A novel reaction time task for investigating force and time parameters of locomotor initiation in rats.

A novel simple reaction-time task for rats is described in the present study. Food-deprived rats were trained in a modified runway for rapid locomotor initiation, in response to a combined optical/acoustic stimulus, to receive a food reward. Rats rapidly learned this task with small variability, and movement patterns of locomotor initiation are congruent under these conditions. Reaction time, movement time and accelerative forces were recorded from each initiation of locomotion by means of video equipment and a force platform. The quantification modes yielded consistent results and a quantitative description of measured force and time parameters is given. The task may be especially appropriate for investigating basal ganglia functions. The present results will be the basis for investigating initiation of locomotion in animal models of neurological diseases.