A novel method for assessing proximal and distal forelimb function in the rat: the XXXX ( @entity1103 ) forelimb scale.

@entity1 @entity146 @entity1103 @entity1566 @entity393 @entity130
Several experimental models of cervical @entity1566 ( @entity1566 ) have been developed recently to assess the consequences of damage to this level of the spinal cord (Pearse et al., 2005, Gensel et al., 2006, Anderson et al., 2009), as the majority of @entity1 @entity1566 occur here (Young, 2010; www.sci-info-pages.com). @entity146 include @entity393 due to damage to the white matter affecting both descending motor and ascending sensory systems, and to the gray matter containing the segmental circuitry for processing sensory input and motor output for the forelimb. Additionally, a key priority for @entity1 @entity1 with cervical @entity1566 is restoration of hand/arm function (Anderson, 2004). Thus, outcome measures that assess both proximal and distal forelimb function are needed. Although there are several behavioral assays that are sensitive to different aspects of forelimb recovery in experimental models of cervical @entity1566 (Girgis et al., 2007, Gensel et al., 2006, Ballerman et al., 2001, Metz and Whishaw, 2000, Bertelli and Mira, 1993, Montoya et al., 1991, Whishaw and Pellis, 1990), few techniques provide detailed information on the recovery of fine motor control and digit movement. The current measurement technique, the @entity1103 forelimb scale ( @entity1103 ), can detect recovery of both proximal and distal forelimb function including digit movements during a naturally occurring behavior that does not require extensive training or deprivation to enhance motivation. The @entity1103 was generated by observing recovery after a unilateral C6 @entity1566 , and involves video recording of animals eating two differently shaped cereals (spherical and doughnut) of a consistent size. These videos were then used to assess features of forelimb use, such as joint position, object support, digit movement and grasping technique. The @entity1103 , like other forelimb behavioral tasks, shows a consistent pattern of recovery that is sensitive to injury severity. Furthermore, the @entity1103 scale could be used to assess recovery following other @entity130 that impact normal forelimb function.
