General Rodent Activity System
The General Activity Apparatus is an open field monitoring system that tracks locomotor activity, jump events, and nose poke behavior in rodents through sensor-based detection. It provides real-time data visualization and export capabilities for comprehensive behavioral analysis in neuroscience research.
Louise Corscadden, PhD
Director of Science · ConductScience
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Overview
The General Activity Apparatus is a comprehensive open field activity monitoring system designed for precise measurement of locomotor activity and exploratory behavior in laboratory rodents. This sensor-based detection system provides researchers with real-time tracking capabilities for animal location, jump events, and nose poke interactions, making it an essential tool for behavioral neuroscience studies requiring detailed activity analysis.
Key Features
The apparatus features an open field chamber equipped with 16 strategically positioned holes (2 cm diameter for mice, 3 cm for rats) and adjustable sensor arrays that capture three-dimensional movement data. The integrated software system provides real-time animal location tracking with coordinate reporting, jump detection and analysis, and comprehensive nose poke behavior measurement including head dip duration and timing. Data visualization tools include customizable jump chart analysis with configurable time bins and animal path visualization for complete behavioral mapping.
Applications
This versatile system supports a wide range of behavioral research applications including locomotor activity assessment, exploratory behavior analysis, anxiety and stress response studies, and drug efficacy testing. The apparatus is particularly valuable for researchers investigating spatial navigation, novelty-seeking behavior, and general activity patterns in neuropharmacology and behavioral genetics studies.
Species Compatibility
The General Activity Apparatus accommodates both mice and rats with species-specific configurations. The system includes adjustable dimensions (40 x 40 x 30 cm for mice, 60 x 60 x 40 cm for rats) and appropriately sized nose poke holes to ensure optimal data collection across different rodent species while maintaining consistent experimental protocols.
How It Works
The General Activity Apparatus operates through a multi-sensor detection system that monitors animal behavior across three dimensions. The software connects to the Activity box chamber via USB-to-RS232 communication to collect real-time behavioral data. Animal location is tracked through (X, Y) sensors positioned at floor level, while vertical jump activity is detected by the Z sensor frame positioned above. The 16-hole board incorporates nose poke sensors that capture investigative behaviors including head dip duration and timing. All sensor data is processed in real-time and displayed through multiple visualization tools including activity grids, jump charts, and animal path mapping, with configurable time bins for temporal analysis and CSV export capabilities for external statistical analysis.
Features & Benefits
rat_arena_dimensions
- 60 × 60 × 40 cm (L × W × H)
mouse_arena_dimensions
- 40 × 40 × 30 cm (L × W × H)
number_of_holes
- 16
hole_diameter_rats
- 3 cm
hole_diameter_mice
- 2 cm
sensor_height
- adjustable
hole_spacing
- evenly spaced
software_included
- Activity cage System software
tracking_capabilities
- animal path, current location, past activities, movement, nose pokes, jumps
Species
- Mouse
- Rat
Material
- Plexiglass
Dimensions
- 60 x 40 cm x 60 x 40 cm x 40 x 30 cm
Weight
- 6.06 kg
Dimensions
- L: 65.0 mm
- W: 36.0 mm
- H: 27.0 mm
| Mouse |
| 40 x 40 x 30 cm (L x W x H) |
| 16 holes; 2cm diameter |
| Rat |
| 60 x 60 x 40 cm (L x W x H) |
| 16 holes; 3cm diameter |
How it works
https://youtu.be/rIe1G9cGNicActivity Measurements and Data Analysis
Animal's location
Real-time location measurements are recorded throughout the given experiment time. Adjustable sensors report location data using X and Y coordinates. X and Y coordinates can be scaled to the Activity system's physical dimensions (40 x 40 cm for mice and 60 x 60 cm for rats) for real-time location measurements.Path creation
Tracked paths in real-time and throughout the experiment. A visualization of the path made by the animal subject is observed within the software under activity data using X and Y coordinates (see the image below ).Locomotion activity
Users can choose a time interval post experiment and draw an activity chart indicating the location, number, and timing of jumps as time, and count points. For example, (10,4) indicates 4 jumps within 10 seconds. The following results are recorded: When a jump occurs When the animal moves without a jump When the animal moves while in the jump position Number of times the animal jumped during a given durationNose poke measurements
Number of nose pokes, locations, sequence of, and time taken for a head dip are recorded. Time stamps in milliseconds record which hole a head dip begins and when it ends to create head dip duration. The following activities are recorded: The location of the hole in which the subject dipped its head The sequence of head dips Duration of the head dip
Activity data visualized using Activity cage System software including animal path, current location, past activities including movement, nose pokes, and jumps.
Introduction
The Activity System is an automated platform designed for observing, recording, and analyzing the locomotor and behavioral activity of rodents. This system is a modified version of the Open Field arena and Hole Board apparatus, and it comes with specialized software for behavior analysis. It can track the animal's location and differentiate between movements made with a jump and those without. Additionally, experimenters can set specific time intervals to record the number of jumps, which is displayed in a “Jump Chart.” The software also visually represents the animal's locomotion throughout each trial. The open-field arena is commonly utilized to evaluate rodents’ locomotion, exploratory behavior, and anxiety levels. The Hole Board apparatus not only assesses exploratory behaviors but also evaluates working and reference memory. By integrating both of these apparatuses, the Activity System simplifies the process of measuring and analyzing rodent behavior, eliminating the need for manual observation and recording. The floor of the system features holes equipped with sensors to log which hole the subject investigates and the duration of each nose poke. This system serves as an effective in vivo locomotion assay for a variety of experiments. It can be employed to examine how age influences locomotion behavior, investigate neuromuscular abnormalities in genetically modified animals, assess anxiety-related behaviors, evaluate the impact of neurodegenerative diseases on memory, and analyze the effects of therapeutic interventions on locomotion and behavior.Apparatus and Equipment
The Activity System features an open field arena designed for both rats and mice, with distinct measurements for each species. The dimensions for rats are 60 × 60 × 40 cm (L × W × H), while for mice, it measures 40 × 40 × 30 cm. The arena's floor is equipped with 16 evenly spaced holes, with each hole having a diameter of 3 cm for rats and 2 cm for mice. The height of the sensors within each hole can be adjusted as needed. The walls of the arena are constructed from plexiglass. Additionally, the system includes software that tracks and records the animal's location, providing a visual representation of the activity data collected.Installation
Software
Installation of the software is simple and easy with standard download and installation steps.Hardware
The Activity box can easily be connected to your computer using a standard USB cable. Connection occurs once your PC has recognised the apparatus.Experiment configuration
The user interface is easy to use with configurable parameters.Experiment run
Results summaries report the animal's location, visualise their path throughout the experiment, jumps, time intervals, nose pokes, and more!Support
Maze Engineers / ConductScience support and troubleshooting is provided throughout your experiment and set-up.Training Protocol
- Place the subjects in the testing room in their home cages for 10 – 30 minutes to acclimate.
- Configure the software and set the primary data collection parameters.
- Remove the subject from its home cage and place it in the activity system once the software is configured.
- Select the appropriate command in the software and begin data collection.
- Leave the testing room for the rest of the testing duration.
- After the testing period is completed, return to the room and save the data.
- Return the subject to its home cage.
Literature Review
Analysis of Locomotor Activity in Rodents Zhang, Li, and Han (2020) conducted an analysis of mouse locomotor activity utilizing an activity system that included an open field, a webcam, and a computer equipped with specialized software. The system effectively measured key metrics such as distance traveled, velocity, and thigmotaxis in the animals. In a separate study, Aragão et al. (2011) investigated locomotor activity in rodents using an automated activity system featuring an open field with 30 cm high walls. This system employed digital images captured under infrared light to monitor the movements of freely roaming rodents. The recorded videos were subsequently analyzed using dedicated software. The study focused on fifteen male Wistar rats, documenting various metrics, including distance traveled, average speed, average acceleration, time spent immobile, number of stops, and duration spent in specific areas within the apparatus. The animals were assessed on multiple postnatal days to evaluate the reproducibility of the findings. Results demonstrated that the system effectively captured all parameters, revealing developmental changes in the movement patterns of the subjects over time.Summary
- The Activity System is an automated system used to observe, record, and analyze rodents’ locomotor and behavioral activity levels.
- It is an adapted version of the Open Field arena and Hole Board apparatus and also includes sensors for recording and software for analyzing rodents’ behavior.
- It can measure the subject’s locomotion, behavioral activity levels, anxiety, exploration, thigmotaxis, and working and reference memory.
- The system can be used to assess the effect of age on locomotion, neuromuscular abnormalities of genetically modified animals, the effect of therapeutic interventions on locomotion and behavior etc.
References
Aragão, R., Rodrigues, M. A., de Barros, K. M., Silva, S. R., Toscano, A. E., de Souza, R. E., & Manhães-de-Castro, R. (2011). Automatic system for analysis of locomotor activity in rodents–a reproducibility study. Journal of neuroscience methods, 195(2), 216–221. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jneumeth.2010.12.016 Zhang, C., Li, H., & Han, R. (2020). An open-source video tracking system for mouse locomotor activity analysis. BMC research notes, 13(1), 48. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13104-020-4916-6| Model | SKU | Listed price | Status | Dimensions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rat | CS-958361 | $5,490.00 | Available | 65.0 x 36.0 x 27.0 cm |
| Mouse | CS-958361 | $4,990.00 | Available | 65.0 x 36.0 x 27.0 cm |
Practical Tips
Always verify voltage requirements on the control box back panel before connecting power
Why: Prevents electrical damage and ensures safe operation of the sensor system
Keep liquid cleaners away from all sensor connectors and electrical components
Why: Moisture can damage sensitive electronic components and compromise data accuracy
If connection issues occur, verify the USB-to-RS232 cable appears in Device Manager and install drivers if needed
Why: Proper driver installation is essential for communication between software and hardware
Use metal holders to precisely adjust sensor frame heights for optimal detection sensitivity
Why: Proper sensor positioning ensures accurate tracking and prevents false positives or missed events
Always disconnect power before connecting or disconnecting any components
Why: Live connections can cause electrical damage to sensitive sensor electronics
Setup Guide
What’s in the Box
- Hole board
- Open field (clear acrylic cage)
- Hole board nose poke sensors
- Vertical jump sensor frame (labelled Z)
- (X, Y) move sensor frame (labelled X, Y)
- Metal holders for sensor frame height adjustment
- Screws for wall assembly
- USB cable
- Control box
How do I ensure proper sensor alignment for accurate tracking?
Position the hole board with (0, 0) coordinates at the left close to you, then use the metal holders to adjust sensor frame heights. The (X, Y) sensor frame should be positioned outside the open field at floor level, while the Z sensor frame goes above it for jump detection.
What data output formats are available for analysis?
The software exports activity data and jump chart data to CSV files. Activity data includes X, Y, Z coordinates with values ranging 0-18 for board position mapping, while jump chart data shows configurable time bins with jump counts per interval.
Can I customize the experiment duration and parameters?
Yes, the software allows you to create custom protocols with configurable total experiment time in seconds. You can create, save, and delete multiple protocols through the protocol management system.
How is nose poke behavior detected and recorded?
Nose poke events are captured through the hole board sensors and can be enabled or disabled via the configuration file. The system records detailed sequencing, head dip duration, and timing for comprehensive exploratory behavior analysis.
What safety precautions should I observe during setup?
Check the voltage label on the control box back panel, never connect or disconnect components while power is on, avoid spraying liquids on connectors, and keep flammable materials away from the instruments.
How do I monitor experiment progress in real-time?
The software displays real-time results through multiple visualization tools including the Activities grid showing current location coordinates, Jump Chart with activity progression, Animal Path visualization, and Current Result Summary with protocol details and run status.
What are the coordinate mapping ranges for the tracking system?
The tracking system reports location coordinates with X, Y, and Z values ranging from 0-18, which correspond to specific positions on the board for precise spatial mapping of animal movement.
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