The measurement and analysis of circadian locomotor activity and body temperature rhythms by a computer-based system.

A new computer-based system for collection and analysis of circadian body temperature and locomotor activity rhythms is described. This system makes possible the simultaneous measurements of body temperature and locomotor activity rhythms from 16 animals kept in separate cages. Several programs were developed for measurement and analysis of the data. This system is available not only in the study of circadian rhythms but also in other biological studies where long-term recordings of rest-activity cycles and body temperature are required.