Climbing Test - Measures Vertical Activity in Rodents
Automated apparatus for measuring vertical climbing behavior in rodents using load cell detection and grid-based tracking in a cylindrical chamber.
Louise Corscadden, PhD
Director of Science · ConductScience
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Key Specifications
Full details →- Model fit
- Mouse, Rat
- SKU family
- ME-33101
- Sizing
- 43.2 x 38.0 x 27.9 cm
- Ordering
- Online checkout and quote request available
- Category
- Behavioral Mazes
- Build notes
- Confirm accessories, station layout, and support needs before purchase
The Climbing Test apparatus provides automated measurement of vertical motor activity in rodents through a cylindrical chamber (25.5 cm height, 12 cm diameter aluminum base) equipped with load cell detection and internal grid tracking. The system automatically initiates testing when animals leave the base platform and begin vertical exploration, capturing climbing episodes, height progression, and duration metrics through electronic data logging.
This apparatus addresses the historically manual and labor-intensive assessment of three-dimensional motor behavior in rodent models. The integrated load cell beneath the aluminum base platform provides precise detection of climbing initiation, while the 5x5mm internal grid enables spatial tracking of vertical movement patterns. Output parameters include climbing percentage, episode frequency and duration, maximum and average climbing heights, and total climbing activity, all exportable to Excel format.
How It Works
The apparatus operates through load cell-based detection integrated beneath a 12 cm diameter aluminum base platform. When rodents are placed in the cylindrical chamber, the load cell continuously monitors weight distribution and movement. Test initiation occurs automatically when animals step off the base platform and begin vertical climbing, eliminating manual timing variables and standardizing test conditions.
Vertical movement tracking utilizes a 5x5mm internal grid system within the 25.5 cm height cylindrical chamber. This grid enables precise spatial localization of climbing behavior, measuring both horizontal position during ascent and maximum vertical displacement. The electronic unit continuously logs climbing episodes, calculating duration, height progression, and activity intensity throughout the test session.
Data acquisition includes multiple parameters: percentage of time spent climbing, total number of discrete climbing episodes, duration of individual climbing events, maximum height achieved, average climbing height across episodes, and cumulative vertical activity. All measurements are stored electronically and exported to Excel format for statistical analysis and visualization.
Features & Benefits
monitor
- Touch-screen
- Yes
framework_design
- cylindrical
measurement_type
- vertical climbing behavior
automation_level
- automated solution
Behavioral Construct
- vertical motor activity
- climbing behavior
- exploratory behavior
- motor coordination
Automation Level
- fully-automated
Species
- Mouse
- Rat
Research Domain
- Addiction Research
- Behavioral Pharmacology
- Motor Function
- Neurodegeneration
- Neuroscience
- Pain Research
Compatible Tracking Software
- ConductVision
Weight
- 21.0 kg
Dimensions
- L: 43.2 mm
- W: 38.0 mm
- H: 27.9 mm
| Feature | This Product | Typical Alternative | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Test Initiation Method | Automated start via load cell detection when animal begins climbing | Manual timing or simple motion detection systems | Eliminates operator variability and ensures consistent test conditions across all subjects and sessions. |
| Spatial Tracking Resolution | 5x5mm internal grid system for precise climbing pathway mapping | Basic motion sensors with limited spatial resolution | Provides detailed analysis of climbing patterns and height progression for comprehensive behavioral characterization. |
| Chamber Design | 25.5 cm height cylindrical chamber with 12 cm diameter base | Varies by model, often with different height limitations | Optimized dimensions provide adequate vertical space for natural climbing behavior while maintaining controlled testing environment. |
| Data Output Parameters | Multiple metrics including climbing percentage, episode frequency, duration, and height measurements | Basic activity counts or simple presence/absence detection | Comprehensive parameter set enables detailed statistical analysis and behavioral phenotyping for research applications. |
| User Interface | Touchscreen interface with direct parameter configuration | Computer-based software or basic control panels | Simplified operation and real-time monitoring without requiring separate computer setup or complex software installation. |
| Data Export Format | Direct Excel export from electronic storage unit | Varies by model, may require additional software processing | Immediate data analysis capability without format conversion steps, streamlining research workflow integration. |
The apparatus combines automated detection, high-resolution spatial tracking, and comprehensive data output in a standalone system with touchscreen operation. The load cell-based initiation and 5x5mm grid tracking provide precise behavioral quantification with immediate Excel-compatible data export for research applications.
Practical Tips
Perform load cell calibration with weights matching the range of your experimental animals before each testing session.
Why: Ensures accurate detection sensitivity for climbing initiation across different animal weights and prevents false triggering.
Clean the aluminum base platform and chamber walls with mild disinfectant between animals to prevent contamination.
Why: Maintains hygienic conditions and prevents olfactory cues from affecting subsequent animal behavior during testing.
Allow animals a brief acclimation period in the chamber before beginning automated data collection.
Why: Reduces stress-related behavioral artifacts and provides more representative baseline climbing behavior measurements.
Monitor the touchscreen display during testing to verify proper grid tracking and parameter calculation in real-time.
Why: Enables immediate detection of technical issues and ensures data integrity throughout the experimental session.
If automatic start detection fails, verify load cell connections and check for environmental vibrations affecting baseline readings.
Why: External vibrations or loose connections can interfere with weight distribution detection and prevent proper test initiation.
Position the apparatus on a stable, level surface away from high-traffic areas to minimize external disturbances.
Why: Reduces environmental factors that could affect animal behavior or interfere with load cell detection accuracy.
Setup Guide
What’s in the Box
- Cylindrical climbing chamber with internal 5x5mm grid
- Aluminum base platform with integrated load cell
- Electronic control unit with touchscreen interface
- Power adapter and connecting cables
- User manual and setup guide
- Data export software documentation (typical)
Warranty
ConductScience provides a standard one-year manufacturer warranty covering electronics and mechanical components, with technical support for setup, calibration, and troubleshooting assistance.
Compliance
How does the automatic test initiation work and what triggers data collection?
The load cell beneath the aluminum base platform continuously monitors animal weight distribution. Data collection automatically begins when the animal steps off the base and initiates climbing behavior, eliminating manual timing variables and ensuring consistent test conditions.
What spatial resolution does the 5x5mm grid system provide for tracking climbing pathways?
The internal grid system enables precise localization within the 25.5 cm height cylindrical chamber, providing millimeter-scale accuracy for tracking horizontal position during ascent and vertical displacement measurements throughout climbing episodes.
Which climbing parameters are automatically calculated and how is the data exported?
The system measures climbing percentage, number and duration of climbing episodes, maximum and average climbing heights, and total climbing activity. All parameters are stored electronically and exported to Excel format for immediate statistical analysis.
How sensitive is the load cell detection for different rodent species?
The apparatus accommodates both mouse and rat species with appropriate load cell sensitivity calibration. The system can detect weight distribution changes and movement patterns for animals within the typical weight ranges of laboratory rodents.
What calibration procedures are required and how often should they be performed?
Load cell calibration using known weights should be performed before initial use and periodically verified to maintain detection accuracy. Consult product datasheet for specific calibration intervals and procedures based on usage frequency.
How does this compare to manual scoring methods for climbing behavior assessment?
The automated system eliminates observer bias and timing variability inherent in manual scoring while providing quantitative metrics that may be difficult to assess visually, such as precise climbing heights and episode duration measurements.
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