Using the MouseWalker to Quantify Locomotor Dysfunction in a Mouse Model of Spinal Cord Injury
March 24th, 2023
An experimental pipeline to quantitatively describe the locomotor pattern of freely walking mice using the MouseWalker (MW) toolbox is provided, ranging from initial video recordings and tracking to post-quantification analysis. A spinal cord contusion injury model in mice is employed to demonstrate the usefulness of the MW system.
In this study, we use a mouse model of spinal cord injury to uncover ways of promoting repair of the spinal cord that could lead to effective locomotor and functional sensory recovery. With a mouse walker, we can move a step forward into a more quantitative analysis of spinal cord recovery by combining several graphical outputs and kinematic parameters with a set of post-quantification tools. High quality video cameras and sophisticated software packages allow a more direct and quantitative description of motor activity.
The mouse walker is a good example of this. Currently two main challenges exist. First, the ability of laboratories to implement these technologies in their experimental pipeline.
And second, to reduce the time and steps from video recordings to data generation. We realized that standard protocols were insufficient to describe all locomotive deficits we see after spinal cord injury. We also found that the mouse walker helped us measure coordination, one of the hardest parameters to assess in standard tests.
Here, not only is the software free and open source, but the hardware is also easy to assemble with uncomplicated materials. We also provide open source tools to analyze the mouse walker data. The mouse walker is a valuable method for studying other motor related or motor dysfunctions, not just spinal cord injury.
It can also be used in combination with already established behavior protocols.
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Overview
This study presents an experimental pipeline for quantitatively analyzing locomotor patterns in freely walking mice using the MouseWalker (MW) toolbox. The research employs a spinal cord contusion injury model to illustrate the utility of the MW system in evaluating locomotor recovery after spinal cord injuries.
Key Study Components
Area of Science
- Neuroscience
- Behavioral analysis
- Spinal cord injury research
Background
- Assessment of locomotor deficits is crucial for understanding spinal cord injuries.
- Standard protocols are often inadequate for describing complex locomotive deficits.
- The MouseWalker system enables more quantitative and graphical analyses.
- Coordination measurements are difficult in standard tests, making advanced tools necessary.
Purpose of Study
- To enhance the understanding of spinal cord recovery through quantitative locomotor assessment.
- To utilize the MouseWalker as an effective tool for measuring motor activity and coordination.
- To streamline the data generation process from video recording to analysis.
Methods Used
- MouseWalker toolbox for analyzing locomotive patterns in freely walking mice.
- Mouse model of spinal cord injury with an emphasis on assessing recovery metrics.
- Incorporation of advanced software and video analysis tools.
- Standard protocols and open-source tools help facilitate data analysis.
Main Results
- Demonstrated that the MouseWalker effectively measures coordination, a challenging parameter in standard tests.
- Provided quantitative insights into locomotor deficits and recovery post-spinal cord injury.
- Validated the approach by showing applicability to various motor dysfunctions, indicating broader relevance.
Conclusions
- The study highlights the MouseWalker as a valuable method for studying motor-related dysfunctions.
- The approach improves the quantitative understanding of locomotor recovery mechanisms.
- Implications extend to other areas of motor dysfunction research beyond spinal cord injury.
