Assessment of mouse motor behaviour via open field test, narrowing beam assay, inverted wire hang, and gait analysis

This protocol describes methods for assessment of mouse motor behaviour with 4 separate behavioural tasks: the open field test, the narrowing beam assay, the inverted wire hang, and gait analysis. The open field test measures an animals total locomotor behaviour, but can be confounded by stress and anxiety. The narrowing beam test provides a measure of skilled motor behaviour. The inverted wire hang measures limb strength and endurance. Gait analysis provides a multidimensional analysis of animal gait. Some or all of these behavioural assays may be used, depending on experimental question.