Reliability and validity of computer scoring of behavioral sleep-wake states in rats and rabbits

Previous studies in human infants, rabbits, and rats have shown that states of sleep and wakefulness can be reliably identified from motility signals produced by respiration and body movement. Thoman has described a computer-scoring algorithm for automated scoring of behavioral states from motility signals in human infants. In the present studies, we report the use of the computer scoring program with motility signals obtained from electronic activity monitors. In the newborn rabbit, computer classification of the data into behavioral states agreed with visual scoring of the motility signals. In infant and adult rats, computer scoring across the entire age range was validated against direct behavioral observations, video-taped observations, and visual scoring of the motility signal. This procedure permits prolonged recordings of freely moving animals and eliminates the need for an observer to be present.