The Treadmill Fatigue Test: A Simple, High-throughput Assay of Fatigue-like Behavior for the Mouse

John P. Dougherty; Danielle A. Springer; Marvin C. Gershengorn

doi:10.3791/54052

The Treadmill Fatigue Test: A Simple, High-throughput Assay of Fatigue-like Behavior for the Mouse

JoVE Journal
Behavior

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JoVE Journal Behavior

The Treadmill Fatigue Test: A Simple, High-throughput Assay of Fatigue-like Behavior for the Mouse

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09:25 min

May 31, 2016

DOI: 10.3791/54052-v

John P. Dougherty¹, Danielle A. Springer², Marvin C. Gershengorn¹

¹Laboratory of Endocrinology and Receptor Biology,National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, ²Murine Phenotyping Core,National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health

Overview

This article presents a novel protocol for measuring fatigue-like behavior in mice, aimed at establishing a fatigue model and testing interventions. Understanding fatigue is crucial as it is often an undertreated symptom in various diseases.

Key Study Components

Area of Science

Neuroscience
Behavioral Science
Preclinical Research

Background

Fatigue is a common symptom in many disorders.
Current understanding of fatigue is limited.
Preclinical assays can enhance knowledge and treatment options.
Measuring fatigue-like behavior in mice can provide insights into interventions.

Purpose of Study

To establish a fatigue model in mice.
To test whether interventions can reverse fatigue.
To assess fatigue-like behavior quickly using a single piece of hardware.

Methods Used

Utilization of a treadmill set at a 10-degree incline.
Observation of mouse behavior during fatigue assessments.
Visual demonstrations to aid in understanding the method.
Single hardware for quick assessment of anti-fatigue interventions.

Main Results

Establishment of a reliable fatigue model in mice.
Identification of effective interventions to reduce fatigue.
Demonstration of the method's efficiency in assessing behavior.
Visual insights into mouse behavior during testing.

Conclusions

The protocol provides a valuable tool for studying fatigue.
Interventions can potentially reverse fatigue-like behavior.
Further research can enhance understanding of fatigue mechanisms.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main goal of this study?

The main goal is to measure fatigue-like behavior in mice and test interventions to reverse fatigue.

How does the treadmill setup affect the study?

The treadmill is set at a 10-degree incline to simulate conditions that may induce fatigue in mice.

Why is visual demonstration important?

Visual demonstration helps researchers understand mouse behavior, which is critical for successfully performing the task.

What are the advantages of this method?

The method allows for quick assessment of fatigue-like behavior and interventions using a single piece of hardware.

Can this protocol be applied to other species?

While this protocol is designed for mice, similar methods may be adapted for other species with appropriate modifications.

Fatigue is a common, undertreated and frequently poorly-understood symptom in many diseases and disorders. New preclinical assays of fatigue may help to improve current understanding and future treatment of fatigue. To that end, the current protocol provides a novel means of measuring fatigue-like behavior in the mouse.

The overall goal of this procedure is to measure fatigue-like behavior in mice to establish a fatigue model, and test whether intervention can reverse the fatigue. This method can help answer key questions relating to fatigue, such as what interventions can help reduce fatigue or reverse fatigue models. The main advantage of this technique is that it can quickly assess fatigue-like behavior and or anti-fatigue interventions with a single piece of hardware.

Visual demonstration of this method is critical. It is important to see and understand how the mice behave in order to successfully perform this task. Prior to training and testing mice, ensure that the treadmill is on a flat surface, and set it to the desired angle of inclination, which is usually 10 degrees.

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