Nov 16, 2025

Public workspacePole Test Protocol for Motor Function Assessment in Mice

DOI
https://dx.doi.org/10.17504/protocols.io.5qpvodozdg4o/v1
  • Roberto Garcia Swinburn1,
  • Ernest Arenas1
  • 1Karolinska Institute Stockholm
  • SOX6 mDA differentiation
Roberto Garcia Swinburn
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DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.17504/protocols.io.5qpvodozdg4o/v1
Protocol Citation: Roberto Garcia Swinburn, Ernest Arenas 2025. Pole Test Protocol for Motor Function Assessment in Mice. protocols.io https://dx.doi.org/10.17504/protocols.io.5qpvodozdg4o/v1
License: This is an open access protocol distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License,  which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited
Protocol status: Working
We use this protocol and it's working
Created: September 09, 2025
Last Modified: November 16, 2025
Protocol Integer ID: 226864
Keywords: pole test protocol for motor function assessment, motor function assessment, general motor skill, mice this protocol, pole test protocol, mice, grafted animal
Abstract
This protocol was used to assess general motor skills and balance on grafted animals.
Guidelines
  • Ensure consistent environmental conditions (noise, light, temperature).
  • Use the same pole and orientation throughout the experiment.
  • Observe for abnormal behaviors or jumping, which may invalidate a trial.
Troubleshooting
Training Phase (Minimum 2 Days Prior to Testing)
2d
Train animals for at least 2 consecutive days before the actual test. Each day, perform 3 mock trials per animal using the same procedure as the test. Ensure mice are acclimated and capable of descending the pole.
2d
Test Day Procedure
Place the mouse facing upwards (head toward the top) on top of the 20 cm vertical pole (preferably inside the home cage).
Begin timing once the mouse rotates and orients downward (i.e., head pointing toward the ground).
  • Allow the mouse to climb down naturally and stop time when mouse touches the floor. If the mouse does not descend within 1 minute, stop the trial and allow the animal to rest. For incomplete or timed-out trials, repeat after a minimum rest period of 10 minutes.
Perform a total of 3 successful trials per animal.
Data Analysis
Calculate the mean descent time (in seconds) across the 3 valid trials for each animal.