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Climbing Test - Measures Vertical Activity in Rodents
SKU ME-33101
$6,595.00
Unit: Each
Automated apparatus for measuring vertical climbing behavior in rodents using load cell detection and grid-based tracking in a cylindrical chamber.
Scientist guidance
Louise Corscadden, PhD
Director of Science · ConductScience
Ask Louise about Climbing Test - Measures Vertical Activity in Rodents fit, setup, configuration, or quote prep.
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Key Specifications
Full details →- Monitor
- Touch-screen, Yes
- Framework Design
- cylindrical
- Measurement Type
- vertical climbing behavior
- Automation Level
- automated solution
- Automation Level
- Fully automated
- Species
- Mouse, Rat
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
Load cell underneath 12 cm diameter aluminum base
Provides precise detection of climbing initiation and weight distribution changes for automated test triggering without manual intervention.
Automated test start detection
Eliminates timing variability and operator bias by automatically initiating data collection when animals begin climbing behavior.
5x5mm internal grid tracking system
Enables high-resolution spatial mapping of climbing pathways and precise measurement of vertical displacement patterns.
25.5 cm height cylindrical chamber
Provides adequate vertical space for natural climbing behavior assessment while maintaining controlled testing environment.
Touchscreen interface
Simplifies parameter configuration and real-time monitoring of test progress through intuitive user controls.
Electronic data storage and Excel export
Facilitates immediate data analysis and integration with statistical software packages for research workflow efficiency.
Multiple output parameters
Captures comprehensive climbing metrics including episode frequency, duration, height progression, and activity intensity for detailed behavioral analysis.
Mouse and rat compatibility
Accommodates multiple rodent species with appropriate chamber dimensions and load cell sensitivity for broad research application.
Add-ons and modifications
| Add-on | Price | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Mouse Head Bar | $1 | A load cell underneath the aluminum base (diameter 12 cm) Automated start of the test once the animal leaves the base and starts climbing over the cylinder (hei |
Add any of these to your quote request.
Research identifiers
These IDs come from NCBI Taxonomy. Use them in data records and methods sections.
- Species
- Mouse
NCBITaxon:10090 - Rat
NCBITaxon:10116
- Mouse
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
Shipping weight
- 21.0 lb
Shipping box
- L: 43.2 cm
- W: 38.0 cm
- H: 27.9 cm
| 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.
Behavioral Pharmacology
Evaluating motor function changes following drug administration by quantifying vertical exploration patterns and climbing episode characteristics in rodent models.
Pain Research
Assessing pain-related behavioral modifications through vertical motor activity measurements, particularly in models of mechanical allodynia and hyperalgesia.
Motor Function
Characterizing locomotor deficits in neurological disease models by measuring climbing height, duration, and frequency parameters.
Neuroscience
Investigating three-dimensional exploratory behavior and vertical motor coordination in studies of brain function and neurological disorders.
Neurodegeneration
Monitoring progressive motor decline in Parkinson's disease and other movement disorder models through longitudinal climbing behavior assessment.
Addiction Research
Evaluating motor activity changes associated with substance withdrawal or treatment effects on vertical exploration behaviors.
Practical Tips
Calibration
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.
Maintenance
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.
Best Practices
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.
Data Quality
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.
Troubleshooting
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.
Safety
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
Unpack and Inspect
Remove apparatus from packaging and verify all components including cylindrical chamber, aluminum base with load cell, electronic control unit, and connecting cables.
Position Equipment
Place apparatus on stable, level surface in testing room with minimal vibrations and ambient lighting appropriate for species being tested.
Connect Electronics
Attach load cell cables to electronic control unit and verify touchscreen display activation and grid tracking system functionality.
Calibrate Load Cell
Perform load cell calibration using known weights to ensure accurate detection of animal movement and climbing initiation triggers.
Configure Parameters
Set test duration, data sampling rate, and climbing detection sensitivity through the touchscreen interface based on experimental protocol requirements.
Test Run Verification
Conduct preliminary test with practice animal to verify automatic start detection, grid tracking accuracy, and proper data logging to electronic storage.
Data Export Setup
Establish Excel export pathway and file naming convention for systematic data collection and analysis workflow integration.
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
IACUC GuidelinesSupports behavioral testing protocols commonly used in environments subject to institutional animal care and use committee oversight for rodent research.
ARRIVE GuidelinesFacilitates standardized reporting of animal research experiments through comprehensive automated data collection and parameter documentation.
Protocol and background
Specifications
- Commands: 4,3 inches touch-screen (Resistive)
- Read-out: 4,3 inches touch-screen (Resistive), PC
- Power Requirement: Universal input 100-240 VAC, 50-60Hz, 200W MAX
- Sound Level: Negligible
- Operating Temperature: 18°C to 25°C
- Endpoints and statistics: Max height, Average height, Average distance covered, Total climbing time, Total time on roof, Latency on the single climbing event
- Start/Stop: By Start/Stop button on the climbing cage
- Tare: By Tare button on the climbing cage
- Experiment duration: Max 3600 seconds
- Height sensors: 17 rings + 1 on the roof (capacitive sensors)
- Height accuracy: 6mm
- Weight accuracy: 0.1g
- Data Acquisition: Via X-PAD software (included)
- Data Portability: By USB flash drive (included) or LAN connection
- Data Output Results table in .csv
- Cylinder diameter: 12 cm
- Cylinder Height: 25,5 cm
- Weight: 5Kg
- Shipping Weight: 8Kg
- Packing Dimensions: 36x55x45cm
Application
Various illnesses and conditions can impact the climbing capabilities of rodents. For instance, neurodegenerative conditions may hinder their motor skills and climbing behavior. Scientists utilize these alterations in climbing behavior as a means to investigate and evaluate potential therapies for such ailments.
In essence, climbing behavior in rats and mice goes beyond being a mere physical activity; it represents a complex aspect of their biology with far-reaching implications for their health, innate conduct, and numerous research domains.
This behavior yields invaluable insights into their physiological makeup, behavioral tendencies, and reactions to environmental and genetic influences, rendering it a crucial element of biological and biomedical investigations involving these animals.
ETHOLOGICAL
PERSPECTIVE
Climbing is an instinctual behavior observed in wild rats and mice. In their natural habitats, they employ climbing as a means to forage for food, evade predators, survey their surroundings, and seek refuge. Analyzing climbing behavior provides researchers with valuable glimpses into their native ecosystems and evolutionary adjustments.
RESEARCH
MODELS
Rats and mice serve as prevalent model organisms in biomedical research. Their climbing behavior holds relevance across diverse research domains, spanning neuroscience (investigating motor skills and balance), behavioral studies (examining the impacts of pharmaceuticals or genetic alterations), and psychological inquiries (exploring spatial cognition and learning processes).
ENVIRONMENTAL
ENRICHMENT
Within laboratory environments, offering avenues for climbing represents a crucial facet of environmental enrichment. Rats and mice housed in captivity thrive in enriched surroundings that replicate their native habitats. The inclusion of climbing apparatuses within cages fosters both physical and cognitive stimulation, alleviating stress and enhancing their overall welfare.
BEHAVIOR AND
PHYSIOLOGY
The climbing behavior of rodents mirrors their muscular and skeletal prowess, requiring coordination, power, and nimbleness. Delving into their climbing prowess can offer revelations about their neuromuscular function, equilibrium, and sensory acuity.
DISEASE
MODELS
Across a spectrum of conditions ranging from stroke and depression to anxiety, musculoskeletal function, Parkinson's disease, and various forms of pain including neuropathic and cancer-induced discomfort.
From the Maze Engineers documentation for this apparatus.
Q
How does the automatic test initiation work and what triggers data collection?
A
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.
Q
What spatial resolution does the 5x5mm grid system provide for tracking climbing pathways?
A
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.
Q
Which climbing parameters are automatically calculated and how is the data exported?
A
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.
Q
How sensitive is the load cell detection for different rodent species?
A
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.
Q
What calibration procedures are required and how often should they be performed?
A
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.
Q
How does this compare to manual scoring methods for climbing behavior assessment?
A
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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Track rodents with ConductVision
ConductVision is our video-tracking software. Record your sessions on video, and it scores standard rodent tests, such as those listed below.
Examples of tests it scores
To check whether ConductVision scores your protocol in this apparatus, ask in your quote request.
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Climbing Test - Measures Vertical Activity in Rodents
$6,595.00
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