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Rodent Tremor Monitor
SKU ME-RTM-35106
$6,900.00
IncludesStandard care
Automated tremor detection system for quantitative analysis of involuntary movements in rodents using an ultra-sensitive movement sensor with 1-128 Hz frequency range.
Scientist guidance
Louise Corscadden, PhD
Director of Science · ConductScience
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Key Specifications
Full details →- Model fit
- Mouse, Rat
- SKU family
- ME-RTM-35105/ 35106
- Shipping box
- 43.2 x 38.0 x 27.9 cm
- Ordering
- Online checkout and quote request available
- Category
- Behavioral Mazes
- Build notes
- Acrylic, Multi-layer sound-proof insulation material
The Rodent Tremor Monitor provides automated detection and quantitative analysis of involuntary movements in mice and rats using an ultra-sensitive movement sensor from Measurement Computing. The system measures tremor frequency up to 128 Hz with adjustable data collection intervals, enabling researchers to characterize motor dysfunction patterns in neurological disease models and evaluate therapeutic interventions.
Each station consists of a sound-attenuating isolation cubicle with programmatically controlled visible LED and IR lighting, automated air circulation, and a camera holder for video recording. A species-appropriate acrylic enclosure is positioned on a tremor sensor platform inside the chamber. The wireless communication system supports up to 8 monitoring stations controlled by up to 16 chamber control boxes, allowing simultaneous assessment of multiple subjects with recording durations up to 60 minutes per session.
How It Works
The system employs ultra-sensitive piezoelectric disk sensors positioned beneath each rodent enclosure to detect minute mechanical vibrations transmitted through the cage structure. When an animal exhibits tremulous movements, the resulting mechanical energy is converted to electrical signals by the piezoelectric transducer, which generates voltage proportional to the applied mechanical stress.
Signal processing algorithms analyze the frequency spectrum of detected vibrations within the 1-128 Hz range, distinguishing involuntary tremor from voluntary locomotor activity. The system applies digital filtering to isolate tremor-specific frequency bands while rejecting environmental noise and gross motor movements that fall outside the characteristic tremor range.
Data acquisition occurs at user-defined intervals with a standard 10-minute habituation period to minimize stress-related artifacts. The wireless communication protocol enables real-time data transmission from chamber control boxes to the main controller, allowing continuous monitoring across multiple stations without signal interference.
Features & Benefits
Ultra-sensitive piezoelectric sensors
Detect minute tremor movements with high signal-to-noise ratio while rejecting environmental vibrations
1-128 Hz frequency range
Captures the full spectrum of pathological tremors including parkinsonian (4-6 Hz) and essential tremor (8-12 Hz) frequencies
Wireless communication system
Enables flexible laboratory layouts without cable constraints while supporting up to 8 simultaneous monitoring stations
Sound-attenuating chambers
Minimize acoustic stress and environmental interference that could confound tremor measurements
Adjustable data intervals
Customize sampling frequency from 1-2 minute intervals to match experimental protocols and analysis requirements
Species-specific enclosures
Optimized cage dimensions for mice (17x17x25cm) and rats (26x26x30cm) ensure natural posture during recordings
60-minute recording duration
Capture extended observation periods for circadian studies or prolonged pharmacological assessments
Automated environmental controls
Integrated LED lighting, IR illumination, and air circulation maintain consistent conditions across sessions
Mouse Cage Dimensions
- 17 x 17 x 25cm (width x depth x height)
Rat Cage Dimensions
- 26 x 26 x 30cm (width x depth x height)
Frequency Range
- Up to 128 Hz
Recording Duration
- Up to 60 minutes
Stations Supported
- Up to 8 stations
Control Boxes Supported
- Up to 16 chamber control boxes
Sensor Type
- Ultra-sensitive movement sensor (Measurement Computing)
Connectivity
- USB (RS-232) cable
Wireless Communication
- Between main control box and chamber control boxes
Data Intervals
- Adjustable intervals (1-minute or 2-minutes)
Habituation Period
- 10 minutes
Cage Door Type
- Front circular door - opens in the middle
Removable Tray
- Feces and urine tray
Behavioral Construct
- Motor Control
- Movement Disorders
- Involuntary Movements
Automation Level
- fully-automated
Lighting
- Programmatically controlled visible LED and IR illumination
Camera Holder
- Included
Air Circulation
- Automated
Material
- Acrylic
- Multi-layer sound-proof insulation material
Dimensions
- 50cm x 40cm x 50cm
Research Domain
- Aging Research
- Behavioral Pharmacology
- Motor Function
- Neurodegeneration
- Neuroscience
- Toxicology
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frequency Range | 1-128 Hz detection capability | Many systems limited to narrower frequency bands | Captures the full spectrum of pathological tremors from parkinsonian to high-frequency motor oscillations |
| Multi-Station Capacity | Up to 8 monitoring stations with 16 control boxes | Single or limited multi-chamber configurations | Enables simultaneous assessment of multiple subjects for higher experimental throughput |
| Wireless Communication | Wireless links between chambers and main controller | Wired connections requiring fixed layouts | Provides flexible laboratory arrangements without cable management constraints |
| Recording Duration | Up to 60 minutes per session | Shorter recording periods in many systems | Supports extended observation periods for circadian studies and prolonged pharmacological assessments |
| Environmental Control | Sound-attenuating chambers with automated lighting and air circulation | Basic enclosures with limited environmental control | Minimizes confounding variables from acoustic stress and environmental fluctuations |
| Species Accommodation | Dedicated mouse (17x17x25cm) and rat (26x26x30cm) enclosures | Single cage size or manual size adjustments | Optimizes subject comfort and natural posture for more reliable tremor detection |
This system combines broad frequency coverage (1-128 Hz) with multi-station wireless capability and environmental control features. The automated data collection with species-specific enclosures supports standardized tremor assessment protocols.
| Model | SKU | Listed price | Status | Shipping box |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rat | ME-RTM-35106 | $6,900.00 | Available | 43.2 x 38.0 x 27.9 cm |
| Mouse | ME-RTM-35105 | $5,900.00 | Available | 43.2 x 38.0 x 27.9 cm |
Neurodegeneration
Characterizing tremor phenotypes in mouse models of Parkinson's disease and essential tremor to evaluate disease progression and therapeutic efficacy.
Behavioral Pharmacology
Assessing drug-induced motor side effects and determining dose-response relationships for compounds affecting the extrapyramidal motor system.
Motor Function
Quantifying tremor amplitude and frequency changes following experimental lesions or genetic manipulations affecting basal ganglia circuits.
Toxicology
Detecting neurotoxicity-induced motor dysfunction in preclinical safety studies by monitoring involuntary movement patterns.
Aging Research
Documenting age-related changes in motor control and tremor characteristics in longitudinal studies of neuromotor decline.
Practical Tips
Calibration
Perform baseline recordings with empty enclosures before each experimental series to establish current noise floor levels.
Why: Environmental vibrations and sensor drift can affect measurement sensitivity over time.
Best Practices
Allow the full 10-minute habituation period before data collection to minimize stress-related movement artifacts.
Why: Novel environment stress can produce movement patterns that confound tremor measurements.
Maintenance
Clean piezoelectric sensors with dry compressed air rather than solvents to avoid damage to sensor elements.
Why: Chemical exposure can degrade piezoelectric materials and alter sensitivity characteristics.
Data Quality
Monitor wireless signal strength indicators during multi-station recordings to identify potential communication issues.
Why: Signal dropouts can create data gaps that compromise tremor frequency analysis.
Troubleshooting
If tremor detection appears reduced, check that cage placement is centered on the sensor platform without mechanical dampening.
Why: Off-center positioning or contact with chamber walls can attenuate vibration transmission to sensors.
Best Practices
Record ambient vibration levels in your laboratory environment before installation to assess potential interference sources.
Why: HVAC systems, foot traffic, and equipment can introduce background vibrations that affect measurement precision.
Safety
Ensure adequate ventilation around chamber exteriors to prevent overheating from internal air circulation fans.
Why: Temperature elevation can stress subjects and potentially alter tremor characteristics.
Setup Guide
Unpack and Inspect Components
Remove the sound-attenuating chamber, rodent enclosures, tremor sensors, and control electronics from shipping containers. Verify all components against the packing list and inspect for shipping damage.
Position Sound-Attenuating Chambers
Place chambers on level surfaces with adequate clearance for door opening and cable access. Ensure proper ventilation around chamber exteriors to prevent heat buildup from internal fans.
Install Tremor Sensors
Mount piezoelectric sensors on the chamber floor shelf and connect sensor cables to the chamber control box. Verify sensor stability and absence of mechanical coupling to external vibrations.
Configure Wireless Communication
Establish wireless links between chamber control boxes and the main control unit using the provided pairing procedure. Test communication integrity across all planned monitoring stations.
Install Conduct Software
Install the Conduct software on the control computer and configure station parameters including frequency ranges, sampling intervals, and recording duration settings.
Calibrate System Response
Perform baseline calibration with empty enclosures to establish noise floor levels. Record reference signals to verify sensor sensitivity and frequency response characteristics.
Validate with Test Subjects
Conduct initial recordings with control animals to verify data quality and establish baseline tremor parameters for your specific experimental conditions.
What’s in the Box
- Sound-attenuating chamber (55x42x55cm)
- Species-appropriate acrylic enclosure with lid
- Ultra-sensitive piezoelectric tremor sensor
- Chamber control box with wireless communication
- USB connectivity cable
- Conduct software license
- User manual and setup guide
- Calibration verification documentation (typical)
Warranty
ConductScience provides a standard 1-year manufacturer warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship. Technical support includes software updates, calibration guidance, and troubleshooting assistance for optimal system performance.
Compliance
ARRIVE GuidelinesSystem supports standardized reporting of motor function assessments in animal research through automated data collection and objective tremor quantification.
Good Laboratory Practice (GLP)Automated data recording and digital timestamps support audit trail requirements for preclinical safety studies involving motor function evaluation.
Protocol and background
Apparatus and Equipment
The Rodent Tremor Chamber is composed of a sound attenuating chamber, rodent holder, tremor sensor, and applicable software for data recording, analysis, and export.
Tremor model rodents and control strains are placed in the holder for tremor analysis.
Rodent location can be tracked using a video tracking software package such as Noldus EthoVision, ANY-Maze, or BehaviorCloud.
Training Protocol
- Prepare protocol parameters using the Conduct software package such as experimental time etc.
- Place subjects in the rodent enclosure and allow for habituation for 10 minutes.
- Begin tremor measuring using Conduct software.
- The recorded frequencies of tremor activity and the number of tremor events are recorded to be exported to PC for data analysis.
Data Analysis
The following parameters can be measured using te rodent temor chamber:
- Number of tremors in a given time
- Type of tremor
- The severity of the tremor
- Response of the tremor to treatment.
Summary
The Rodent Tremor Chamber allows for ultra-sensitive measurements of tremor in rat and mouse models.
- The apparatus is composed of a sound-attenuating chamber, rodent enclosure, tremor sensor, control box, and Conduct software.
- Continuous movement waveforms can be recorded at 1-128 Hz in real-time for up to 60 minutes.
References
Gardner, D. R., Welch, K. D., Lee, S. T., Cook, D., & Riet-Correa, F. (2018). Tremorgenic Indole Diterpenes from Ipomoea asarifolia and Ipomoea muelleri and the Identification of 6,7-Dehydro-11-hydroxy-12,13-epoxyterpendole A. Journal of Natural Products, 81(7), 1682–1686. doi:10.1021/acs.jnatprod.8b00257
Paterson, N. E., Malekiani, S. A., Foreman, M. M., Olivier, B., & Hanania, T. (2009). Pharmacological characterization of harmaline-induced tremor activity in mice. European Journal of Pharmacology, 616(1-3), 73–80. doi:10.1016/j.ejphar.2009.05.031
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From the Maze Engineers documentation for this apparatus.
Q
What tremor frequencies can this system reliably detect?
A
The system operates from 1-128 Hz, covering pathological tremor ranges including parkinsonian tremor (4-6 Hz), essential tremor (8-12 Hz), and higher frequency motor oscillations up to 128 Hz.
Q
How does the system distinguish tremor from normal locomotor activity?
A
Digital signal processing algorithms filter the frequency spectrum to isolate tremor-specific bands while rejecting voluntary movements that typically fall outside the 1-128 Hz tremor range.
Q
Can multiple animals be monitored simultaneously?
A
Yes, the wireless system supports up to 8 monitoring stations controlled by up to 16 chamber control boxes, enabling simultaneous multi-subject recordings.
Q
What is the maximum recording duration per session?
A
Recording sessions can extend up to 60 minutes following a standard 10-minute habituation period to minimize stress artifacts.
Q
How sensitive are the piezoelectric sensors to environmental vibrations?
A
The ultra-sensitive sensors are designed with high signal-to-noise ratios and housed in sound-attenuating chambers to minimize interference from external vibrations.
Q
What data output formats does the Conduct software provide?
A
Consult product datasheet for specific file formats and data export options supported by the Conduct software package.
Q
How often does the system require calibration?
A
Baseline calibration should be performed with empty enclosures before each experimental series to establish current noise floor levels and verify sensor sensitivity.
Have a question about this product?
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 Tremor Monitor
$6,900.00
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