Abstract
The rat reaching task is one of the best paradigms from behavioral study of upper limb movements. Rats are trained to reach and grab a pellet by extending their hand through a vertical slit. A few conventional imaging systems specific for the rat reaching task are commercially available with a high installation cost. Based on image analysis of video recordings obtained during the reaching task, we, herewith, developed a new, low-cost laboratory system that can be used for the quantitative analysis of ten basic forearm movements, in contrast to subjective assessments used in previous studies. We quantified images of the pronated and supinated palm and the accuracy and speed of reaching the target. Applying this newly developed method, we compared the forearm movements during the reaching task before and after a massive anatomical lesion of the sensorimotor cortex performed by tissue aspiration. We also wanted to investigate the recovery of upper limb function possibly induced by repeating the task for a relatively short term of a few weeks. In the experiment, 7 injured groups and 3 control groups were used. We found characteristic abnormalities of the forearm movements and a significant recovery in the success rate of grasping the target pellet. The present results demonstrate that our method is straightforward for the quantitative evaluation of forearm movements during the reaching task primarily controlled by the sensorimotor cortex.
Highlights
IntroductionA majority (80%) of patients with stroke exhibit some difficulty in forearm movements [2], and 60% chronically suffer from movement disabilities that affect their daily life [3]
Stroke sequelae lead to reduced quality of life [1]
It has been reported that active use of the injured upper limb by rehabilitation activates the activity of the motor cortex and recovers the movement disorder [9, 10]
Summary
A majority (80%) of patients with stroke exhibit some difficulty in forearm movements [2], and 60% chronically suffer from movement disabilities that affect their daily life [3]. Upper limb and forearm motility form the basis of movements involved in daily activities, such as touching, grabbing, and moving objects. These upper limb motions include a complex finger, palm, wrist, elbow, and shoulder movements. It has been reported that active use of the injured upper limb by rehabilitation activates the activity of the motor cortex and recovers the movement disorder [9, 10]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
