Aug 22, 2025
Rotarod test in rats
Forked from Rotarod test in rats
- Eduard Bentea1,
- María Sanchiz Calvo1,
- Veerle Baekelandt1
- 1Katholieke Universiteit Leuven
Protocol Citation: Eduard Bentea, María Sanchiz Calvo, Veerle Baekelandt 2025. Rotarod test in rats. protocols.io https://dx.doi.org/10.17504/protocols.io.j8nlkr7m5v5r/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: June 24, 2025
Last Modified: August 22, 2025
Protocol Integer ID: 220873
Keywords: ASAPCRN, motor function, behavioral test, rats, rotarod test in rat, rotarod test in rats protocol, rotarod test, rat models with motor deficit, motor coordination, motor deficit, impaired motor function, rat model, rotating rod, rat, motor function, rats protocol, balance, test
Funders Acknowledgements:
ASAP (Aligning Science Across Parkinson's)
Abstract
Protocol for performing the rotarod test in rats. This test evaluated motor coordination and balance, and can be used in rat models with motor deficits, such as models of Parkison's disease. Rats with impaired motor function show a decreased latency to fall from the rotating rod.
Troubleshooting
Training
1h 23m
Bring cages to the behavioral room for at least 01:00:00 prior to the test for habituation
1h
Habituate rats on the rotarod for 00:05:00 at 5 rpm, place back in case they fall
5m
00:05:00 rest
5m
Test rats for 00:01:00 at 5 rpm
1m
00:05:00 rest
5m
Test rats for 00:01:00 at 10 rpm
1m
00:05:00 rest
5m
Test rats for 00:01:00 at 15 rpm
1m
Baseline
1h 25m
One day after training, perform baseline measurements
Bring cages to the behavioral room for at least 01:00:00 prior to the test for habituation
1h
Test rats at 4-40 rpm for a total duration of 00:05:00
5m
00:05:00 rest
5m
Test rats at 4-40 rpm for a total duration of 00:05:00
5m
00:05:00 rest
5m
Test rats at 4-40 rpm for a total duration of 00:05:00
5m
Test
1h 25m
At different timepoints during the experiment, evaluate changes in motor performance using the same protocol as during baseline
Bring cages to the behavioral room for at least 01:00:00 prior to the test for habituation
1h
Test rats at 4-40 rpm for a total duration of 00:05:00
5m
00:05:00 rest
5m
Test rats at 4-40 rpm for a total duration of 00:05:00
5m
00:05:00 rest
5m
Test rats at 4-40 rpm for a total duration of 00:05:00
5m