Open Field Test
Standard behavioral apparatus for measuring locomotor activity, exploratory behavior, and anxiety-like responses in rodents through analysis of movement patterns and zone preferences.
| wall_types | opaque or clear |
| wall_feature | easily detachable for easy cleaning |
| floor_inserts | grid floor inserts available for video tracking |
| arena_shape | square |
| alternative_sizes | 27 x 27 cm and 50 x 50 cm sizes mentioned |
| wall_finishes | opaque colors and matte finish available |
The Open Field Test is a standard behavioral assay used to assess locomotor activity, exploratory behavior, and anxiety-like responses in rodents. The apparatus consists of a square arena where animals are placed to freely explore while their movement patterns, zone preferences, and behavioral metrics are recorded. This test is fundamental to neuroscience and behavioral pharmacology research, providing quantitative measures of spontaneous locomotion, thigmotaxis (wall-seeking behavior), and center zone exploration.
The Open Field Test serves dual purposes in research protocols. When configured with clear walls, it effectively measures anxiety-like behaviors through analysis of center versus periphery time allocation. When equipped with opaque walls, it supports novel object recognition studies and general locomotor assessment. The apparatus accommodates both mouse and rat subjects with species-appropriate dimensions, featuring removable bases for efficient cleaning and optional grid floor inserts for enhanced video tracking compatibility.
How It Works
The Open Field Test operates on the principle that rodents exhibit measurable behavioral responses when placed in a novel, open environment. Animals naturally display thigmotaxis (preference for wall proximity) as an anxiety-related behavior, while exploration of the center zone indicates reduced anxiety or increased exploratory drive. The square arena design eliminates corner preferences that could confound behavioral measurements in alternative configurations.
Movement tracking relies on the contrast between the animal and the arena floor, with optional grid markings facilitating manual scoring or automated video analysis. Clear walls allow researchers to observe natural anxiety responses, as animals can see beyond the immediate testing environment. Opaque walls eliminate external visual cues, focusing attention on objects placed within the arena for recognition studies. The matte finish reduces reflective glare that could interfere with video tracking systems or alter animal behavior.
Features & Benefits
wall_types
- opaque or clear
wall_feature
- easily detachable for easy cleaning
floor_inserts
- grid floor inserts available for video tracking
arena_shape
- square
alternative_sizes
- 27 x 27 cm and 50 x 50 cm sizes mentioned
wall_finishes
- opaque colors and matte finish available
floor_options
- with or without gridlines
center_marking
- square area in center may be outlined
recommended_wall_type_anxiety
- clear walls for anxiety measurements
recommended_wall_type_object_recognition
- opaque walls for novel object recognition
Size
- Rat
- XS
- Mouse (Set of 4)
- Rat (Set of 4)
- XS (Set of 4)
- Mouse
Behavioral Construct
- anxiety
- exploratory behavior
- locomotor activity
- thigmotaxis
- novelty response
Automation Level
- manual
Species
- Mouse
- Rat
Research Domain
- Aging Research
- Anxiety and Depression
- Behavioral Pharmacology
- Learning and Memory
- Motor Function
- Neuroscience
Weight
- 109.0 kg
Dimensions
- L: 88.9 mm
- W: 88.9 mm
- H: 40.0 mm
Comparison Guide
| Feature | This Product | Typical Alternative | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arena Dimensions | Species-optimized sizes: 40x40 cm (mouse), 60x60 cm (rat), 25x25 cm (XS) | Many alternatives offer fixed dimensions regardless of species | Proper sizing ensures natural exploration behaviors and appropriate center-periphery zone ratios for each species. |
| Wall Configuration | Interchangeable clear and opaque walls with detachable design | Fixed wall types require separate apparatus for different protocols | Single apparatus supports both anxiety assessment and novel object recognition studies. |
| Cleaning System | Removable base with 70% ethanol compatibility and odor-resistant materials | Integrated bases often require more complex cleaning procedures | Rapid turnaround between subjects minimizes olfactory contamination and experimental delays. |
| Multi-Chamber Option | XS model converts between single arena and four-chamber configuration | Separate apparatus required for individual versus group paradigms | Flexible testing configurations maximize experimental throughput and protocol versatility. |
| Surface Finish | Matte finish acrylic construction eliminates reflective glare | Standard acrylic often creates visual artifacts during recording | Improved video analysis quality and reduced visual stimuli that could confound behavioral responses. |
This Open Field Test apparatus offers species-specific sizing, interchangeable wall configurations, and modular design features that support multiple behavioral paradigms within a single system. The emphasis on cleaning efficiency and video-compatible surfaces addresses common practical challenges in high-throughput behavioral testing.
Practical Tips
Maintain consistent ambient lighting conditions across all testing sessions to avoid confounding variables in exploratory behavior.
Why: Light level changes can significantly alter anxiety responses and locomotor activity patterns.
Inspect wall attachment points regularly and ensure secure connections before each testing session.
Why: Loose walls can create noise or movement that disrupts natural exploration behaviors.
Allow animals to acclimate to the testing room for at least 30 minutes before behavioral assessment.
Why: Transportation stress and novel environment exposure can temporarily alter baseline locomotor activity.
Verify video tracking software calibration using known distance measurements on the grid floor insert.
Why: Accurate spatial calibration ensures reliable quantification of distance traveled and velocity measurements.
If animals show excessive corner-seeking behavior, check for external visual or auditory stimuli that may be increasing anxiety responses.
Why: Environmental distractors can override natural exploration patterns and confound behavioral measurements.
Ensure all acrylic edges are smooth and free from cracks that could injure animals during active exploration.
Why: Physical safety maintains animal welfare standards and prevents injury-related behavioral artifacts.
Randomize testing order and balance treatment groups across different times of day to control for circadian rhythm effects.
Why: Locomotor activity naturally varies with circadian phase, potentially confounding treatment comparisons.
Setup Guide
What’s in the Box
- Open field arena with acrylic walls (size specific)
- Removable base platform
- Wall attachment hardware
- Grid floor insert (if specified)
- Separator dividers (XS model only)
- Cleaning protocol instructions (typical)
- User manual with setup guidelines (typical)
Warranty
ConductScience provides a standard one-year manufacturer warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship, with technical support for setup and protocol optimization.
Compliance
References
Background reading relevant to this product:
What is the Open Field Test?
The Open Field Test is a behavioral assay that measures locomotor activity, exploration, and anxiety-like behavior in rodents. Animals are placed in a square or circular arena and their movement is tracked over a set period.
How does the Open Field Test work?
A rodent is placed in an open arena and its movement is recorded via video tracking. Metrics include total distance traveled, time in center versus periphery, rearing frequency, and velocity - providing a comprehensive locomotor and anxiety profile.
What research applications use the Open Field Test?
The Open Field Test is used in psychopharmacology for drug screening, assessment of motor function in neurological disease models, and baseline activity profiling. It is essential in ADHD, Parkinson's, and general behavioral phenotyping studies.
Have a question about this product?
Upgrade Options
