AbstractLocomotor activity can be used to elucidate basic scientific questions, as the neural circuitry mediating the behavioral effects of different drug classes can be determined by direct pharmacological stimulation of specific brain nuclei. Locomotor activity is also used to assess the neural bases of ethological and biological rhythms. Methods for evaluating locomotor behavior in rodents fall into two general categories: direct observational techniques and automated monitoring of behavior. The first technique described in this unit consists of direct observation using interval and ordinal scales. The second approach is based on the measurement of locomotor activity with photocell‐based automated monitoring systems. Other methods used to quantify locomotor activity include video‐based systems, rotometers, and running wheels. The protocols in this unit are designed for rat subjects, although they can easily be adapted for use with mice and other rodents.
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