rodents.

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Biomechanics
• Animal Behavior

Background:

• Balance is crucial for postural equilibrium, regulated by the vestibular system.
• Impairments in balance are linked to neurological conditions like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.
• Human studies on balance control are limited by small sample sizes and complexity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review rodent balance-related behavioral tests for studying vestibular system function.
• To highlight the advantages and disadvantages of various preclinical balance assessment methods.
• To discuss the application of these tests in models of neurological disorders.

Main Methods:

• Review of established rodent balance tests including BBB Locomotor Scale, Foot Fault Scoring, Ledged Beam, Beam Walking, and Ladder Beam tests.
• Analysis of test applicability in preclinical models of spinal or brain lesions.
• Discussion of rodent models for femoral nerve injury, stroke, spinal cord injury, and neurodegenerative diseases.

Main Results:

• Rodent behavioral tests provide a controlled environment to study balance control mechanisms.
• These tests allow for the replication of specific conditions affecting balance, unlike human trials.
• Various tests offer different insights into motor control and postural stability.

Conclusions:

• Rodent balance tests are valuable tools for investigating vestibular system impairment and balance disorders.
• Preclinical models facilitate a deeper understanding of the mechanisms underlying neurological conditions affecting balance.
• Further research using these models can inform therapeutic strategies for balance deficits.