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Rodent Metabolic Treadmill
SKU 5308
$5,990.00
IncludesStandard care
Motorized treadmill system with integrated metabolic monitoring for precise assessment of exercise capacity and physiological responses in laboratory rodents.
Scientist guidance
Louise Corscadden, PhD
Director of Science · ConductScience
Ask Louise about Rodent Metabolic Treadmill fit, setup, configuration, or quote prep.
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Key Specifications
Full details →- Model fit
- Mouse, Rat
- SKU family
- 5308/9
- Sizing
- Mouse: Chamber dimensions: 5 × 24.5 × 6.5 cm (W × L × H); Rat: Chamber dimensions: 9 × 47.5 × 12 cm (W × L × H)
- Ordering
- Online checkout and quote request available
- Category
- Behavioral Mazes
- Build notes
- Acrylic, Aluminum
Maze Engineers Rodent Metabolic Treadmill
Advanced treadmill system designed for real-time metabolic monitoring and exercise testing in rodents. Features independent lane control with adjustable speed, slope, and electrical stimulation for comprehensive behavioral and physiological studies.
System Integration
Compatible Measurement: Up to 4 metabolic treadmills can be monitored simultaneously using the Metabolic Measurement System
Data Acquisition: Real-time metabolic parameters including O₂ consumption, CO₂ production, energy expenditure, and respiratory quotient
Mouse Treadmill Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Chamber Dimensions (W×L×H) | 5 × 24.5 × 6.5 cm |
| Speed Range | 1–100 m/min |
| Speed Step | 1 m/min increments |
| Acceleration Control | Adjustable in 0.1 m/min increments |
| Slope | ±35° (incline/decline) |
| Electrical Stimulus | Adjustable 0.05–4 mA |
| Lane Control | Independent per lane |
| Frame Material | Aluminum construction |
| Control Interface | Capacitive touchscreen with real-time display |
Rat Treadmill Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Chamber Dimensions (W×L×H) | 9 × 47.5 × 12 cm |
| Speed Range | 1–100 m/min |
| Speed Step | 1 m/min increments |
| Acceleration Control | Adjustable in 0.1 m/min increments |
| Slope | ±35° (incline/decline) |
| Electrical Stimulus | Adjustable 0.05–4 mA |
| Lane Control | Independent per lane |
| Frame Material | Aluminum construction |
| Control Interface | Capacitive touchscreen with real-time display |
Applications
- Exercise physiology and metabolic studies
- Behavioral testing under exercise conditions
- Drug efficacy and toxicity assessment
- Energy expenditure monitoring
- Cardiovascular fitness assessment
- Integrated metabolic profiling (with Metabolic Measurement System)
How It Works
The Rodent Metabolic Treadmill operates on the principle of forced exercise combined with indirect calorimetry to measure metabolic parameters during controlled locomotion. The motorized belt system provides precise speed control from 0-80 meters per minute with 0.1 meter/minute increments, while the adjustable incline mechanism (0-25 degrees) enables graded exercise protocols that progressively increase workload demands.
Metabolic measurements utilize indirect calorimetry principles, where oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production are continuously monitored through the integrated gas analysis system with 1ml accuracy. The sealed metabolic chamber maintains controlled environmental conditions with temperature regulation (5-40°C operating range), humidity control (0-95% operating range), and precise air pressure monitoring (0.075% accuracy). Gas exchange measurements enable calculation of respiratory exchange ratio (RER), energy expenditure, and substrate utilization patterns.
The electrical motivation system employs a shock grid with adjustable current (0-4mA in 0.1mA increments) and selectable frequency (1Hz, 2Hz, or 3Hz) to encourage consistent locomotion. The touchscreen GUI provides real-time monitoring and control of all parameters, while the integrated data acquisition system records physiological responses, exercise performance metrics, and environmental conditions for comprehensive analysis of exercise capacity and metabolic function.
Features & Benefits
Variable speed control 0-80 meters per minute with 0.1 m/min increments
Enables precise graded exercise protocols for comprehensive assessment of exercise capacity across a wide performance range
Integrated metabolic monitoring with 1ml accuracy for O2 and CO2
Provides simultaneous measurement of gas exchange parameters for complete metabolic profiling during exercise testing
Adjustable incline 0-25 degrees with ±35° slope capability
Allows progressive workload increases and downhill/uphill exercise protocols to assess different aspects of motor function
Touchscreen GUI control interface
Simplifies protocol setup and real-time monitoring with intuitive user interface for complex experimental parameters
Quiet operation less than 40 dB noise level
Minimizes acoustic stress artifacts that could confound metabolic and behavioral measurements during testing
24v10AH lithium-ion battery with 8+ hour runtime
Enables extended experimental sessions and portable operation without dependence on continuous AC power
Adjustable shock current 0-4mA in 0.1mA increments
Provides precise motivation control with minimal stress while maintaining consistent locomotor behavior across subjects
Comprehensive environmental monitoring (temperature, humidity, pressure)
Ensures standardized test conditions and enables correlation of environmental factors with metabolic performance data
Sizes by model
| Measurement | Mouse | Rat |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Chamber dimensions: 5 × 24.5 × 6.5 cm (W × L × H) | Chamber dimensions: 9 × 47.5 × 12 cm (W × L × H) |
- Independent Lane Control
- Speed: 1-100 meter /minute
- Speed step: 1 meter/ minute
- Acceleration: Adjustable acceleration in 0.1 meter/minute increments
- Slope degree ± 35°
- Adjustable current Stimulus: 0.05 – 4 mA
- Aluminium frame
- Mouse: Chamber dimensions: 5 × 24.5 × 6.5 cm (W × L × H)
- Rat: Chamber dimensions: 9 × 47.5 × 12 cm (W × L × H)
Incline Range
- 0 to 25 degrees
Slope Degree
- ±35°
Shock Current
- 0-4mA adjustable in 0.1mA units
Shock Frequency
- 1Hz, 2Hz, or 3Hz repetition rate
Noise Level
- Less than 40 dB
Pump Flow
- 1-1000 ml per minute, adjustable
Treadmill Speed
- 0-80 meters per minute
Operating Humidity
- 0-95%
Battery Capacity
- 24v10AH lithium-ion
Battery Runtime
- At least 8 hours
Power System
- Single-phase
Lane Configuration
- 1 lane
Belt Type
- Single belt texture
Behavioral Construct
- Motor coordination
- Exercise capacity
- Endurance
- Locomotor activity
Automation Level
- semi-automated
Material
- Acrylic
- Aluminum
Power/Voltage
- 163V
Temperature Range
- 5-40°C operating, -20-60°C storage
Accuracy
- 0.1 meter/minute acceleration increments, 0.1mA shock current units
- 1ml for O₂ and CO₂ consumption, 0.1℃ temperature, ±1% RH humidity, 0.075% air pressure
Species
- Mouse
- Rat
Display Type
- Touchscreen GUI
Research Domain
- Behavioral Pharmacology
- Cardiovascular
- Metabolic Research
- Motor Function
- Neuroscience
Compatible Tracking Software
- ConductVision
Shipping weight
- 50.0 lb
Shipping box
- L: 80.0 cm
- W: 75.0 cm
- H: 45.0 cm
| Feature | This Product | Typical Alternative | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speed Range and Precision | 0-80 meters per minute with 0.1 m/min increments | Entry-level models often provide narrower speed ranges with lower resolution control | Enables precise dose-response exercise protocols and gradual speed adjustments for comprehensive fitness assessment |
| Metabolic Measurement Accuracy | 1ml accuracy for O2 and CO2 measurements with integrated environmental monitoring | Standalone systems may have lower accuracy or require separate environmental monitoring | Provides reliable metabolic calculations with controlled environmental conditions for reproducible results |
| Incline Capability | 0-25 degrees adjustable with ±35° slope range | Fixed-angle or limited incline adjustment in basic models | Supports diverse exercise protocols including uphill/downhill testing for comprehensive motor assessment |
| User Interface | Touchscreen GUI with real-time parameter control | Computer-dependent systems or basic control panels | Simplifies protocol setup and enables immediate parameter adjustments during experiments |
| Power System | 24v10AH lithium-ion battery with 8+ hour runtime | AC-only operation requiring continuous power connection | Enables flexible experimental scheduling and operation during power outages or in remote testing areas |
| Noise Level | Less than 40 dB operation | Higher noise levels in mechanically driven systems | Minimizes acoustic stress artifacts that could confound behavioral and physiological measurements |
This system provides integrated metabolic monitoring with precise exercise control through touchscreen interface and battery operation. The combination of high-accuracy gas measurements, variable incline capability, and quiet operation offers comprehensive metabolic-exercise assessment capabilities in a single unit.
| Model | Size | SKU | Listed price | Status | Shipping box |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mouse | Chamber dimensions: 5 × 24.5 × 6.5 cm (W × L × H) | 5308 | $5,990.00 | Available | 80.0 x 75.0 x 45.0 cm |
| Rat | Chamber dimensions: 9 × 47.5 × 12 cm (W × L × H) | 5309 | $6,490.00 | Available | 80.0 x 75.0 x 45.0 cm |
Exercise Physiology
Measuring maximal oxygen consumption (VO2 max) and exercise tolerance in rodent models to assess cardiovascular fitness and metabolic capacity during controlled exercise protocols.
Cardiovascular Research
Evaluating cardiac function and exercise capacity in disease models by monitoring oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production during graded exercise testing.
Metabolic Research
Assessing metabolic efficiency and substrate utilization patterns in obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome models through respiratory exchange ratio measurements during exercise.
Neuroscience
Investigating motor function and exercise capacity in neurological disease models by measuring locomotor performance and metabolic responses during forced exercise.
Behavioral Pharmacology
Evaluating drug effects on exercise performance and metabolic parameters by comparing pre- and post-treatment measurements during standardized exercise protocols.
Aging Research
Characterizing age-related decline in exercise capacity and metabolic function by longitudinal assessment of oxygen consumption and performance metrics.
Motor Function Assessment
Quantifying locomotor abilities and endurance capacity in models of muscle disease or motor dysfunction through controlled exercise testing with metabolic monitoring.
Practical Tips
Calibration
Perform gas calibration with certified reference gases at the beginning of each experimental day and verify environmental sensor accuracy weekly.
Why: Maintains the 1ml measurement accuracy required for reliable metabolic calculations and ensures data quality across experimental sessions.
Maintenance
Clean the belt surface and shock grid weekly with appropriate disinfectants, and inspect belt tension monthly for optimal traction.
Why: Prevents contamination between subjects and ensures consistent exercise conditions that could affect locomotor performance.
Best Practices
Allow animals 5-10 minutes of low-speed acclimation before beginning experimental protocols, and monitor stress indicators throughout testing.
Why: Reduces stress artifacts in metabolic measurements and improves data reproducibility by establishing baseline conditions.
Best Practices
Record environmental conditions for each session and maintain consistent room temperature and lighting during testing.
Why: Environmental factors significantly influence metabolic rate and exercise performance, requiring standardization for valid comparisons.
Data Quality
Establish baseline metabolic measurements in empty chambers before each session to verify system stability and environmental equilibrium.
Why: Enables detection of system drift or contamination that could affect measurement accuracy and data interpretation.
Troubleshooting
If animals refuse to exercise, verify shock current settings are appropriate for species and body weight, and check for belt surface contamination.
Why: Inadequate motivation or poor traction conditions can compromise exercise protocols and lead to inconsistent performance data.
Safety
Set shock current to the minimum level necessary for consistent locomotion and monitor animals continuously during testing sessions.
Why: Ensures humane treatment while maintaining experimental validity, and enables immediate intervention if adverse reactions occur.
Maintenance
Monitor battery charge levels and recharge after extended sessions to ensure full 8-hour capacity for subsequent experiments.
Why: Prevents power interruptions during critical experimental phases that could compromise data integrity and experimental outcomes.
Setup Guide
Unpack and Inspect Components
Remove the treadmill system from packaging and verify all components including main unit, metabolic measurement system, power cables, and documentation are present and undamaged.
Position and Level System
Place the treadmill on a stable, vibration-free surface and ensure proper leveling using the adjustable feet to maintain accurate incline measurements.
Connect Power and Initialize
Connect the single-phase power system (163V) and initialize the touchscreen GUI to verify all electronic systems are functioning properly.
Calibrate Gas Analysis System
Perform gas calibration using certified reference gases to ensure 1ml accuracy for oxygen and carbon dioxide measurements before first use.
Configure Species Parameters
Select appropriate lane configuration (mouse: 44 x 6 x 12.7 cm or rat: 44 x 12 x 12.7 cm) and set corresponding shock grid dimensions for target species.
Test Belt Operation
Run belt speed calibration sequence across the full range (0-80 meters per minute) and verify smooth operation at all speeds and incline positions.
Verify Environmental Controls
Test temperature, humidity, and air pressure monitoring systems to confirm accuracy specifications before conducting experimental protocols.
Establish Baseline Measurements
Record baseline metabolic chamber readings without animals present to establish system stability and environmental baselines for data analysis.
What’s in the Box
- Rodent metabolic treadmill main unit
- Metabolic measurement system
- Touchscreen control interface
- Power cables and adapters (typical)
- Gas sampling lines and connections (typical)
- Shock grid assemblies for mouse and rat (typical)
- Calibration gas fittings (typical)
- User manual and setup documentation (typical)
- Software installation media (typical)
Warranty
ConductScience provides a standard one-year manufacturer warranty covering parts and technical support for the Rodent Metabolic Treadmill system. Extended warranty options and on-site service agreements are available for high-throughput research facilities.
Compliance
AAALAC International GuidelinesCommonly used in facilities subject to laboratory animal care standards for humane exercise testing protocols and environmental monitoring.
IACUC Protocol RequirementsSupports research protocols requiring standardized exercise testing with precise control parameters and minimal stress induction methods.
Good Laboratory Practice (GLP)Used in regulated research environments requiring documented calibration procedures and traceable measurement accuracy for metabolic assessments.
Q
What is the accuracy and precision of the metabolic measurements during exercise testing?
A
The system provides 1ml accuracy for both oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production measurements, with environmental monitoring accuracy of 0.1°C for temperature, ±1% RH for humidity, and 0.075% for air pressure to ensure reliable metabolic calculations.
Q
How does the electrical motivation system work and what current ranges are safe for different species?
A
The shock grid delivers adjustable current from 0-4mA in 0.1mA increments with selectable frequencies of 1Hz, 2Hz, or 3Hz. Current levels should be set according to species size and institutional IACUC protocols for humane motivation during exercise testing.
Q
Can the system accommodate different experimental protocols and what is the maximum test duration?
A
The treadmill supports variable speed (0-80 m/min) and incline (0-25°) protocols with 24v10AH battery providing at least 8 hours of operation for extended metabolic testing sessions without AC power dependency.
Q
What data outputs are available and how is metabolic data calculated?
A
The system records oxygen consumption, carbon dioxide production, environmental parameters, and exercise performance metrics. Consult product datasheet for specific data formats and metabolic calculation algorithms used by the analysis software.
Q
How does this system compare to open-circuit metabolic measurement systems?
A
This integrated system combines forced exercise with metabolic monitoring in a single unit, whereas separate treadmill and metabolic systems may introduce measurement delays and require complex synchronization for accurate exercise-metabolic correlations.
Q
What calibration procedures are required and how often should they be performed?
A
Gas analysis calibration using certified reference gases is required before use, with frequency depending on usage intensity and required measurement accuracy. Environmental sensors should be calibrated according to manufacturer specifications.
Q
What are the noise levels and vibration characteristics during operation?
A
The system operates at less than 40 dB noise level to minimize acoustic stress, with precision construction designed to reduce vibration artifacts that could affect metabolic measurements or animal behavior.
Q
Can the system be used for both acute exercise testing and chronic training protocols?
A
Yes, the variable speed and incline controls support both single-session maximal testing and repeated training protocols, with battery operation enabling flexible scheduling independent of AC power availability.
Have a question about this product?
Software included
Every treadmill ships with ConductMetabolism — the software that runs it.
The treadmill is the hardware; ConductMetabolism is the measurement engine. Set a protocol, watch gas exchange in real time, and export publication-ready data — all from one application that drives the belt and the calorimetry together.
ConductMetabolism — Protocol
ProtocolMonitorTreadmillResultsCalibrate
LaneSpeedShock
110→30 m/min0.2 mA
210→30 m/min0.2 mA
3restoff
Ramp · 5 min warm-upStart run ▶
01Protocol
Set lanes, the speed ramp, and shock parameters before the run begins.
ConductMetabolism — Monitorrecording
ProtocolMonitorTreadmillResultsCalibrate
VO₂ ml/minVCO₂ ml/min
0.83
RER
11.4
kcal/h EE
850
ml/min flow
02Live Monitor
Watch VO₂, VCO₂, RER, and energy expenditure update interval by interval.
ConductMetabolism — Results
ProtocolMonitorTreadmillResultsCalibrate
SeqVO₂VCO₂RER
11820.9520.710.83
11920.9520.700.83
12020.9520.690.84
Session · 240 intervalsExport CSV ▾
03Results
Review per-interval tables and export the full session to CSV or Excel.
What it measures
- Included software
- ConductMetabolism
- Lanes
- Up to 8 in software · 1–5 hardware
- Interval
- Configurable (e.g. 30 s)
- Export
- CSV · Excel
- Calibration
- Gas + flow, in-app
Explore ConductMetabolism →Included with this system — not sold separately.
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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Rodent Metabolic Treadmill
$5,990.00
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