Compensatory Limb Use and Behavioral Assessment of Motor Skill Learning Following Sensorimotor Cortex Injury in a Mouse Model of Ischemic Stroke

• DOI: 10.3791/51602
• Publication Date: 2014-07-10T23:59:58Z
• Authors: Abigail L. Kerr; Kelly A. Tennant
• Keywords: Stroke; Motor Learning

Mouse models have become increasingly popular in the field of behavioral neuroscience, and specifically studies experimental stroke. As advance, it is important to develop sensitive measures specific mouse. The present protocol describes a skilled motor task for use mouse Pasta Matrix Reaching Task functions as versatile assay that permits experimenters collect accurate outcome data manipulate limb mimic human clinical phenomena including compensatory strategies (i.e., learned non-use) focused rehabilitative training. When combined with neuroanatomical tools, this also researchers explore mechanisms support recovery function (or lack thereof) following both simple affordable set up conduct, offering variety training testing options numerous research questions concerning functional injury. Though has been applied stroke, may be beneficial other upper extremity injury models.