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Tilt Ladder
SKU ME-5015
$1,890.00
IncludesStandard care
Motor function assessment apparatus with adjustable inclination (0-90°) and removable rungs for evaluating balance, coordination, and locomotor ability in rodents.
CE MarkedBAA available
Scientist guidance
Louise Corscadden, PhD
Director of Science · ConductScience
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Key Specifications
Full details →- Model fit
- Mouse, Rat
- SKU family
- ME-5014-5015
- Sizing
- Mouse: In length 60 cm · Rungs bar length 10 cm; Rat: In length 65 cm · Rungs bar length 15 cm
- Ordering
- Online checkout and quote request available
- Category
- Behavioral Mazes
- Build notes
- transparent acrylic
The Tilt Ladder is a specialized motor function assessment apparatus designed for evaluating balance, coordination, and locomotor ability in rodents. Constructed from transparent acrylic, this apparatus features a ladder with removable rungs that can be positioned at various inclination angles from 0 to 90 degrees using a pivot mounting system. The ladder incorporates 45 removable rungs (rat configuration) spaced 1 cm apart, with a food and water dispenser fitted at the elevated end to provide motivation for animals to traverse the inclined surface.
This apparatus enables researchers to assess motor deficits, cerebellar function, and balance performance by challenging animals with varying degrees of inclination and rung patterns. The transparent construction allows for comprehensive observation and video recording of gait patterns, limb placement, and compensatory movements during locomotion. The modular rung system permits customization of difficulty levels and testing protocols to suit specific experimental requirements.
How It Works
The Tilt Ladder operates on the principle of gravitational challenge to motor control systems. As inclination angle increases, animals must generate greater postural control and limb coordination to maintain balance while traversing the ladder. The pivot mounting system allows precise angle adjustment, creating controlled biomechanical demands that reveal motor deficits not apparent during horizontal locomotion.
The removable rung system enables manipulation of surface complexity and grip requirements. Rung spacing and patterns can be modified to challenge proprioceptive feedback, limb placement accuracy, and adaptive motor responses. The transparent construction permits detailed kinematic analysis of gait parameters, including step length, limb clearance, and compensatory movements.
Food and water dispensers at the elevated end provide natural motivation for task completion, eliminating the need for aversive stimuli while maintaining consistent behavioral drive across test sessions.
Features & Benefits
Adjustable inclination 0-90 degrees
Enables precise control of task difficulty and systematic assessment of balance limitations across a range of postural challenges.
45 removable rungs with 1 cm spacing
Allows customization of surface complexity and grip requirements to target specific motor deficits or create standardized protocols.
Transparent acrylic construction
Provides unobstructed visualization of limb placement, gait patterns, and compensatory movements for detailed kinematic analysis.
13 cm rung length for rat configuration
Accommodates natural locomotor patterns while preventing animals from bypassing the balance challenge by clinging to sides.
Pivot mounting system
Ensures stable and precise angle adjustment with repeatable positioning for consistent experimental conditions.
Integrated food/water dispenser
Provides natural motivation for task completion without requiring aversive stimuli or external reinforcement schedules.
0.3 cm rung diameter
Creates appropriate grip challenge that reveals motor deficits while remaining suitable for normal animals to traverse.
Modular rung insertion system
Enables creation of irregular spacing patterns or obstacle configurations to assess adaptive motor responses.
Add-ons and modifications
| Add-on | Price | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Social Reward | $500 | This modification changes the water reward with a small chamber that can be filled with a single specimen to ilicit social reward |
Add any of these to your quote request.
Sizes by model
| Measurement | Mouse | Rat |
|---|---|---|
| In length | 60 cm | 65 cm |
| Rungs bar length | 10 cm | 15 cm |
| Width of ladder | 8 cm | 13 cm |
| Bar diameter | 0.3 cm | 0.3 cm |
| Internal height | 5 cm | 6 cm |
- Drilled holes in regularly spaced 1cm intervals allowing for multiple patterns of bar insertion
- Bar location: 1 cm above the base of the wall
- Mouse: 40 ladder to accommodate
- Rat: 45 ladder to accommodate
Number of Rungs
- 45 removable rungs
Rung Length
- 13 cm
Rung Diameter
- 0.3 cm
Rung Spacing
- 1 cm apart
Inclination Range
- 0 to 90 degrees
Pivot Mounting
- One end mounted on pivot point
Food Water Dispenser
- Fitted at elevated end
Behavioral Construct
- Motor coordination
- Balance
- Locomotor activity
- Postural control
- Gait analysis
- Proprioception
- Cerebellar function
Automation Level
- manual
Material
- transparent acrylic
Dimensions
- 65 cm x 6 cm (internal)
Research Domain
- Aging Research
- Behavioral Pharmacology
- Learning and Memory
- Motor Function
- Neurodegeneration
- Neuroscience
- Toxicology
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inclination Range | 0-90 degrees with pivot mounting | Fixed angles or limited adjustment range | Enables systematic difficulty progression and comprehensive balance assessment across full postural challenge spectrum. |
| Rung Configuration | 45 removable rungs with modular spacing | Fixed rung patterns or fewer customization options | Allows protocol customization for different deficit types and standardized cross-study comparisons. |
| Observation Access | Transparent acrylic construction | Opaque materials limiting visualization | Enables detailed kinematic analysis and gait pattern assessment without obstruction. |
| Motivation System | Integrated food/water dispenser | External motivation or escape-based protocols | Provides natural task motivation without stress-inducing stimuli that could confound motor performance. |
| Species Accommodation | Dedicated mouse and rat configurations | Single size fits multiple species | Ensures appropriate scaling for natural locomotor patterns and grip requirements across species. |
This apparatus combines adjustable gravitational challenge with modular surface complexity and transparent construction, enabling comprehensive motor assessment with detailed kinematic analysis. The integrated motivation system and species-specific configurations support standardized protocols while maintaining experimental flexibility.
| Model | Size | SKU | Listed price | Status | Shipping box |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mouse | In length 60 cm · Rungs bar length 10 cm · Width of ladder 8 cm · Bar diameter 0.3 cm | ME-5014 | $1,790.00 | Available | 43.2 x 38.0 x 27.9 cm |
| Rat | In length 65 cm · Rungs bar length 15 cm · Width of ladder 13 cm · Bar diameter 0.3 cm | ME-5015 | $1,890.00 | Available | 43.2 x 38.0 x 27.9 cm |
Neuroscience
Assessing motor deficits following brain lesions or traumatic injury by measuring changes in gait patterns and balance during inclined locomotion.
Behavioral Pharmacology
Evaluating drug effects on motor coordination and balance by comparing pre- and post-treatment performance on inclined surfaces.
Neurodegeneration
Monitoring progressive motor decline in disease models by tracking changes in locomotor ability across different inclination angles over time.
Motor Function
Quantifying cerebellar ataxia and postural control deficits through standardized balance challenges with variable surface inclinations.
Aging Research
Documenting age-related changes in motor performance by comparing young and aged animals' ability to navigate inclined surfaces.
Toxicology
Detecting neurotoxic effects on motor function by assessing coordination and balance performance following chemical exposure.
Practical Tips
Calibration
Verify inclination angles using a digital protractor before each experimental session.
Why: Small angle variations can significantly impact task difficulty and data interpretation.
Maintenance
Clean acrylic surfaces with mild soap solution and inspect rungs for wear or damage weekly.
Why: Surface contamination or damaged rungs can alter grip properties and affect locomotor performance.
Best Practices
Maintain consistent room temperature and lighting conditions across all testing sessions.
Why: Environmental changes can influence animal motivation and motor performance independently of experimental variables.
Data Quality
Record multiple trials per angle and use median performance measures rather than single trials.
Why: Motor performance shows natural variability, and multiple trials provide more reliable deficit detection.
Troubleshooting
If animals repeatedly fall at specific angles, reduce inclination by 10-15 degrees and gradually increase.
Why: Sudden task difficulty increases can cause learned helplessness and reduce experimental validity.
Safety
Position soft padding below the apparatus to prevent injury from falls during high-angle testing.
Why: Animal welfare requires protection from injury while maintaining experimental protocol integrity.
Best Practices
Allow 2-3 minutes between trials for rest and motivation recovery.
Why: Fatigue can confound motor performance measures and mask true deficit patterns.
Setup Guide
Unpack and Inspect
Remove apparatus from packaging and inspect acrylic surfaces for cracks or damage. Verify all 45 rungs are included and undamaged.
Assemble Ladder Structure
Insert rungs through drilled holes at desired spacing pattern. Standard configuration uses 1 cm intervals with all rungs in place.
Mount Pivot System
Secure one end of the ladder to the pivot mounting point, ensuring smooth rotation through the full 0-90 degree range.
Install Food/Water Dispenser
Attach dispenser unit to the elevated end of the ladder and fill with appropriate motivation (food pellets or water).
Set Initial Angle
Position ladder at desired starting inclination using angle measurement guide. Begin with shallow angles (10-20°) for initial training.
Position Recording Equipment
Set up video cameras or other recording devices to capture side and underneath views of animal movement through transparent walls.
Conduct Training Session
Allow animals to habituate to the apparatus at horizontal position before introducing inclination challenges.
What’s in the Box
- Tilt Ladder main structure with pivot mounting system
- 45 removable acrylic rungs (0.3 cm diameter)
- Food and water dispenser assembly
- User manual with setup and protocol guidelines (typical)
- Angle measurement guide (typical)
Warranty
ConductScience provides a standard one-year manufacturer warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship, with technical support available for setup and protocol optimization.
Compliance
ARRIVE GuidelinesCommonly referenced in behavioral studies using this apparatus for standardized reporting of experimental methodology and animal welfare considerations.
NIH Guide for Laboratory Animal CareSupports experimental protocols conducted in facilities following federal guidelines for research animal housing and handling.
Protocol and background
Introduction
The Tilt Ladder was first described by Monos and colleagues in their 1989 paper that investigated the long-term tilt effect on the rat saphenous vein. The initial use of the apparatus was intended for studying the effects of static load leading to chronic adaptation of the vascular system. The design of the apparatus makes accessing the animals easy. This greatly assists in processes wherein catheters need to be accessed for processes such as pressure measurements.
The simple apparatus can also be used for the analysis of the motor function of an animal by subjecting it to different plane inclinations. The Tilt Ladder confines the subject within a tube-like runway that restricts it from turning around once it is placed in it. This forces the animal to traverse the ladder facing only one direction. Further, the inclinations add to the effect of gravity acting on the subject. Since the apparatus places the subject under a certain degree of restraint, allowing the animal rest periods becomes crucial for its well-being.
Other apparatuses used in the assessment of motor function and grip include the Horizontal Ladder, the Stairway Test, the Balance Beam, and the Rotarod.
Apparatus & Equipment
The Tilt Ladder is constructed using clear acrylic. The apparatus is tube-like and has a length of 65 cm with an internal height of the 6 cm. The ladder has 45 removable rungs having a length of 13 cm and a diameter of 0.3 cm. The holes for the rung placement are positioned at 1 cm intervals to allow multiple patterns of bar positioning. One end of the ladder is connected to a pivot point that allows changing the inclination between 0 to 90 degrees. The other end is equipped with a food and water dispenser.
Training Protocol
Clean the Tilt Ladder before and after the experiment to prevent any lingering stimuli from affecting the subject’s performances. Place the apparatus on a flat surface and ensure that it is appropriately lit. For tracking and recording of the experiment, a tracking system such as the Noldus Ethovision XT can be used.
Incline and lock the Tilt Ladder into position. Place the subject into the apparatus at the pivoted end in a head-up position facing the raised end. Secure the entryway to prevent the subject from escaping the apparatus. Provide the subject with enough food and water at the raised end. Subjects can be placed in the device for the duration required for the investigation. However, it is recommended that the subjects are given rest for at least 1 hour per trial or day by placing them in a large, normal cage for free movement and grooming. This is important to ensure the continued well-being of the subject.
Investigation of vein wall response to chronic pressure
Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to an increase in hindlimb venous pressure using the chronic tilt method. The Tilt Ladder was positioned at an angle of 45 degrees. The subjects were individually placed in the set-up for a period of 2 weeks with ad libitum access to food and water at the raised end. A control group of the Sprague-Dawley rats were also placed in the same set-up without any inclination and served as the restricted controls. Another group of free-moving Sprague-Dawley rats maintained in standard cages without any inclinations served as the non-restricted controls for the experiment. Post 2-weeks treatment, subjects underwent removal of segments of saphenous vein and cannulation to evaluate the changes in the mechanical properties. It was observed that in tilted rats the internal pressure rose to 20 mmHg (from 0 mmHg) in the saphenous vein resulting in an increased mean external diameter of 772 ± 34 µm (from 567 ± 24 µm). However, the chronic tilt treatment did not affect the vessel wall thickness at zero pressure and its inverse response to increasing intraluminal pressure. Further, at 20 mmHg, a steep increase in the mean tangential wall stress was observed both in tilted rats and restricted rats. (Monos, Contney, Cowley Jr., & Stekiel, 1989)
Data Analysis
The following observations are made using the Tilt Ladder,
- Position of the subject in the tube
- Head-trunk distance
- Rotation around the longitudinal axis
Strengths & Limitations
Strength
The Tilt Ladder eliminates the need for surgical manipulations to induce static load. The apparatus is relatively non-aversive in nature in comparison to other ladder-styled apparatus and methods of load induction. It can also be used for the assessment of motor and locomotion functions of the animals. The design of the apparatus allows easy access to the animals. This makes accessing the indwelling catheters easy for processes such as attaching venous and arterial catheters to transducers for pressure measurements. The apparatus allows the flexibility of changing the plane inclination from 0 to 90 degrees. The Tilt Ladder also comes with provision for food and water dispenser; this ensures that the subjects emotionality and health are not affected during long periods in the apparatus.
Limitations
The Tilt Ladder restraints the movement of the subject to a certain degree. This can potentially affect the subject’s stress levels. Therefore, it is important to allow rest periods during and between each trial to ensure the subject’s continued well-being. The subject’s performance may be dependent on its weight. Thus, it may be necessary to have a large cohort of similar weights to obtain reliable results. Factors such as age and sex can also affect performance. The subject’s own emotional and mental status can also influence the results.
Summary & Key Points
- The Tilt Ladder was developed by Monos and colleagues in 1989.
- The Tilt Ladder allows induction of static load without the need of any surgical manipulations.
- The apparatus is designed to allow access to the animals such that indwelling catheters can be easily accessed.
- The device can also be used in the assessment of motor and locomotory capabilities.
- The Tilt Ladder allows inclination of the planes between 0 to 90 degrees.
- The ladder rungs can be moved about to create different patterns and levels of difficulty.
- The Tilt Ladder does not rely on food/water deprivation and has provisions for food/water. This ensures that the animal is not subjected to undue stress during the trials.
- It is important to allow the subjects a rest hour for every trial to ensure their well-being.
References
Monos, E., Contney, S. J., Cowley, A. W. Jr., & Stekiel, W. J. (1989). Effect of long-term tilt on mechanical and electrical properties of rat saphenous vein. American Journal of Physiology-Heart and Circulatory Physiology, 256(4), H1185–H1191. doi:10.1152/ajpheart.1989.256.4.h1185
From the Maze Engineers documentation for this apparatus.
Q
What inclination angles are most appropriate for detecting subtle motor deficits?
A
Angles between 30-60 degrees typically reveal motor deficits not apparent at horizontal positions, while maintaining task feasibility for impaired animals. Steeper angles (70-90°) are reserved for severe deficit assessment.
Q
How should rung patterns be modified for different experimental objectives?
A
Remove every other rung to increase step length requirements, create irregular spacing to challenge adaptive responses, or use standard 1 cm spacing for baseline coordination assessment.
Q
What parameters should be measured during locomotion trials?
A
Key measures include traversal time, number of limb slips, gait irregularities, compensatory movements, and success rate across multiple trials at each inclination angle.
Q
How long should animals be trained before experimental testing?
A
Most animals require 3-5 training sessions at horizontal and shallow inclines to establish baseline performance before introducing experimental manipulations or steeper angles.
Q
Can the apparatus be used for longitudinal studies tracking motor decline?
A
Yes, the standardized design enables repeated testing over weeks or months to document progressive changes in motor function, particularly useful in aging or disease progression studies.
Q
What video recording setup provides optimal kinematic data?
A
Position cameras for lateral and ventral views through the transparent walls, with high-speed recording (120+ fps) for detailed gait analysis and limb placement assessment.
Q
How does this compare to other motor function tests like rotarod?
A
The Tilt Ladder assesses voluntary locomotion and balance under gravitational challenge, while rotarod measures forced motor coordination, providing complementary but distinct motor function profiles.
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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Tilt Ladder
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